From the President – Wheels in Motion
This is the final issue of The Star for 2018; it hardly seems possible considering all that has transpired this year and all that’s left to do. There will be many parties during the holidays all around the country. This is also the time of year in some parts of the country where many Mercedes-Benz vehicles will retire to the safety of their garages until spring appears. Even though some of our pride and joys may be tucked away, section events will continue to take place.
The largest national event for Mercedes-Benz Club of America since the last issue of The Star was published was Legends of the Autobahn®, an all-German-marque concours d’elegance. It was held at the prestigious Nicklaus Club – Monterey during Monterey Car Week this past August. As has been the format for several years, the participating marques included Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. In addition to the judged classes, each brand featured a car corral exhibiting cars that were simply displayed for all to enjoy, though they weren’t judged. There were many outstanding cars in the corral that would have done well in the judged class.
And MBCA’s Fall Raffle is here. The car that was selected for this raffle’s prize award is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz-AMG E63 S. To make this fantastic car even more fantastic, it was built out with just about every feature in the book. The goal was to make it the car that every member would want to see in their garage, but one that wouldn’t necessarily be on the top of their shopping list; its MSRP as built totals $128,920. To really see all the features and details of this car, visit the MBCA website at www.raffle.MBCA.org. You will see this E63 S in action and be able to access all the build details. Each raffle tickets costs $50 (U.S.); the last day to purchase your tickets is Wednesday, December 5, 2018. The drawing will take place Thursday, December 13. Good luck to you.
Speaking of the MBCA.org website, there is more content and information than ever before. If you’re traveling around the country and want to attend other section events, click on “Upcoming Events” under “Community” and you will find page after page of section event information. Looking for event ideas for your own section? Click on “Event Reports” to see page after page of other members’ successful events. If you are not checking the club’s website, you are missing out on a lot of interesting and useful information.
Our Membership Committee continues to move forward in a very positive manner. The first issue of the Membership Matters newsletter has been published and distributed to section membership chairs and presidents, in addition to regional directors and directors at large. This is only the surface of activities in the works: The Membership Committee will have access to our national WebEx and conference call facility to meaningfully communicate with section membership chairs and presidents in small groups. Other tools are in the works to help sections care for and build their membership base. There is now a portal at our website that allows direct communication and access to tools and information. While new and not fully developed, it is already proving to be valuable.
While the Membership Committee is very important to the health and well-being of our club, it is not the only area that we are working on. We are currently reviewing all committees listed in The Star magazine to determine how they are working and what changes may be needed to improve their results. Another committee that is new and in its early stages is the Strategic Planning Committee, which was created to look at the big-picture overview of the club. What are we doing? And why are we doing it? … are only two questions of many the committee will investigate. “That’s how we’ve always done it” may not be the best answer. Currently, the Strategic Planning Committee is developing its structure and defining its direction.
In closing, MBCA’s National Board Meeting will take place November 9-10, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee. The meeting is open to all members in good standing. Much information will be discussed; some items will be voted on. You will gain knowledge and details about the club if you attend. Consider this your personal invitation.
Looking forward to seeing you.