Kaderabek
GOLD Star
2008 Elections: nominations here!
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Come on you two, asking for specifics is was too specific 
Kaderabek
GOLD Star
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
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
President
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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.
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Kaderabek
GOLD Star
Good input, Kowboy -- thanks.
Jeff, Justin, how do you propose TLCA better support events and the chapters?
TJK
Jeff, Justin, how do you propose TLCA better support events and the chapters?
TJK
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.
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.
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.
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!
And THANK YOU Tony, for so much you have done for us, for so long!
Happy cruisin'!
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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.
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.
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Kaderabek
GOLD Star
Yes -- much appreciated.
TJK
TJK
I have not met any of these nominees but would like to express my thanks for all your efforts towards TLCA. I am a PMC member and have been following TLCA workings as a lurker for a few years. I would like to just voice some observations that I have remembered regarding TLCA :
A few years ago the regional reps were more involved it seemed and comments/communication was more public.
TLCA seems like a behind the scenes org where as say 5 years back it was brought to your attention quite often thru events, dealings with land use issues, tech info. being shareed, and as a club people were refered to to join for a lasting membership that benefited in many ways.
TLCA has a great magazine, excellent IMO.
There could be more work done with the chapters to encompass an entire theme of offroad events, land use support, and generally get the individual chapters to feel like they are part of something bigger.
For me having the Rising Sun crew among others come out in a huge way for Rubithon Hall of Fame was a blast and a great example of the TLCA brotherhood. I mean sitting under my truck fixing a driveshaft and calling out to TLCA members whom I only new by a screenname to help felt really good. Those types of gatherings are priceless.
Regardless of who is the next leader as I have faith in all is the idea that TLCA holds a high standard for a vehicle enthusiast club. TLCA is a strong org that has the ability to impact individuals lives as well as the general population and I would like to see that leadership continue. I read Kowboys post and somewhat agree but at the end found myself asking, " o.k., how can TLCA become more than a mag club ? what specific things would you like to see from TLCA ?"
FWIW I'll start by saying I'd like to offer any help I can, I think financial support is always good and would like to hear from our western rep as to what projects or events or whatever are coming in the near future and what help is needed ?
Sorry, back to the nominating
A few years ago the regional reps were more involved it seemed and comments/communication was more public.
TLCA seems like a behind the scenes org where as say 5 years back it was brought to your attention quite often thru events, dealings with land use issues, tech info. being shareed, and as a club people were refered to to join for a lasting membership that benefited in many ways.
TLCA has a great magazine, excellent IMO.
There could be more work done with the chapters to encompass an entire theme of offroad events, land use support, and generally get the individual chapters to feel like they are part of something bigger.
For me having the Rising Sun crew among others come out in a huge way for Rubithon Hall of Fame was a blast and a great example of the TLCA brotherhood. I mean sitting under my truck fixing a driveshaft and calling out to TLCA members whom I only new by a screenname to help felt really good. Those types of gatherings are priceless.
Regardless of who is the next leader as I have faith in all is the idea that TLCA holds a high standard for a vehicle enthusiast club. TLCA is a strong org that has the ability to impact individuals lives as well as the general population and I would like to see that leadership continue. I read Kowboys post and somewhat agree but at the end found myself asking, " o.k., how can TLCA become more than a mag club ? what specific things would you like to see from TLCA ?"
FWIW I'll start by saying I'd like to offer any help I can, I think financial support is always good and would like to hear from our western rep as to what projects or events or whatever are coming in the near future and what help is needed ?
Sorry, back to the nominating
I've known Jeff since 2000, and followed him as president of Rising Sun. I was there during the dark days of 2002-2003, and I was one of those few souls who volunteered to put together Cruise Moab 2003 when 90% of the founding committee quit. The club is now stronger than ever -- we're past 80 paid members in 2008 (and RS isn't cheap to join: our membership is $50/year). Much of the success of the club can be attributed to good decisions made by Jeff during his two years as club president.
Here are some of the things I observed in Jeff, that I admired and tried to emulate during my own term in office:
1) Daylight for every decision. Nothing is decided in secret, away from the general membership. Jeff will always have an opinion (a good one, usually), but he will not take action without letting everyone have their say and putting it to a vote. If you've ever been frustrated by a lack of communication from the TLCA BOD, Jeff will be a breath of fresh air.
2) Fiscal responsibility. Jeff was good with this in Rising Sun. He's also been one of the few members who actively reviewed and commented on TLCA's balance sheet on a regular basis.
3) Respect for every individual. Jeff has an amazing ability to connect with every new person who came to a RS meeting for the first time, and personally make them feel welcome. No one will feel like TLCA has an elite inner circle with Jeff as president -- every member will be respected and listened to.
4) Ethics. When things get stressful, there is always a temptation for leaders to cut corners and ignore the rules. Jeff maintains a clear head and plays by the rules at all times. Even when others suggest expediency, Jeff will take an unpopular position when he knows it's the right thing to do. In the end, it always is the right thing to do, and his ethical leadership was appreciated in RS, and still is.
5) Serious Cruiserhead credentials. Who doesn't know Jeff? I think he will be able to help pull TLCA together just simply because he knows so many of the members across the US, Canada and even globally. There are people who come to Cruise Moab and want to get their picture taken with him, just because he is the "legendary Jeff Zepp." I'm not making this up -- I've seen it. It's kind of weird, actually (sorry, Jeff). As TLCA president, Jeff will have the ability to pick up the phone and call members everywhere, many with whom he already has a relationship. That's effectiveness!
6) Un-killable Enthusiasm. Let's be honest here: every single person who is willing to be nominated for a TLCA officer role has enthusiasm. We all had it at one time. But club politics can suck the life out of you, leaving a person willing to go through the motions but do little else. Jeff has already been involved in the TLCA BOD for years, and he's still one of the biggest TLCA boosters you will ever meet. He's not going to get sick of the crap and give up. At this point, he's seen it all, and he's still excited about doing the job. I don't think I can stress enough how important this can be! Jeff will still be hard at work during month 24 as he was during month 1. He really cares.
7) Knowledge + Experience. With his leadership credentials in Rising Sun and TLCA, Jeff will hit the ground running as TLCA prez. There will be no period where he is trying to figure things out. Jeff already knows how to be an effective leader in a Toyota 4WD club.
8) Dedication. Jeff probably has the longest string of any TLCA member for attendance on those monthly BOD calls. Yeah, they are boring. I forgot a few of them myself. Jeff was always there. As TLCA president, he will be deeply dedicated to the job. He will be available in meetings, phone calls, email, and on the forum. I know that Jeff thought carefully about accepting this nomination, because he knew that he would be unable to do the job halfway. He will not be an absentee leader, ever.
This is the Jeff Zepp that I know, and that many other people in Rising Sun and TLCA know as well. He certainly has my vote.
Matt Farr beat me to it. Even though Jeff doesn't have an 80 (yet)
I believe he is just what the TLCA needs at this time. The TLCA needs Jeff's integrity and enthusiasm to ensure things are handled above board and in a fair and open manner. Jeff would do a great job in bridging between the older cruiser community and the rest of the membership of the TLCA.
Kaderabek
GOLD Star
It sounds to me like Rising Sun is of the opinion that the current board is conducting business behind closed doors and without member input. Could you expand upon that?
TJK
(Worth noting that Jeff is a member of that board.)
TJK
(Worth noting that Jeff is a member of that board.)
Kaderabek
GOLD Star
Understood. It struck me that two Rising Sun guys brought it up but it now occurs to me that this is related to Jeff being a Rising Sun member.
TJK
TJK
Kaderabek
GOLD Star
Yes, I have now put one and one and one together and come up with three. I should never do math.
TJK
TJK
REKCUT
SILVER Star
Where can a person veiw the BOD meeting minutes?
My comments were actually about Jeff's service as president of Rising Sun. He came into the role when there was much contention about things being done outside of the normal process, bypassing the main membership of the club. Jeff promised to make sure membership had input and awareness on everything, and he followed through on it. It was a huge improvement. We have not had an issue with this in the past 6 years, and club membership is more involved than ever because everyone knows what's going on and feels a part of it.
Jeff will bring this business method with him if elected TLCA president. It's a great quality. I believe that it will benefit TLCA as an organization and help get more involvement from members and clubs.
My comments were only to illuminate Jeff's many strengths, and not to comment on TLCA's current leadership. He's the right man for the job (IMO). I believe he will reinvigorate TLCA just as he brought new life to Rising Sun. I don't think TLCA is emerging from the "dark days" that we experienced as a club—far from it. But I do think TLCA has been coasting the last couple of years, and Jeff will help put the foot back on the accelerator.