Sporin
Site Addict
As I've stated in a previous thread, I've GREATLY enjoyed my time as YT President but obviously, 4 years is a long time and it's long overdue for new leadership. I intend to wrap up my duties by January 1st and will call for a special election at that time to elect a new President. That person will be up for reelection again in May. If, in the event that no one steps forward in January, Rick Bigelow, your Vice President, will become interim President and the club can try again in May.
Now, that aside, we have much bigger, and potentially more exciting, things to discuss., the big question...
Where should we go from here?
In the last 4 years we have grown the club dramatically, from just 20 paid members, to nearly 100. We have put money in the bank to fund club expenses, charitable donations, and our own events. And, thanks to this forum, have engaged the membership in an online conversation that we rarely could achieve on the old email list. I'm very proud of these accomplishments, and the many people involved who worked so hard to achieve them.
So what's next? What do YOU want?
I often hear "We should have more club runs" but I feel like that wasn't very successful this year. This summer we signed up with NEA land for a Club run every month. Unfortunately, only a few of those were well attended, and one had to be canceled completely do to no participation. How can we improve that? The process to secure weekend rights to trails is not a precise one, signups happen on a first come first serve basis in March and there are many restrictions.
Do we focus on encouraging members to arrange their own trail runs at more convenient times? As Lane and Larry did last month? As Gary did in September? That works out well but will limit us from accessing the private trails. Is there a better process for folks? We are looking for ideas.
Is Fall Gathering everything people want it to be? Is it time for a venue change?
What else would you like to see the club doing? More pub nights and off-trail social get-togethers? Charity work? Perhaps getting involved with a Habitat for Humanity group? Throw some ideas out there.
Are you interested in being able to buy more merchandise? Randy Elkin will be running a pilot program soon that will sell more logo'ed hats, sweatshirts, etc. with the Club logo, as well as some of his other excellent designs. I'm excited for that, personally.
If I had to lay out a priority as I leave my post it would be that we MUST have more people step up into leadership roles. Both on the Board of Directors, as well as for events. None of the Board positions are supposed to go beyond a 2 year term limit. Thankfully, many of our officers, myself included, have stayed on in lieu of leaving the chairs empty. New people bring new ideas and energy to the table and that is a vital part of a clubs long term viability.
I hope that we can use this thread to share and discuss constructive ideas for the future of Yankee Toys.
Thank you.
-Dave
Now, that aside, we have much bigger, and potentially more exciting, things to discuss., the big question...
Where should we go from here?
In the last 4 years we have grown the club dramatically, from just 20 paid members, to nearly 100. We have put money in the bank to fund club expenses, charitable donations, and our own events. And, thanks to this forum, have engaged the membership in an online conversation that we rarely could achieve on the old email list. I'm very proud of these accomplishments, and the many people involved who worked so hard to achieve them.
So what's next? What do YOU want?
I often hear "We should have more club runs" but I feel like that wasn't very successful this year. This summer we signed up with NEA land for a Club run every month. Unfortunately, only a few of those were well attended, and one had to be canceled completely do to no participation. How can we improve that? The process to secure weekend rights to trails is not a precise one, signups happen on a first come first serve basis in March and there are many restrictions.
Do we focus on encouraging members to arrange their own trail runs at more convenient times? As Lane and Larry did last month? As Gary did in September? That works out well but will limit us from accessing the private trails. Is there a better process for folks? We are looking for ideas.
Is Fall Gathering everything people want it to be? Is it time for a venue change?
What else would you like to see the club doing? More pub nights and off-trail social get-togethers? Charity work? Perhaps getting involved with a Habitat for Humanity group? Throw some ideas out there.
Are you interested in being able to buy more merchandise? Randy Elkin will be running a pilot program soon that will sell more logo'ed hats, sweatshirts, etc. with the Club logo, as well as some of his other excellent designs. I'm excited for that, personally.
If I had to lay out a priority as I leave my post it would be that we MUST have more people step up into leadership roles. Both on the Board of Directors, as well as for events. None of the Board positions are supposed to go beyond a 2 year term limit. Thankfully, many of our officers, myself included, have stayed on in lieu of leaving the chairs empty. New people bring new ideas and energy to the table and that is a vital part of a clubs long term viability.
I hope that we can use this thread to share and discuss constructive ideas for the future of Yankee Toys.
Thank you.
-Dave
I nominate Chris for President. Seriously. At least John had the common sense to follow up on his original post.
, obviously that isn't happening.
