Sub Chapters

[Trollhole]

I have been contacted by a few members of UC and some non members of UC about having a sub-chapter of UC or some name being formed. Since most of these people don't live near the Upstate they want to be able to have meeting close to them but still be part of our club. I have really put a lot of thought about it and I need members input. UC is getting big fast. I know the original members had no idea or really intended for the club to be this big. How does everyone feel about the growth?

Just throwing out some ideas. Anything in red is what I have added to the original e-mail.

UC will need to have it's name. There was a lot and still is a lot of hard work to make UC what it is today. Maybe we just change our logo (I took out the idea of UC being a sub chapter out. I think it still could be the main chapter and have other subchapters with different names)

Some of these people only have a few people and some have a lot.

Sub chapters could have local monthly meetings.

The UC would throw the annual event. UC could do 4 or so big events a year. (MLK, Annual Event, North meets South, Cullowhee, etc...)
Sub chapter delegates could plan there own rides and also any member of the main chapter could join other sub chapters on rides (since we would all be one big happy family).

We would have stickers and advertising for the main chapter and as well as the sub-chapter. Maybe

The money issue and legalities of attempting something like this are another thing.

I don't know how TLCA will feel about this, Dues would have to be increased to some extent. We pay around $10 now. The lowest I believe of all TLCA Chapters. Most are charging $25. I think that is high. I thought maybe 15 or 20 for single memberships with 5 or ten going to the main chapter and 10 going to the sub chapters. ( Talked to the TLCA BOD they are okay with sub chapters. Lone Star Land Cruisers has the same thing. ) http://www.lslc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=35

Sub chapters could use their own money for raffles, advertising and a percentage of profits made from raffles and fundraising go to the Main Chapter.

These are just some thoughts I just wanted to know what you thought about it.

I sent e-mails to each UC club member. If you didn't get it let me know. That means I need a new e-mail address from you.

We will also be discussing this at the meetin in Easley Sat as well as MLK.

 

[Trollhole]

A couple more thoughts.

By having a larger base we could have a better chance of drawing more vendors into supporting the club. Which in turns means more items and bigger ones for the annual meeting and events.

 

[Gundy]

The more the merrier

Good ideas Pres! UC has always been a non-regional club
despite the name. Our first meeting had attendees from
several states. Look at it as "Upstate" as slang for a class
operation. LOL...We do go first class in all we do.
The use of Clemson Mafia as a sub-chapter has been fun
and it's only enhanced their and our experiences. I like
for regional groups to have pride and association with their
area. The Wild Boys out of Fla have been a great addition
as well. Think how much these groups have added to the
robust nature of our club.
Perhaps we should consider a new logo so as to show no boundary
in it's background.
I don't care where you are located, anyone could benefit from association
with Upstate Cruisers. We have a wealth of experiences and knowledge
in this club. Not only about Cruisers but also how to make the most
of a club for it's members.
When we first started we wanted this to be a club of inclusion, not exclusion.
Heck we charged $10 only because we had to charge SOMETHING.
We now do SO much more and provide so many great outings/events
to where I can see a need to "get with the times" and have a modest
fee increase. It's down right scary to think of what we'll be able
to provide members and sub-chapters with a little more $.
Good grief, we have to go through the attendee list at least twice at the annual
meeting to give out all the door prizes as it is now.
I'd love to help some local sub-chapters get off the ground and help them
have as much fun as we do.

 

[CruisinTiger]

Sounds good Marshall...I'll try to do some more brainstorming about our conversation the other night and have some input tomorrow night!

 

[clemson55]

I'll have some input the quality of it will depend on how much JP and I drink before we come.

 

[GXO]

My only concern would be the natural division of "turf" that most clubs have on a state by state basis. I know toes would be stepped on in many cases with other sanctioned TLCA clubs.

 

[MTPCRUISER]

Marshall,

Thanks for your efforts on this. I think you are exactly on track. It's a good idea for those of us in the lowcountry to start off as a subchapter of UC. That way, we can get together and see if we will have a viable group. I'll see what others down here think.

Regards,

Keith (aka MtPCruiser)

 

[Trollhole]

Allright for those of you who are interested in having monthly meetings in you area send me a pm. We will set it up. And those of you who want a subchapter pm me also. Those of you who don't know what you want but want to get something rolling in your area pm me and I will work on it.

 

[Trollhole]

This is how LowCountry started.

 

[Brock]

wow...a blast from the past...LOL