2008 Elections: nominations here!

[Chef]

According to our by-laws we will be having elections for the the following positions at the last meeting of the year (usually November/December). Nominations can be posted here...

President
AVP
Treasurer
Mountain/Central Representative
MSVP


thanks;
alan

[Kaderabek]

I believe that Jeff Zepp has been nominated for President on the bodreps list.

I nominate Casey to continue as Treasurer.

And Nick to continue as AVP.

We'll be in great hands with those guys at the helm.

You'll be missed, Alan. Maybe you'll have time to wheel though.

TJK

[trainrech]

Chef wheels? I kind of liken him to Mr. Snuffleupagus as I have seen him wheel but can't prove it.

Hats off to all who contribute their time and effort to making this organization successful.

[Chef]

1) with all due respect: bite it!

2) Snuffle-uf-a-gus. Learn how to spell.

3) Greetings from Columbia!

[wngrog]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

I believe that Jeff Zepp has been nominated for President on the bodreps list.

TJK

Jeff should be required to finish his FJ-40 before he is allowed to hold higher office.

BUT, if we so elect him he cannot call himself Supreme Commander

[hatfieldcb]

I 'd like to also post my bodrepsi nomination of Justin Ward for TLCA President here. Justin has a long history with TLCA and LSLC, and is very enthusiastic about contributing to TLCA.

[Chef]

Cool; thx!

Other nominations:
Art Schramm for MSVP.
Nick Stone for AVP.
Casey Campbell for Treasurer.

thx!

[wardfoto]

my quick little bio... please feel free to ask of me any questions you may have. I'm honored to be nominated, and happy to help in any way that i can. If you need more info about me, just let me know.

I've been a member of T.L.C.A. since 1996, when i got my first 40. Since
then I've been a charter member of Lonestar Land Cruisers, Bought a
second 40, been to Cruise Moab in 99, met Gary Bjork, Mark Whatley, and
a few other notable members.
Had My second 40 stolen while at CM '99, got it back three years later.
In the mean time picked up a 76 55, and an 84 60. 60 got crashed and
totaled, bought a new one, same year and color, only not so pristine.
Wheeled that truck to the very edge and back, and you'd be surprised
what a 60 with completely stock drive train, and a little ground
clearance can really do. Sold my first 40, kept wheeling the 60. Broke
some parts, had a lot of bad luck, but kept on wheeling. Just recently
acquired another 84 60, that used to belong to a member of LSLC, and
have some plans for that, since, as we all know, a Cruiser is never
really done.
I've been in food service, and for the last ten years, I've been in
retail sales, selling cameras, and my skills. Just changed jobs in June,
after a long overdue need, and was finally able to do something that I'm
enjoying so much more. My new gig selling bikes is a blast, and it
really ties together well with wheeling, since some of the best places
to ride are well off the beaten path, and there is no better way to get
there than my trusty old Long Board.
Wheeled our annual club trip, ICBM, wheeled our annual club event, the
Roundup, wheeled our annual Colorado run up Silverton way, and lots of
other cool little places.
I am honored to have the chance to give back to T.L.C.A., because over
the years I have gotten out far more than I will ever be able to put
back in. I've had the privilege of knowing Tony Twiddy, and Alan, and
there is a great honor in having the chance to follow in the steps of
some legendary members.
I look forward to having the opportunity to serve this club, and I am
honored and humbled by the privilege that entails.
-Justin Ward
T.L.C.A. #5501
71 40
76 55
84 60
84 60
charter member- LSLC

[Rzeppa]

After much consideration, I accept the nomination. As most of you know, I am deeply committed to TLCA. As a member since 1996, and on the board of directors since 2002, I have come to know not only the organization and it’s structure, but hundreds of members who are not on the board through face to face chats and phone conversations, not to mention wheeling together.

We are a very diverse group, and have become even more so over the last couple years since the introduction of the FJC and all those new members. It is impossible to please everyone, but the board should do it’s best to help make membership delighted and proud of being members of our TLCA. Our purpose needs to be to serve the needs and wishes of our membership: chapter, individual, and business. To serve our membership, our board needs to be responsive to as many levels of interest as we can reasonable accommodate.

We have many armchair wheelers, and our flagship publication, Toyota Trails, serves admirably in giving them their taste of adventure. We have many avid do-it-your-selfers, who want to work on and modify their own rigs. We have folks who just drive their Toyotas and want to know where they can get them serviced, modified or where to find parts. We have some hard-core wheelers who want to go out and break something every weekend. And everyone in between. The thing that we must do most effectively is connecting everyone with shared interest in Toyota 4x4s together.

The most important mission we have as an organization is connecting people who share our common interest – through Toyota Trails, through events, through face-to-face conversations, and via the web. If we are the organization that brings them together, then TLCA flourishes.

TLCA has a unique opportunity to accomplish this goal with our resources and our background. With the hard copy of Toyota Trails, we can give people something to touch, just like their hardware. With our chapters and events, we bring people together, face-to-face. And we have an opportunity with our web presence to help people be aware of everything that’s going on in near-real time. We have an opportunity to help become a leading organization in not only keeping trails open, but to open new areas to go play. We have an opportunity to help fuel Toyota 4x4 enthusiast’s passion with our collective enthusiasm.

To help accomplish our goals, we need to increase excitement and enthusiasm in membership, both joining and renewing. We can do that – it starts with excitement and enthusiasm at the board level. It all starts at the top.

That is the mission. Strategy and tactics to follow.

Happy cruisin’!

Jeff Zepp
Kittredge CO USA
1971 & 1976 FJ40s, 1978 FJ45
Rising Sun 4x4 Club, TLCA #4063, TLCA Central Rep
Jeff Zepp's Home Page

[wngrog]

Zepp, you did not address my #1 concern.....will you ever finish the FJ-40?

[wngrog]

Originally Posted by wardfoto

my quick little bio... please feel free to ask of me any questions you may have. I'm honored to be nominated, and happy to help in any way that i can. If you need more info about me, just let me know.

I've been a member of T.L.C.A. since 1996, when i got my first 40. Since
then I've been a charter member of Lonestar Land Cruisers, Bought a
second 40, been to Cruise Moab in 99, met Gary Bjork, Mark Whatley, and
a few other notable members.
Had My second 40 stolen while at CM '99, got it back three years later.
In the mean time picked up a 76 55, and an 84 60. 60 got crashed and
totaled, bought a new one, same year and color, only not so pristine.
Wheeled that truck to the very edge and back, and you'd be surprised
what a 60 with completely stock drive train, and a little ground
clearance can really do. Sold my first 40, kept wheeling the 60. Broke
some parts, had a lot of bad luck, but kept on wheeling. Just recently
acquired another 84 60, that used to belong to a member of LSLC, and
have some plans for that, since, as we all know, a Cruiser is never
really done.
I've been in food service, and for the last ten years, I've been in
retail sales, selling cameras, and my skills. Just changed jobs in June,
after a long overdue need, and was finally able to do something that I'm
enjoying so much more. My new gig selling bikes is a blast, and it
really ties together well with wheeling, since some of the best places
to ride are well off the beaten path, and there is no better way to get
there than my trusty old Long Board.
Wheeled our annual club trip, ICBM, wheeled our annual club event, the
Roundup, wheeled our annual Colorado run up Silverton way, and lots of
other cool little places.
I am honored to have the chance to give back to T.L.C.A., because over
the years I have gotten out far more than I will ever be able to put
back in. I've had the privilege of knowing Tony Twiddy, and Alan, and
there is a great honor in having the chance to follow in the steps of
some legendary members.
I look forward to having the opportunity to serve this club, and I am
honored and humbled by the privilege that entails.
-Justin Ward
T.L.C.A. #5501
71 40
76 55
84 60
84 60
charter member- LSLC

Wow, that is cool. Good luck Justin. Do still only wear shorts?

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by wngrog

Zepp, you did not address my #1 concern.....will you ever finish the FJ-40?

You are right I didn't. It's not TLCA's #1 concern, but since you asked...

I have been making good progress on Olive. Got the left B pillar done several weeks ago and am now working on the right B pillar (not passenger or drivers, due to our international friend's perspective :-). I am about 3/4 of the way around the lake. Floorpans are all done, mid bed, rear bed; Once I get the both B pillars precisely welded up, the rear fender wells and quarter panels will go pretty quick.

Between maintaining and upgrading the 1978 FJ45 (Rita) and the 1971 FJ40 (Charlotte), maintaining my wife's, daughter's, son's and neighbors rides, staying active in my community association, my local chapter and all that, Olive often get's pushed to lower priority, but she's still coming along. Then there's this club, TLCA I think it is, that I want to make time for.

The precise answer to your question is, YES.

;-)

[Kaderabek]

Justin, Jeff, what would you define as TLCA's #1 concern?

TJK

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

Justin, Jeff, what would you define as TLCA's #1 concern?

TJK

My biggest concern is missed opportunities.

I could have gone off on a Joe Biden length description with examples both past and potentially in the future, and what we should have done in the past and what we should do in the future, but decided to keep the answer to your question short.

Happy cruisin'!

[Kaderabek]

Brevity is the soul of wit... be more witty!

TJK

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

Brevity is the soul of wit... be more witty!

TJK

I can't. The cat ate my homework, which had all my witty comments.

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Originally Posted by Rzeppa

My biggest concern is missed opportunities.

Hmmmm this guy seems a little too smooth..... Like he could be playing us all for fools....

Hehe

[Kaderabek]

Originally Posted by Rzeppa

I can't. The cat ate my homework, which had all my witty comments.

Bingo.

TJK

[wardfoto]

Nolan- yes. especially since at my new gig the "uniform" is t-shirt and shorts. never one to mess with a reputation
Todd- the biggest concern in my opinion is how do we make ourselves relevant to the at-large-member? the guy that lives in tinytown, with no 'net access, and not a serious wheeler? we have to address this issue, and I've got my ideas about that. close second and third? second, as always, how to retain and attract new members. third? participation, on many levels. wheeling, membership, and land use. We've got to make the club be MORE than just trails, without sacrificing that greatest of magazines.
Any thing else, just ask. happy to help!!!
And Nolan? thanks for the encouragement.

[TRT2]

Hey Justin... good to hear from you since meeting you ump-teen years ago.

While we were riding around Katempcy in your wagon, you shared an issue or concern with me... but I cannot for the life of me remember what that was, please refresh my memory, what was it that was bothering you?

also, While I know the various leadership positions Jeff has held, please share any club, organization or TLCA office you have held (other than being a member)?


and Mr Jeff... your enthusiasm towards TLCA is what the scale of participation is based upon. While you were commander in chief for Rising Sun, tell me what membership did (increase or decrease) and describe your 'managerial' style when it comes to running meetings, and motivating volunteers please??


Finally, I am ecstatic to see you two running for President and I know the association will be in good hands no matter who wins. Kudos to both of you for stepping up the plate! You have my personal thanks.

[Kaderabek]

Originally Posted by wardfoto

Todd- the biggest concern in my opinion is how do we make ourselves relevant to the at-large-member? the guy that lives in tinytown, with no 'net access, and not a serious wheeler? we have to address this issue, and I've got my ideas about that. close second and third? second, as always, how to retain and attract new members. third? participation, on many levels. wheeling, membership, and land use. We've got to make the club be MORE than just trails, without sacrificing that greatest of magazines.

What are the ideas/solutions?

Thanks for the response.

TJK

[wngrog]

Come on you two, asking for specifics is was too specific

[Kaderabek]

I'd like to hear both of you comment on this issue that "TLCA is not just a magazine." I hear this a good bit and I agree. TLCA has always been about the people and the events to me. I've always liked the magazine but it doesn't come first for me.

I often ponder the notion that the success of Toyota Trails, dating back to Gary Bjork's tenure and even prior, is somewhat the bane of its existence. The more successful it became, the more it was in the spotlight and less attention was paid to other aspects of TLCA.

How do we make TLCA a more all-encompassing organization? How do we get half of the membership to show up at one event each year, for example? How do we get half of our membership actively involved in land use issues? How do we get half of our membership to recruit one new member each year? In short, how do we get half of our membership to be active TLCA members (and not just in responding to a magazine renewal notice)?

TJK

[KOWBOY]

Originally Posted by Kaderabek

I often ponder the notion that the success of Toyota Trails, dating back to Gary Bjork's tenure and even prior, is somewhat the bane of its existence. The more successful it became, the more it was in the spotlight and less attention was paid to other aspects of TLCA.

Well said Todd ... and congrats to you for takin' it to the level you have.

BUT ... it's now to the point where there ARE no other aspects of TLCA at all. The magazine drives the budget.

TLCA has only one event ... and it's a machine of its own. Nothing gets voted on, nothing gets reviewed, it just happens ... year in and year out. The BOD has no control over it what-so-ever.

All the other "TLCA" events are actually entirely put on by the individual chapters with the only "TLCA" support being cheap insurance and a free ad in the magazine. The computer forums generate far more interest in an event than the free ad does and I think any first-year lawyer at an entry-level law firm could destroy the waivers and insurance since they aren't actually written for a 4-wheel-drive event. Any event held at a private park can use the waivers/insurance that the park already has anyways.

Until TLCA can figure out how to support it's own chapters and become more event orientated ... it will remain the "magazine club" that it has become.

Fire away Folks ....

... and good luck to all candidates.

and yes ... I did renew my membership ... for the 17th time.

[Kaderabek]

Good input, Kowboy -- thanks.

Jeff, Justin, how do you propose TLCA better support events and the chapters?

TJK

[TRT2]

TLCA has only one event ... and it's a machine of its own. Nothing gets voted on, nothing gets reviewed, it just happens ... year in and year out. The BOD has no control over it what-so-ever. end quote


you forgot to mention it works extremely well.
And if there is any desire to change it, now is the time as we search for a new Rubithon Chairman.

[Rzeppa]

Originally Posted by TRT2

also, While I know the various leadership positions Jeff has held, please share any club, organization or TLCA office you have held (other than being a member)?

IH8 talking about myself - it seems so - well, self absorbed. I'm not about me. I'm about moving TLCA forward. But if you insist:

Around 2000 or so I was appointed Rising Sun Secretary, and subsequently Webmaster by Commander Rob Merideth, when those functions weren't filled. At the next cycle I was elected Secretary, which I held until I was actually elected Secretary. When Rob stepped aside, I was elected Commander of Rising Sun, a position I held for two 1 year terms, which is also TLCA delegate. When I was asked to run for TLCA Mountain/Central IR, I stepped aside and endorsed Matt Farr to fill the Commander's spot. I did not want to be spread too thin by running Rising Sun and also holding TLCA office. I ran for, and won Rising Sun Secretary for the following 4 one year terms. Each of the M/C IR elections I ran for were 3-way races.

I am also active in my local community organization, and serve as Secretary and Webmaster. I have been a member of the Kittredge Civic Association for 28 years, and have volunteered many hours over that time.

Originally Posted by TRT2

and Mr Jeff... your enthusiasm towards TLCA is what the scale of participation is based upon. While you were commander in chief for Rising Sun, tell me what membership did (increase or decrease) and describe your 'managerial' style when it comes to running meetings, and motivating volunteers please??

When I inherited Rising Sun, morale and membership were down. We had a large number of long-time members who quit in a huff over some Cruise Moab issues. It was similar to the upheaval that was going on in TLCA at that exact same time over the Margeret Dauphin issue and Henry Brimmer quitting as TT Editor, only magnified by a smaller organization. We started out in January of 2002 with less than 20 members renewing. When I handed over the club to Matt two years later we were up over 50 members, Cruise Moab was back on track and we were back to donating thousands of dollars each year to Land Use causes.

My managerial style is to set the goals and provide direction, then let my officers and other club members do the work with their personal style. Many hands make a light work of large tasks! One of the hallmarks of my terms as Rising Sun Commander was to touch base with each officer every month (or more) by phone and have a conversation with them. Forums and email have their place, but there's nothing like a real-time conversation. Communication is key.

In my professional life I have over a quarter century (damn I'm getting old!) of supervisory and leadership experience, and I've learned a lot about what doesn't work, and what does. Every individual that you supervise is different, and to get the best work, each person needs to be approached a little differently. One of the things you learn from leading, is also how to be a good follower. Both you and Alan, having been excellent leaders, have made it easier for those of us on the board to follow, and be effective in our roles.

There is no question that I am opinionated, and will challenge people. I am persuaded by arguments that are backed up with thought and reason. I am less persuaded by off-the-cuff emotion. At the same time, it is VERY important not to shoot down enthusiasm, which is something we all need in the TLCA board, to infect membership with. We also need to recognize some of the incredibly time consuming, detail-oriented work that our elected board and contractors have performed for us. Kudos to our team!

Originally Posted by TRT2

Kudos to both of you for stepping up the plate! You have my personal thanks.

And THANK YOU Tony, for so much you have done for us, for so long!

Happy cruisin'!

[wardfoto]

Tony- Great to hear from you! As to what we discussed those years ago riding around in long board, I do not recall, either. That's been many moons, and my memory is not what it once was. Seems that whatever we discussed, you took it to heart, and that certainly meant alot, seeing as you didn't know me from adam at that point
As to positions I've held within the club itself, well, Jeff's got me soundly thrashed there. I've been B.O.D. rep for Lone Star for quite some time now, as long as Alan has been President, and I think for a short while , maybe six to eight months, while you still were.
Other than being a charter member of my club, have never run for any of those positions, except for V.P. However, Nick Stone also ran, and soundly thrashed me there, as well.
I have had a change of jobs recently, and after having missed several calls, I'm back to doing my job as rep., since my new job hours are more accomadtaing to week night early call ins.
I have enjoyed being on the B.O.D., and feel that while I'm usually quiet, that when I do speak, it has usually been to throw out a solution, and usually adopted, but, not always. And Jeff may remember it differently!!
Todd- I do believe that Kowboy is more representitive of what the majority of members feel, than we might care to believe, or could fathom. And I think after listening to this debate for some time, that I've formulated some ideas about how to fix that. We have to become better at getting membership involved. Seems we could take a page out of PMC's book, and start sponsoring more get together type events for those that don't wheel, and maybe come up with an event for the central, and eastern parts of the country as well. There's more, and I beleive that much of what I'd like to see us do is very achievable, more so if Art is as successful as he is enthusiastic, and there's no reason to believe he won't be. You asked about solutions? Honestly, I don't know that there are any. What I do believe is that we can sure make some small changes here and there, some bigger ones in other places, and really change the perception of the club from a magazine, back to a club, which will help resolve tons of the negative perception it seems is out there these days. Trails still rules, by the way.
You also asked about support, and I guess that part is a little tougher, but if, as president, I'm able to get us together to change some of what I see as negative perception, that will move us a LONG way towards being able to better support events and chapters.
Kowboy- Every thing I've ever heard about Rubithon has been positive. And I think that we can take a lesson from that, maybe work towards having a central, and eastern event as well. Tie the events we put on as a national club into wheeling, land use awareness, swap meets, family, and friend gatherings. Really make the club a family club, oriented to all members, not just hardore wheelers, not just the families, not just the Trails wheeler, not just member tinytown, but really get the family vibe going again. And I've been paying attention to what works and for whom, and I've got some ideas there, as well. Kowboy, I think you'd be pleased.
Thanks to Tony, Todd and Kowboy, for giving us much to discuss and think about, or for Kowboy- cipher on fer a piece. Thanks to Jeff for a fantastic response, and one that really is outstanding and well thought out.
Thanks to Alan, and Tony, for laying a foundation that really lends itself well to being built on to bring the vibe back to what we all loved, and still do, about T.L.C.A.

[TRT2]

Thank you Justin and Jeff for those excellent responses!

Your enthusiasm is contagious, and as always, exactly what TLCA needs... excited and enthusiastic leaders.

[Kaderabek]

Yes -- much appreciated.

TJK