pcar928fan

I don't even want to know where Nicole's right hand is!!!

Stan, will we get a list of those nominated upon the closing of same? I am guessing so...maybe update's along the way...

Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net

I do really appreciate you stepping up as a nominee, regardless of the results of any election, per the bylaws I would still be on the board as a trustee

I would love to see someone come in with new energy to make things happen, and could envision supporting that person if my assistance was desired.

Your thoughts are excellent, and while there are differences in some of what I have attempted, many ideas along those lines have been tried. The reason they have not panned out, is due to a lack of volunteerism.

For example, the 928 OC had a journal, and on two separate occasions a member stepped up to revive it, but then "life" got in their way, and the project was abandoned.

Another example is the cataloging of maintenance articles. I have reached out on a number of occasions to owners of articles to ask them for permission for the 928 OC to host them, and perhaps put them in a common format. Unfortunately their was little to no support to make this happen.

So, my question to you, Andrew, is whether you expect to do this yourself, or have volunteers queued up that will follow through?

I readily admit there is a limit to how much effort I can put in the 928 OC, and there are always many projects that I would like to get done. Whenever someone suggests one, the first question I ask, is how much effort they can put in to make it happen? All too often that is the end of the conversation.

The only real issue I have is with the question of transparency. The 928 OC under my watch has done everything openly to members. We took all the votes electronically and they were all posted to the 928 OC member forum.

When we were about to upgrade the software, I sought assistance to migrate the data but there was none, and I honestly question whether people reviewed the votes. The server hosting the data is powered off, but I could still get it back if someone wants to migrate it to the new 928 OC forums. The votes for all expenditures for the 928 OC are there to be reviewed by members.

Of course, I expect Gary Knox is well respected by all, and has been the treasurer since Ed Ruiz left, and I am sure Gary would be happy to advise on how funds were voted on, and used.

Just to be clear I am NOT questioning your intent or follow through. You have been instrumental in one of the local events and you have allowed the 928 OC to sponsor it.

I really hope you are the guy for the future, because I have been doing this a long time

AO

I understand the manhours and dedication to a project is the greatest challenge. Publications far too often die on the vine. I will undoubted take on some of the project - time permitting, but I will also have a call to arms to try and get them to volunteer for various project. I think the difference I envision will be in the types of projects. I envision shorter 1-2 hour mini projects that can be assembeled into a larger project. Something managable during lunch breaks or after the kids go to bed.

Stan-

This is where I think transparncy overlaps with communication. As an OC member I don't recall ever getting a notice about these things (maybe my email needs to updated?) and I rarely frequent the OC website so if it was posted there, I didn't see it. If I don't know about it, how can it be transparent? Not faulting you or the current leadership - just my perspective. And for the record, I am in no wau insinuating or implcating that the current or past leadership of the OC has in any way done anything that was not above board.

I do enjoy 928 ownership and want to share that experience with others. But to be successful, the 928OC has to add value to that experience.

Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net

I hope if you are elected, you aren't disappointed. I have been involved in a number of volunteer organizations, and unfortunately too many people have big ideas, but when they are asked to step up, even an hour or two, they don't. I worked hard to make things simple, and concise, I wasn't successful in many ways, perhaps you can be.

I used email lists and forums to communicate with members. I wouldn't force communication on anyone that didn't want it, that is just me. I am sure there are members out there that can attest to the information being readily available. If you subscribed to the forum, you would get updates. You might be amazed at how often people abandon email addresses, and then the communication is lost. We did one or two snail mailings years ago, but they were much too expensive.

If you want to do more, you will need to raise membership fees, as our bank account has stayed relatively flat through the years. We haven't amassed any rainy day funds, just enough annually to provide the direct renewal benefits and support OC events.

Again, I applaud your enthusiasm, and hope if you get in, you will do everything you hope to.

I only wish you, and others, would have shown such enthusiasm in the past. Generally speaking, the projects you are suggesting, are ones that have languished because nobody has stepped up to do them. And yes, I have asked for help.

Nicole

I can assure you I only tickled his belly... and judging from his facial expression, he liked it!

Ninespub

Andrew, as I read this thread, this thought goes screaming through my pointed little head: "Be careful what you ask for.......you might get it!". Having said that, I think you would do a great job as the prez; but Stan and Jim make some serious points for you to consider.

I currently serve, in my community, on the Board of Directors of a 3,500 member Chamber of Commerce, Vice President and Project Manager for the 80 member business association for the district my restaurant is located in, Past President, and et al, for the regional Hispanic Business Association and co-founder & board member of a 200 member County Independent Small Business Association. Beyond that I've been on at least another half-dozen boards over the past 10 years. These consume, I repeat, CONSUME a massive amount of time and energy and when the day is done....... the 95/5 rule will always apply: 95% of the work is done by 5% of the people. Plan on it.

I believe you have the leadership qualities and importantly, the necessary "command authority" required to get things moving; but reaching out across a country to motivate individuals to do **** is a whole lot harder than banging on your buddy's door 10 miles away. One thing going in your favor though is that all your **** (I.E. somewhat indiscrete photos, a particular fondness for llamas and nationally renown beverage habits are already public information, if not fame) so no one can hold it over your head like they did the mayor of Detroit!

I have no idea how much time would be required for this position on your part but I'd suggest you plan on more than you think. In any case, I applaud you for walking the walk because so many just talk the talk.

Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net

I just emailed all members that have an email address listed. If someone doesn't receive theirs, then there is an email issue. The content of the email was the same content on posted on the 928 OC forum.

linderpat

I have been an OC member for many years. I think Stan, David and the others have done a great job keeping the notion of the OC alive. I enjoy the events, and had OC sponsorship for the Pittsburgh events I used to coordinate before I moved out here into the hinterlands. I would like to see more activities too, but as an organizer, it is hard to get folks to step up. However, if you have a core of people involved in the organization of like mind, then more can be done because the work gets spread out among the group board members.
With that, I'd be happy to jump in on a formailzed basis too. If not as a trustee of officer, then a committe member.

Tom. M

One thing that Adam B brought up at the last OCIC is that all us OC members should put "Member of 928 Owners Club" or something like that in our sigs here on renny and other p-car lists we are on. Get the word out...

mickster

I am pretty sure I put my email address on my application but I did not receive an email. Now Yahoo can filter some mail but typically I at least get it into my spam folder at worse.

Thanks!

Michael

ROG100

Watching from Dallas with great interest. The 928 OC is very important to me as an individual.

With the growth of the 928 community as a whole, and the sure fact that it will get bigger, the 928OC needs to expand to meet the challenges of the potentially bigger membership.
New blood in the chair is needed every so often to move forward, if that happens that individual needs strong leadership qualities and ideas to further the success of the group and its membership as a whole.
The current leadership has done an outstanding job, the fact that "IF" a new President be elected the existing incumbent continues to be there for the future is very key in my book.

The current “Board” is to small and additional members would help carry the work load.
As a trustee I felt that more involvement was needed and simply voting on sponsorship for upcoming events was a little lackluster. Not a criticism and more an observation.
Becoming involved with and hosting the Texas OCIC last year was more in line with the challenge and this needs to be continued. A new venue and every two years.

I would also be very interested in hearing the goals/ideas of the current board as we move towards an election.
Roger

Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net

Roger,

You should certainly know I respect you and have great appreciation for what you have done.

I am curious as to why you felt you couldn't do more as a trustee. I thought each year after a new board was seated, I explained that we lived by the bylaws, and as I understood ANY member of the board could bring forth a project, etc. to be considered.

I honestly feel that in general as I am willing to do what others don't, this tends to encourage people to sit back and let me do what needs to be done.

Again, I can only image the effort you put in organizing the OCIC, so you are clearly someone I will never question your willingness, or the the probability, of you saying you will do what you set out. it is a very short list of people who have put an OCIC together, clearly they are all "can do" people.

I would offer to nominate you for President, but my feeling is that any 928 vendors should only hold trustee positions. I didn't write the bylaws, but the board a long time ago accepted them, and they do not mention any restrictions on vendors as I recall.

ROG100

Stan,
It is very difficult to say anything constructive without it appearing to be critical of the current regime.
That is not my target, I am just trying to speak out loud and maybe generate some new ideas.

I am with you that a Owner/President of a 928 centric vendor should not hold the rank of President of the OC. To much conflict of interest.
However I have made it loud and clear that I want to be involved as a 928 lover.
OCIC 2009 could not have happened without the involvement of a group of dedicated people – some more than others. The OC board needs more content.
New blood, additional members, new ideas.

The OC needs an injection of new talent to bolster the existing stalwarts on the board.
Someone to ensure the OCIC happens again and again in the future by cajoling key candidates in the community.
Someone to coax more out of the regional leaders.

We already have one gregarious candidate willing to step up to the plate and it is that type of infectious enthusiasm that needs to be promoted.

What do other members feel?????

Roger

Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net

I took it as constructive criticism, which I am always willing to receive. I was just seeking clarification for future reference, whether it be with the 928 OC or something else. If my communication wasn't heard, then I know it is my responsibility as the communicator to make it clearer.

I am definitely hopeful that there will be some new energy and volunteers. Let the nominee candidates come forward. I will happily hand the reigns over to a candidate that the member wants to lead them.

Jadz928

I'm not trying "dig up dirt", but it should be known Andrew Olson ran for office in '08...... and LOST! Gasp!


People of the 928 community, I implore you to reconsider Andrew Olson despite his pasty chest, and vote for him on character. Wait.... no not that.....
Vote for him because it is the right thing to do. Well, maybe no.....
Just vote for him because he is the only nominee. Yea, that's it!

This isn't working (sorry, AO, I tried).

How about this, vote for Andrew Olson because he's a kick a** 928 enthusiast, and a great guy!