President’s Message
Terry Kiwala
Our Dedicated National Team
On a quiet street in Colorado Springs sits an unassuming building; from the outside, it looks no different than any other small-office building. But inside there are six people who are critical to the MBCA and its members. Every day, this amazing group works tirelessly to ensure that each Mercedes-Benz Club of America member has the best membership experience possible. As we continue celebrating our 60th anniversary at various events, the most consistent comments I hear from members is praise for the staff that serve the membership so well. I’d like to introduce you to our National Business Office staff; hopefully you’ll have an opportunity during our anniversary year to thank them for their dedication to the MBCA.
Our team – Pam Gleeton, Sharon Appleman and Jennifer Bailey – ensure that you have a smooth membership experience, no matter what the level of your involvement. Whether it’s renewing your membership, ordering materials or equipment for a section or regional event, buying that winning raffle ticket, posting an event notice or getting that coveted Silver Star Preservation Class certificate, our team works behind the scenes to make sure you get the most out of your membership. So when you gather under the MBCA tent at a concours this summer or hear the timers beep once you’ve completed an autocross, let this be a thoughtful reminder of the team that helps make this possible.
For those of you who have taken your membership experience to the next level, you must have interacted with Geni Wallen during her 15-year tenure at MBCA. Geni works with members and sections to ensure sound communication with local members; she also assists sections with their financial reporting. And for those of you who are so fortunate to have enjoyed our German Trips, Geni is your point of contact as you prepare for the vacation of a lifetime.
I would venture a guess that every active MBCA member has interacted with Cindy Tumbleson over the past 17 years. Affectionately referred to by yours truly as “The Boss,” Cindy is integral for helping provide an exceptional MBCA membership experience for all our members. Cindy is the one person who helps members and the board with all requests, big or small. Cindy’s incredible institutional knowledge allows her to be one step ahead of us all, anticipating our every need. She also keeps me in line. After all, Cindy is “The Boss.”
Mike Regennitter is our executive director and has been with MBCA for 18 months. Originally from a media background, Mike’s experience has been invaluable in the administration of our technical resources, as well as The Star magazine’s continued success. Mike has set priorities for the club and worked very well with the board. Most importantly, Mike quickly earned the NBO staff’s respect, which is an excellent endorsement of his skill and character.
During this celebratory year, it’s fitting and proper to thank all the people at 1907 Lelaray Street who continue to support each and every one of us. Because of these good people, we all have the best membership experience we could hope to have. The next time you call or email the national office, please extend your thanks to Pam, Sharon, Jennifer, Geni, Cindy and Mike for their support. Never in the spotlight but always there to create the bright moments at our club events, I would personally like to thank each of them for optimizing the MBCA experience as we enter our seventh decade.
National Business Office staff, from left: Sharon Appleman, Jennifer Bailey, Cindy Tumbleson, Pam Gleeton, Geni Wallen, Mike Regennitter.