2013 is Going to be a Great Year
There are many things in store for members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America this year. The future is bright because, with your participation, the club continues to grow and improve. Before discussing what’s on the horizon, let’s review some 2012 highlights.
In the spring, for the first time in MBCA history, the National Board of Directors conducted a board meeting in virtual format. The virtual model’s realized benefits extend well beyond the obvious austerity benefits: It not only made meeting participation possible for members who could not travel for health reasons, but also allowed interested MBCA members to participate from anywhere. We worked out a few bugs and the virtual board-meeting model is scheduled for use again in 2013.
The MBCA’s biennial convention was StarFest® 2012. The Desert Stars Section hosted the event in Phoenix, Arizona, and there was something for every member. The 4-day event included the MBCA Defensive Driving Program, acceleration runs, an autocross course and time trials. The Educational Foundation rolled out “Safe Drivers, Safe Families,” a program for new drivers. There was a sightseeing question-and-answer rally, two banquets and a concours d’elegance on the lawn of the world-famous Arizona Biltmore Hotel. The Section invited Wayne Carini, star of “Chasing Classic Cars,” as a celebrity judge. The entire event was well planned and skillfully executed. Hats off to Desert Stars Director Bud Cloninger and the entire StarFest team.
After many years of service to the club in the capacities of regional director, director at large, treasurer and leadership committee chair, Laura Simonds has left MBCA’s National Board of Directors. Her contributions to the board have been highly valued and will be missed. Laura avows that she will continue her club involvement through participation in the leadership committee and with the “Legends of the Autobahn” event.
And now to that horizon. The major MBCA event scheduled for 2013 is StarTech, the largest technical gathering of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts in the United States. StarTech is scheduled for May 18 through May 22, and will be held at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) factory just outside Birmingham, Alabama. MBUSI is the production plant for ML-, GL- and R-Class vehicles and – soon – the new-generation C-Class. The Alabama Section is hard at work planning an exceptional event. This is the StarTech to attend; I urge you to put it on your calendar now. May is just around the corner.
Having fun with your MBCA friends is an important part of the membership experience.
And, the MBCA national-events structure is vital to the contemporary nature of MBCA; so important that your board is reviewing the MBCA-subsidized national club events. Very soon, you may be invited to participate in a professionally designed survey about national events and your input is very important. I urge you to respond with your best insights. We will listen attentively.
Let’s drive ‘em,
Steve
There are many things in store for members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America this year. The future is bright because, with your participation, the club continues to grow and improve. Before discussing what’s on the horizon, let’s review some 2012 highlights.
In the spring, for the first time in MBCA history, the National Board of Directors conducted a board meeting in virtual format. The virtual model’s realized benefits extend well beyond the obvious austerity benefits: It not only made meeting participation possible for members who could not travel for health reasons, but also allowed interested MBCA members to participate from anywhere. We worked out a few bugs and the virtual board-meeting model is scheduled for use again in 2013.
The MBCA’s biennial convention was StarFest® 2012. The Desert Stars Section hosted the event in Phoenix, Arizona, and there was something for every member. The 4-day event included the MBCA Defensive Driving Program, acceleration runs, an autocross course and time trials. The Educational Foundation rolled out “Safe Drivers, Safe Families,” a program for new drivers. There was a sightseeing question-and-answer rally, two banquets and a concours d’elegance on the lawn of the world-famous Arizona Biltmore Hotel. The Section invited Wayne Carini, star of “Chasing Classic Cars,” as a celebrity judge. The entire event was well planned and skillfully executed. Hats off to Desert Stars Director Bud Cloninger and the entire StarFest team.
After many years of service to the club in the capacities of regional director, director at large, treasurer and leadership committee chair, Laura Simonds has left MBCA’s National Board of Directors. Her contributions to the board have been highly valued and will be missed. Laura avows that she will continue her club involvement through participation in the leadership committee and with the “Legends of the Autobahn” event.
And now to that horizon. The major MBCA event scheduled for 2013 is StarTech, the largest technical gathering of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts in the United States. StarTech is scheduled for May 18 through May 22, and will be held at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) factory just outside Birmingham, Alabama. MBUSI is the production plant for ML-, GL- and R-Class vehicles and – soon – the new-generation C-Class. The Alabama Section is hard at work planning an exceptional event. This is the StarTech to attend; I urge you to put it on your calendar now. May is just around the corner.
Having fun with your MBCA friends is an important part of the membership experience.
And, the MBCA national-events structure is vital to the contemporary nature of MBCA; so important that your board is reviewing the MBCA-subsidized national club events. Very soon, you may be invited to participate in a professionally designed survey about national events and your input is very important. I urge you to respond with your best insights. We will listen attentively.
Let’s drive ‘em,
Steve