President’s Message
Terry Kiwala
My Last Column
As I sprinted through the Stuttgart Airport, I paused only to gaze at a beautiful Pagoda on display by Daimler Classic. I hate being late, but I managed to join the German Trip’s crew just as dinner began. I was introduced to many by tour guide and organizer Jim O’Sullivan; as I scanned the crowd, I saw a familiar face. There was Mike Mariotti with his wife Lynn. Mike and I met 15 years ago in 2003 as his SLK32 dueled with my C32 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. After he moved to Naples in 2005, we lost touch. Over the week together, we covered years of lost time. As my relationships with Mercedes-Benz Club of America members have taught me, you can always pick up where you left off. As for Mike and me, we had been part of a driving group together that was thick as thieves – the “Track Rats.” So on that German trip, we caught up quickly, reliving good old times and enjoying the phenomenal AMG week together. My most humbling experience was to learn that the 3-year-old once with his dad next to the SLK32 at that Indianapolis course was graduating high school this year: Mike’s son had grown. I felt old.
It’s no secret that this is my last column as MBCA’s president. Of late, though, I’m constantly asked, “What’s next for Terry Kiwala in the MBCA?” I intend to hold the Past National President title proudly and continue to participate in events around the country. The relationships I have built in this club are important to me. I will continue be a friend to many sections and participate in their events. Ultimately, I hope to witness friends rise to leadership positions and contribute to MBCA’s evolution and success.
I must thank three very important people at our National Business Office. First, Geni Wallen has kept me laughing since I came into this role and constantly reminds me not to take myself too seriously. She takes the membership experience seriously and keeps unique membership events, like the German Trip, running like clockwork.
I won the best raffle ever when I shook hands with Mike Regennitter three years ago and then hired him to be the next executive director. Mike has exceeded my high expectations, and his presence at events around the country will support all the club’s regions and sections in the future.
Then there’s Cindy Tumbleson, whom I have affectionately named, “The Boss.” Cindy has run the MBCA for years with incredible competence and care – and always with a smile. Cindy has seen me at my best and worst; been an advocate and trusted adviser; and more importantly – one of my best friends. Cindy – Mike – Geni … I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for me and the MBCA; I do look forward to many good times with you and your families and our wonderful NBO staff in the future.
In the blink of an eye, four years has come, and now gone. These years have been an amazing time in my life, but are the most recent four years of a nearly 24-year journey of my MBCA membership. I have even greater expectations for the next 24 years of my MBCA membership. As I noted with the Track Rats group, all my MBCA friends reunite periodically. We all pick up where we left off and then repeat this cycle. I look forward to continuing this MBCA story with so many wonderful members in the future.
Thank you to all my fellow members who have welcomed me into their sections, homes and families. Further thanks goes to the Board that has supported me for four years and initially took a risk on a new face: I hope I delivered on your expectations. Finally, a huge and loving “Thank You” to my tight-knit MBCA family – family who have been with me over this wonderful 24-year journey – and you all know who you are.
As for me, I am already planning to participate at events around the country with my S63, 300SEL 6.3 and 300SDL this coming year. I’ll be on the show field and at the track; I look forward to seeing you there. In the meantime, to all the members of this organization I love and whom I have had the honor of serving, thank you for your dedication and your friendship – and your support for the largest and best Mercedes-Benz enthusiast organization in the world, the MBCA.