Kaderabek
GOLD Star
Curious -- which club are you referring to? High Desert?
TJK
TJK
A proposal for the TLCA
- Thread starter Romer
- Start date
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Yep, High Desert Cruisers.
My sentiments exactly. I believe the AVP or EVP or IR role should be expanded to an advisor for the clubs. Some probably don't need much help. Maybe some do.
- Thread starter
- #25
Phil - Not sure I agree completely. The point is making the Chapters and the TLCA fun. Making the TLCA appear to be more value than just a magazine to the Chapter members, not necessarrily the chapter as a unit.
Growth should not be the priority. Growth is a fallout of a fun organization and it grows with other like minded wheeling folks who want to do the same stuff rather than be members from a far.
Yes. It's almost a "Zen" thing. If you build it, they will come.
Supporting Chapter, and building chapters: Offer a "refund" of X amount of dollars back to the chapter for each new member that they sign up to the TLCA. In return the individual chapters would have more money to put on "fun" events, offer bigger and better door prizes. Also gives a little motivation to the chapters to "recruit". They would also have more funds to promote at other off roading events in their area. eg. in KS the Trail Krawlers (mixed club) have an annual event, the local chapter could set up a promotional tent, or help sponsor the event to get club/chapter information out. Of course with the blessing of the sponsoring club.
Hope this makes sense.
Pam
Hope this makes sense.
Pam
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Thanks Pam. I think the whole idea is to help chapters have the most fun possible. If you grow because you're having fun then it means more TLCA members over time. A win-win, if you ask me.
- Thread starter
- #29
Agreed, we dont recruit in our club. We are not about growth. We in fact wont allow anyone to join until they go to a meeting and an event to make sure they really want to stick around. We dont force TLCA membership when people join and wont. We do tell them about the TLCA and point them in the right direction, but we have more then enough TLCA members in good standing for the chapter. We do make sure everyone who goes to CM is a TLCA member because thats the rules with a Sanctioned event. We do provide a TLCA rep at our Sanctioned events and meetings to educate on the TLCA, TT and hand over a membership application.
I like Romer's suggestion. I really like the LandCruiser name and definately feel that my FJC is part of the Land Cruiser heritage and family.
If 20,000 are enthusiastic off roaders, I say bring 'em on..To read attitudes that some are welcome but not all is disappointing..
With that said, I don't think you are going to have to worry about a mass infusion of FJCs. Most are very happy to stick with their own and get much of what they need from the FJC Forum scene. Local sub groups are forming all the time. Denver has one and they get together often, do runs together almost every weekend. No one really ever talks much about the TLCA or joining..I made a point to organize a large group attending the Rising Sun Rally this year, we had 25 FJCs all parked together. Some did say they had thought of joining the RS club and the TLCA. But all commented that they enjoyed parking together and getting to know eachother better. I guess my point for mentioning this is that the FJC owner group is strong and worth tapping into. Maybe a few TLCA/FJC only events are one way to begin to attract more of this segment?
IMHO, the concern should be about how to attract more FJC owners and selling them on why they should join vs. flipping the "We're closed" sign when they are window shopping..
If 20,000 are enthusiastic off roaders, I say bring 'em on..To read attitudes that some are welcome but not all is disappointing..
With that said, I don't think you are going to have to worry about a mass infusion of FJCs. Most are very happy to stick with their own and get much of what they need from the FJC Forum scene. Local sub groups are forming all the time. Denver has one and they get together often, do runs together almost every weekend. No one really ever talks much about the TLCA or joining..I made a point to organize a large group attending the Rising Sun Rally this year, we had 25 FJCs all parked together. Some did say they had thought of joining the RS club and the TLCA. But all commented that they enjoyed parking together and getting to know eachother better. I guess my point for mentioning this is that the FJC owner group is strong and worth tapping into. Maybe a few TLCA/FJC only events are one way to begin to attract more of this segment?
IMHO, the concern should be about how to attract more FJC owners and selling them on why they should join vs. flipping the "We're closed" sign when they are window shopping..
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From Romer's original post:
"The TLCA should be about education of Toyota vehicles, 4wheeling and Land Use."
What the TLCA becomes will have to ultimately reflect the above statement. It's the common denominator across all vehicle-specific interests of the membership. And of course, the fun and camaraderie too.
This is specifically why I joined Battle Born Cruisers of Northern Nevada and TLCA. I'm getting that from a few different resources, including BBCNN, TLCA, and FJCruisersforums.com.
I'd look at the 20,000 members of FJCruiserforums as an opportunity to enlighten people about Toyota 4WD vehicles and land use.
I joined TLCA after I bought my FJC and after my friend and FZJ80 owner, Steve Lent, in Oregon showed me his membership card. I joined the BBCNN because I wanted to learn how to wheel appropriately and with regard and respect for the outdoors.
I love that I can go wheel with guys from Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Fallon on a weekend, and we all have different rigs, but we are wheeling for similar reasons — the fun and camaraderie, and the love of the outdoors.
For my membership dues in each, that's exactly what I've received. I love wheeling with FJ40s, FJ60s, FJ80s, FJ100s, 4Runners, SR5s, Tacomas, FJCs. I've learned a little something from every run, and every person I've wheeled with. To me, that's the TLCA. That's Battle Born Cruisers.
"The TLCA should be about education of Toyota vehicles, 4wheeling and Land Use."
What the TLCA becomes will have to ultimately reflect the above statement. It's the common denominator across all vehicle-specific interests of the membership. And of course, the fun and camaraderie too.
This is specifically why I joined Battle Born Cruisers of Northern Nevada and TLCA. I'm getting that from a few different resources, including BBCNN, TLCA, and FJCruisersforums.com.
I'd look at the 20,000 members of FJCruiserforums as an opportunity to enlighten people about Toyota 4WD vehicles and land use.
I joined TLCA after I bought my FJC and after my friend and FZJ80 owner, Steve Lent, in Oregon showed me his membership card. I joined the BBCNN because I wanted to learn how to wheel appropriately and with regard and respect for the outdoors.
I love that I can go wheel with guys from Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Fallon on a weekend, and we all have different rigs, but we are wheeling for similar reasons — the fun and camaraderie, and the love of the outdoors.
For my membership dues in each, that's exactly what I've received. I love wheeling with FJ40s, FJ60s, FJ80s, FJ100s, 4Runners, SR5s, Tacomas, FJCs. I've learned a little something from every run, and every person I've wheeled with. To me, that's the TLCA. That's Battle Born Cruisers.
I was at Surf N Turf this past weekend. The best non-event on the west coast...
I was talking with a few FJ Cruiser folks from NorCal that have been running together for a while. About half are already TLCA members and we were discussing Chapters. They were a little surprised when I told them they could become a chapter if they wanted to. They became curious, and I found myself having difficulty making the case for becoming a chapter over just staying members. I could not show how much more value there was in becoming a chapter beyond access to event insurance and a seat on the BOD.
Just my recent experience fwiw.
Phil
I was talking with a few FJ Cruiser folks from NorCal that have been running together for a while. About half are already TLCA members and we were discussing Chapters. They were a little surprised when I told them they could become a chapter if they wanted to. They became curious, and I found myself having difficulty making the case for becoming a chapter over just staying members. I could not show how much more value there was in becoming a chapter beyond access to event insurance and a seat on the BOD.
Just my recent experience fwiw.
Phil
I have heard a lot of talk about growing chapters anf that is a big part of growth. I am the president of Central Valley Crawlers which is one of the newest TLCA clubs. We currently have 24 members and I would say three quarters of them are landcruisers and the rest minis and 4 runners. When I started forming the club I contacted TLCA through every email I could find. I didint get one response. I then sent emails out and called and never received a response. I finally got ahold of I believe jeff zapp and he got the ball rolling and gotr me the proper emails. I have sent all the info in including club in good standing, logo, descripion for web page and then they said they still didnt have it. Finally the must have got it because it is in toyota trails now.
I was on the bod reps mailing list for about a week and then somehow I got deleted and have sent numerous emails trying to get back on and 8 months later I am still not on it. I contacted the main office about getting some old toyota trails and other infor for new members or events but never got a return call or message. To be honest I am frustrated and have not even pushed TLCA membership with new members. It is a requirement of our club but I am just taking their word.
I think there needs to be a better commitment to the clubs and better communications. Maybe I am the only one out there that has had these problems, but it should be easier than this. I have been a TLCA member since I purchased my FJ40 while in college. I have supported it since then and plan to do so as long as it is in existance.
I was on the bod reps mailing list for about a week and then somehow I got deleted and have sent numerous emails trying to get back on and 8 months later I am still not on it. I contacted the main office about getting some old toyota trails and other infor for new members or events but never got a return call or message. To be honest I am frustrated and have not even pushed TLCA membership with new members. It is a requirement of our club but I am just taking their word.
I think there needs to be a better commitment to the clubs and better communications. Maybe I am the only one out there that has had these problems, but it should be easier than this. I have been a TLCA member since I purchased my FJ40 while in college. I have supported it since then and plan to do so as long as it is in existance.
Bodean
Hot Damn
I'll never understand the whole FJC thing. I love having them at our event (Southern Cruiser Crawl). Hell, we don't turn anyone away. Buggies, Jeeps, Sammys or whatever registers. We are about having a good time. I get calls and e-mail every year as our event approaches about non Toyotas coming with other Toyota owners. I say bring em on! Maybe they will see the value and toughness of a Toyota and end up with one in the future. It happens every year. I agree with Todd and Art on the "it's about the people" thing. I sometimes could just leave my truck on the trailer and just visit the whole event and leave happy.
My Father has attended GSMTR and the LSLC Roundup in the past few years and didn't know what to expect from either as he had never been to a trail ride. On the way home he said "you have a bunch of great friends at these events. You all get along so well and have a common interest. I'm impressed" I too forget until I am reminded by someone else how good the people are. I told him that I see some of these people more than I see him! Sad but true. Let's just keep it about the people and don't let the politics get in the way of what the club is all about!
Later,
My Father has attended GSMTR and the LSLC Roundup in the past few years and didn't know what to expect from either as he had never been to a trail ride. On the way home he said "you have a bunch of great friends at these events. You all get along so well and have a common interest. I'm impressed" I too forget until I am reminded by someone else how good the people are. I told him that I see some of these people more than I see him! Sad but true. Let's just keep it about the people and don't let the politics get in the way of what the club is all about!
Later,
packman73
SILVER Star
I agree, we need to be better about having our information easily accessible, with the new website, I believe we have accomplished this. There are links for Starting a Chapter as well as email addresses for each TLCA BOD Officers. Granted, I can't say that everyone checks their e-mail all the time and thinks slip by.
As to the BodReps mailing list, please e-mail me packman73 @ gmail.com (without the spaces) and I'll get you added.
As to the membership office, I'll check with Jen and see if she can't get some back issues and other information out to you to hand out at an upcoming gathering or meeting.
I'm happy to see that you stayed persistent with your efforts to start a club. As a past president of a now 2 year old club, Tall Corn Cruisers, I know what it's like getting a club off the ground, and it can be frustrating at times.
I hope this answers your concerns, and feel free to call or email me if you have any further questions. My contact information is in Toyota Trails.
Thanks!
-Art
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- Joined
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- 2,024
- Location
- Columbia, MO
- Website
- www.tornadoalleycruisers.com
Howdy folks:
We're working on many of your concerns. We have a new website, reaching new people. We're working on an e-version the Toyota Trails. We're working on promo packs for chapter events. The website, and the e-zine will generate new revenue that can then be used for further, new good things.
The plan-as it stands now, and it's subject to change-is to give the e-zine free to TLCA members, and give it free to people targeted in a reciprocal marketing effort to draw new members to TLCA. Let 'em read the mag, see who we are, join if they like.
Some will, some won't. Some will wheel, some won't. But, we're under-exposed. Properly positioning TLCA for new exposure to new people will be a good thing.
We have new, different "alterna-Rubithon" events being drawn up.
I'm very confident that when these plans come to fruition, everyone will be well served by them. Current Chapters. Current members. Future potenial members.
One thing to keep in mind here
Current memberwship numbers are about 3600 members. Of those, about 600 are chapter members; many-but not all of whom-are active wheelers. This makes "Joe Member," the guy *who is the majority in TLCA,* a non-wheeler. We need to work just as hard-if not harder-to keep these folks as happy as we keep active, wheeling chapter members as we move TLCA forward. There are opportunities to draw these folks into becoming active chapter members.
thx-alan
We're working on many of your concerns. We have a new website, reaching new people. We're working on an e-version the Toyota Trails. We're working on promo packs for chapter events. The website, and the e-zine will generate new revenue that can then be used for further, new good things.
The plan-as it stands now, and it's subject to change-is to give the e-zine free to TLCA members, and give it free to people targeted in a reciprocal marketing effort to draw new members to TLCA. Let 'em read the mag, see who we are, join if they like.
Some will, some won't. Some will wheel, some won't. But, we're under-exposed. Properly positioning TLCA for new exposure to new people will be a good thing.
We have new, different "alterna-Rubithon" events being drawn up.
I'm very confident that when these plans come to fruition, everyone will be well served by them. Current Chapters. Current members. Future potenial members.
One thing to keep in mind here
Current memberwship numbers are about 3600 members. Of those, about 600 are chapter members; many-but not all of whom-are active wheelers. This makes "Joe Member," the guy *who is the majority in TLCA,* a non-wheeler. We need to work just as hard-if not harder-to keep these folks as happy as we keep active, wheeling chapter members as we move TLCA forward. There are opportunities to draw these folks into becoming active chapter members. thx-alan
I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the future of the TLCA and agree with Romer’s thoughts in many ways.
The TLCA does not need to outshine its chapters; it should support the chapters and be used as a medium for attracting new members to the association. Land Use is a huge issue for everyone and we have the loudest voice collectively. It’s much tougher for a single chapter to be as effective in land use issues as it is for the collection of chapters under the TLCA flag. Strength in numbers!
The idea of doing a slight name change to The Toyota AND Land Cruiser Association is really brilliant. It accurately reflects what’s going on at the chapter events now with so many different Toyotas participating.
And participation is the key.
The TLCA does not need to outshine its chapters; it should support the chapters and be used as a medium for attracting new members to the association. Land Use is a huge issue for everyone and we have the loudest voice collectively. It’s much tougher for a single chapter to be as effective in land use issues as it is for the collection of chapters under the TLCA flag. Strength in numbers!
The idea of doing a slight name change to The Toyota AND Land Cruiser Association is really brilliant. It accurately reflects what’s going on at the chapter events now with so many different Toyotas participating.
And participation is the key.
Green Lantern
Have Truck, Will Travel
Right on!
Many of us find value in the TLCA as an umbrella association of chapters. Tony Twiddy was very careful to encourage chapters and allow them to operate as they wanted. Alan has taken us to the next level in completing the website renewal and we've seen some new events take off as well.
Our priority should always be chapters first and increasing members next. I never forget our magazine subscribers either. That group of about 3000 provide us with more than $9000 each year which helps to keep Toyota Trails our shining star.
Let's all commit to incorporating others into our hobby.
Happy Trails! N
Many of us find value in the TLCA as an umbrella association of chapters. Tony Twiddy was very careful to encourage chapters and allow them to operate as they wanted. Alan has taken us to the next level in completing the website renewal and we've seen some new events take off as well.
Our priority should always be chapters first and increasing members next. I never forget our magazine subscribers either. That group of about 3000 provide us with more than $9000 each year which helps to keep Toyota Trails our shining star.
Let's all commit to incorporating others into our hobby.
Happy Trails! N
