1) Which positions are they actually trying to fill or replace?

2) What is the make up of the current board as it stands, including their titles and responsibilities?

3) I know they want to begin enforcing 3 year terms, but shouldn't that also apply retroactively to the current board, meaning all have served almost 2 years which should technically mean they own have about 1 year left to be a board member?

4) If SCC wants a truly member-elected board, then why is that current board member are being allowed to stay? Shouldn't they also be re-nominated and re-elected like everyone else? Assuming they did a good job, then they should not have a problem get re-elected.

5) Since the current board seems like they want to stay in place without being elected, what makes them qualified to do so? It would be nice to see a personal statement from each board member as well showing what they have done for the club in the length of term they all have served, AND what else they can contribute including what they plan and expect to do for the club going forward.

6) Why is it that SCC struggles to put on track events more regularly? Rumor has it that they've burned some bridges with one particular track, hence not having ran at either of their tracks in over 2 years! Is this true?

7) This current board seems somewhat disorganized. In the years pass, I remember the Calendar of Events were immediately ready and updated the beginning of every year. Was nice when they offered 2-3 events per month!

8) What happened to all the variety of events types SCC used to put on? The GTGs, either the weekend morning meets @ Mimi's or the well known Tuesday nights @ The Stand, are important for any car club, for members to get to know each other (including the board members) and interact in person. Same with Techfest, I've always found those to be very educational and fun. The drives are great, but a little more diversity in the routes and locations would be nice.

9) Seeing that SCC is somewhat inactive, especially in the track event side, how are the chapter finances being used? As a member, I have been curious a few times at how the chapters Income & Expense statements look like. I know over the past 2 years, they have been given $10,000 annually from 2 different Audi dealers, in addition to whatever profits generated from other events. How is the chapter benefiting from that? Also since the chapter is truly a non-profit, I believe all finances should be open to all members for reviewing upon request.

I am just another long time ACNA member concerned about the future of the SoCal chapter. In my opinion, SCC is going downhill. If you notice, you hardly get email newsletters, their website hasn't been updated in a few years, all their events are planned last minute and the calendar seems like it was purposely filled with "tentative" events to make it seem full.

Like Obama said, we need some "CHANGE." I think its time for SCC to revitalize itself and get some new blood in there and see what direction they can take the chapter.

Robert Gedeon, here. My "official" title would be the Vice President of the chapter, but as anyone who knows how these chapters actually run, I'm just another board member who wears too many hats and does all I can.

I'll address each of your points below, and will follow with my own two cents. Please note that I answer this not as a board member, but as an individual, and someone who is leaving the board after a good amount of time on it.


"1) Which positions are they actually trying to fill or replace?"

ALL positions are open. We opened elections so that a completely new board would be in place.

"2) What is the make up of the current board as it stands, including their titles and responsibilities?"

The current board has members including David Kan (Pres), myself (Vice Pres), and Riccardo Falconeri and Phil Cowan (both Reps at Large). Again, the titles make little difference. Practically speaking, we all try to do what we can.

Responsibilities are varied: managing IT needs (web hosting, site updates, forum admin, email newsletters, form generation and processing), event planning, event execution, treasurer duties, interfacing with the National Branch, setting agendas, replying to member inquiries, advising individuals on services, etc. In short, there's plenty to keep people busy.

"3) I know they want to begin enforcing 3 year terms, but shouldn't that also apply retroactively to the current board, meaning all have served almost 2 years which should technically mean they own have about 1 year left to be a board member?"

"Enforcing" is not the best term. This is a volunteer organization, and no one is getting paid. Everyone does what the can. We set up a PROVISIONAL board and drew up some PROVISIONAL bylaws, which entered terms as three years. Importantly, though, the provisional bylaws were meant to be just that - PROVISIONAL. the purpose was to have a basic framework in place so that an ELECTED board could then amend or ratify the bylaws as they saw fit.

I myself have been on the board for over three years now, for what it's worth.

"4) If SCC wants a truly member-elected board, then why is that current board member are being allowed to stay? Shouldn't they also be re-nominated and re-elected like everyone else? Assuming they did a good job, then they should not have a problem get re-elected."

I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but no one is "being allowed to stay." If you visit the website or the forums, or view the election information that has been sent out electronically, you'll see that actually only ONE board member is running. The remainder (myself included), have decided NOT to run.

"5) Since the current board seems like they want to stay in place without being elected, what makes them qualified to do so? It would be nice to see a personal statement from each board member as well showing what they have done for the club in the length of term they all have served, AND what else they can contribute including what they plan and expect to do for the club going forward."

Honestly, this is the sort of statement that really frustrates me. Many have this understanding, but I'm not sure where they get it from. I'm sorry that we "seem like we want to stay." If the fact that three of the four current board members aren't even running for election doesn't make this clear, then I'm not sure what will!

"6) Why is it that SCC struggles to put on track events more regularly? Rumor has it that they've burned some bridges with one particular track, hence not having ran at either of their tracks in over 2 years! Is this true?"

Rumors are not the best source of information. I assume you're talking about "burnt bridges" with Willow Springs. The FACTS are that the track has pulled confirmed dates from our club, only to give them to other clubs. The reason we received was that timed and competitive events take priority over DE events. One would be leary about planning events at a venue that does not honor holds on dates, and the chapter is no different. No bridges have been burned. There's simply a matter of expediency with respect to time spent planning, and confidence that planning will not be for nothing.

As far as putting track events on more regularly is concerned... there are a number of constraints. First, though, I'd like to submit that the "problem" might be more apparent than real. We've put on two track events per year last year, and two the year before (if memory serves). For a chapter with only a nascent track culture, that's fairly regular in my book.

Moreover, geography and history puts us at a bit of a disadvantage. Consider NorCal for instance. The Golden Gate chapter has as it's disposal Laguna Seca, Sears Point, Thunderhill. We have Buttonwillow, Big Willow, and Streets of Willow. The appeal of spending a few days driving on world-famous tracks in venues like Monterey and Sonoma far exceeds the appeal of spending a few days in the god-forsaken desert environs of Buttonwillow and Willow springs.

Likewise, the GGC's track culture is an established one. We here have a handful of people who attend these events regularly, and a small instructor base as well. We've done what we coudl to increase our instructor base (adding close to a dozen new instructors), but it's still not as easy as it is, for example, for the GGC, where they've got instructors coming out their ears.

But again, despite the obstacles noted above, I'd have to challenge the notion that the SCC's track calendar is altogether "irregular."

"7) This current board seems somewhat disorganized. In the years pass, I remember the Calendar of Events were immediately ready and updated the beginning of every year. Was nice when they offered 2-3 events per month!"

I'm sorry for contributing to any disorganization. In the four years I've been with the chapter, I've not known any year in which more events have been offered. So far this year, we've had more events than any year I can think of, with the exception of monthly get togethers at the Stand or in lots.

Likewise, the calendar was posted at the start of the year, and the calendar for 2009 is already set, if the new board chooses to adopt it.

"8) What happened to all the variety of events types SCC used to put on? The GTGs, either the weekend morning meets @ Mimi's or the well known Tuesday nights @ The Stand, are important for any car club, for members to get to know each other (including the board members) and interact in person. Same with Techfest, I've always found those to be very educational and fun. The drives are great, but a little more diversity in the routes and locations would be nice."

I'd ask you to please reference the chapter website. So far, this year, we've had:

Tujunga Canyon Drive and champagne brunch
Anza Borrego State Park & Wild Flower Drive Angeles Crest Drive & Picnic
K1 Karting Grand Prix
Solvang Wine Country Tour and Picnic
Tour of Audi Training Academy and Regional Distribution Facility
Detailing Techfest at Meguiars
Los Padres Drive and Lunch
Tour of the Nethercutt Collection
Julian Drive & Lunch

And we'll still be having, later this year:

Tour of the Audi Design Center in Santa Monica
ACNA DE at Buttonwillow Raceway

I'd like to challenge you to find a SINGLE chapter in the entire ACNA organization that has as varied and consitant calendar as ours. If it's out there, I don't know about it.

[edit: having read Qship's post below, I need to amend my statement. My admittedly overstated point is only that we do offer a variety of events and that the calendar is still strong]

"9) Seeing that SCC is somewhat inactive, especially in the track event side, how are the chapter finances being used? As a member, I have been curious a few times at how the chapters Income & Expense statements look like. I know over the past 2 years, they have been given $10,000 annually from 2 different Audi dealers, in addition to whatever profits generated from other events. How is the chapter benefiting from that? Also since the chapter is truly a non-profit, I believe all finances should be open to all members for reviewing upon request."

Again, I cannot understand where the belief that we are an "inactive" chapter stems from. Money donated from sponsors goes to helping cover event and administrative costs (everything from insurance to hosting accounts and email credits).

Please note that we dont get a SINGLE PENNY from the National Branch! No one gets paid, and all the money goes to club events or to sustaining the club's website and communicative ability.

"I am just another long time ACNA member concerned about the future of the SoCal chapter. In my opinion, SCC is going downhill. If you notice, you hardly get email newsletters, their website hasn't been updated in a few years, all their events are planned last minute and the calendar seems like it was purposely filled with "tentative" events to make it seem full."

What can I say. We've sent out more newsletters this year than in any other, we have more events than any other chapter I know of, we've done our best to offer a good variety of events and to make registration more automated and professional, and among other things, we've tried to establish a foundation from which an ELECTED board can start. If one still feels that the chapter is "going downhill," then it's not due to lack of effort on the board's part.

"Like Obama said, we need some "CHANGE." I think its time for SCC to revitalize itself and get some new blood in there and see what direction they can take the chapter."

Great! I didn't see your name on the list of candidates for the board.

My two cents:

It's easy to complain. Many do it. It's easy to talk about change and call for change. It's an entirely different thing to MAKE change.

I'd say to you, and to others that have interpreted things in the same manner, to put the proverbial money where the proverbial mouth is, and MAKE THE CHAGE.

I have worked hard for 4 years to build a better club. I can sleep guilt-free knowing that I'm leaving the chapter in better shape than I found it. But I'm also saddened by this sort of communication. Too many people seem all too willing to criticize publicly despite contrary facts and a lack of actual information. It would be so much easier to just write in to a board member and ask questions, but our chapter, like the national level, seems plagued by an interest in drama that takes priority over an interest in actually making the chapter a better place.

It's the sentiment embodied in this post, the reliance on rumor, the assumptions made, that have made me decide to leave the board altogether.

Frankly, I feel we've done a good job. Not the best, but our best, and better than most. All I can say is PLEASE DO SOMETHING about the problems you see. Talk is cheap. There were open elections, and only TWO ACNA MEMBERS submitted candidacy.

As Jerry Buza, another former board members wrote, the majority of current board members don't even want to BE on the board. Rather, they are there because they fear that if they leave, there will be a lack of qualified individuals to take thier place. I think the results of this election might support that argument, but I continue to have faith that good people will refrain from complaining about things they know little of, and instead take the chance to do what some accuse others of failing to do.

If I can answer any other questions, please let me know. I hope this reply answers at least some of your concerns...


Robert

"I'd like to challenge you to find a SINGLE chapter in the entire ACNA organization that has as varied and consitant calendar as ours. If it's out there, I don't know about it."

Allow me to refer you to the North Atlantic Audi Club. We're younger than my oldest son and my oldest son is only 4.

So far, this year, we've had:

Two winter driving schools
Father's Day German Car Day @ Lars Anderson Museum
A DE Event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
A Special Car Detailing Event
A Family Beach Day
Three Teen Driver's Clinics
A Do-It-Yourself with help Timing Belt-Athon
Monthly social dinners at various restaurants around New England

Just off the top of my head that's 22 events of 8 different kinds... kudos to you, but there ARE other very active hard working clubs in the country.

what is YOUR plan to get involved and (maybe) make a difference?

My objective wasn't to do violence to anything any other chapters have done, or to introduce tension between chapters. I think that anyone on any of the chapter boards (who knows what goes into trying to make things work) would say that all are indeed hard working, and a chapter that has only ONE event per year still takes someone's hard work. Volunteers in ANY chapter have my respect for what they do for the club.

My point (overstated) was that we do indeed offer a full variety and calendar of events, and was meant as a response to the notion that we have very few events, rather than a challenge to others boards, whose work I support whole-heartedly.

Hats off to you for offering those you do, and my sincere apologies for any insult I may have caused (to you or to anyone else from any other chapter). It wasn't my intention.

As Robert said, we don't see your name on the list. If you're interested in finance please quickly consider running for treasurer. While I really appreciate your interest and passion, let's take a lesson from the political election: people don't want leaders who go on the attack.

Although I called for open elections-- I'll repeat --it was to replace people who have served and who are leaving. It was not intended to toss out the current board. I've been happy with this board but then again, I attend a variety of events and bond with other members, so I feel like I'm getting my money's worth.

Have you attended any event this year?

If you're not going to run for a position, you'll want to stay tuned for an open board meeting where we can discuss all the issues. Date is not yet set.

I didn't think you were insulting NAAC or anyt other chapter, rather, your note gave me pause to examine and think about what my own chapter has offered its members, and coming up beautifully, I had to publish, mostly just to give thanks and kudos to my own fellow local folks who have worked so hard and so well... no offense taken. I know all to well, as a local director or officer in two different chapters for some 10 years that about 2% of the people do 90% of the work (like in most organizations). Part of the challenge for local chapters is to instill in the rank and file that they are fellow club members and while leadership wants to give them the same kind of respect a "customer" would expect at events.... they are not customers, they are fellow members who we would heartily welcome as fellow volunteers to help with all the chores as well as the successes.

I agree with everything Robert and Jerry have said.

If you feel the chapter is not performing up to your standards, please, actively do something and help out. I welcome you to contact any of the current or newly elected board members to get involved with the chapter. This goes for all the members who are reading this thread as well. Please remember, Audi Club is an organization that provides members the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for our cars. Let's not lose our focus on its purpose.

David

We often find the same issues here. Sometimes people complain, but the complainers are never the ones that step-up to do the work.

I'm not saying that member's complaints aren't always without merit, just that our resources as a volunteer organization without funding from National are already spread thin and we too try to keep a balance between keeping event costs low and offering variety for the members.

It sounds as if the SCC has great events without even taking the track events into account.

Perhaps you would be able to gather some signatures in the next two weeks?<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/acna/msgs/230.phtml">Info Here</a></li></ul>