At the Wheel

Gene Jurick, President

The Year So Far

Where has 2018 gone? This is the September-October issue of The Star and it seems like I was working on the January-February issue just yesterday. We still have a very full schedule of club activities planned for the rest of the year throughout the country. Some areas may just be coming into the perfect weather for these events, perfect weather that has eluded much of the country this year. Indeed, extreme weather conditions have caused delays of long-planned events. Check out your section list of activites: There is sure to be something excellent to do. You may even wish to branch out a bit; all MBCA events are open to all MBCA members. There are many very creative members doing innovative things across the United States. Moreover, checking out the possibilities could spark an event idea that may be a perfect fit for use in your section. You can find information in both The Star magazine and at www.mbca.org.

There is a lot happening at the national level of Mercedes-Benz Club of America. One very important event that affects all active members and needs your participation is the 2018 MBCA National Election. This year, there are four directors at large and six regional directors to be elected. Additionally, there is a proposed bylaw amendment that will need your vote, too.  For your convenience and voting efficiency, you will be able to vote online. If online voting is not a member’s preference, a printed ballot will be mailed upon request to the National Business Office; simply mail the ballot back to cast your vote. Statements from all candidates will be posted online at mbca.org and mailed out with on-request printed ballots. Electing the best national board of directors is important to ensure continued club growth and general excellent function.

Leadership at the national board level can be compared to the leadership at the section level. Sections with a leadership team that works in the interest of their fellow members tend to be sections that grow, prosper and enjoy member participation. And don’t forget: Section elections are just around the corner. Get involved, maybe run for office yourself. Even if you’re not quite ready for that step, be sure to vote in your section election, too. You will be surprised how good it feels and you will make a difference.

In recent issues, I’ve mentioned that we’re establishing a new Membership Committee with the intention of growing our membership by attracting new members and even more importantly, by retaining a higher proportion of our existing members. The committee has made significant progress in establishing its goals and direction. A first step was to develop a membership newsletter, which will offer ideas, proven-successful programs and possibly success testimonials in adding to the member experience. The newsletter will initially be published quarterly and be sent to all section presidents, section membership chairs, regional directors and directors at large, and then archived at the national website, where it will be available to all members. The goal is to share information and ideas that work with everyone in the loop who will be implementing – or supporting – actions taken by others. There is little question that the local section is the most important link in a healthy, growing club membership. There are many other steps being taken by the committee while working hand in glove with the executive director and the National Business Office. Social media is being tested, with promising results, and may become an important tool in growth. Your thoughts and ideas are very welcome; simply contact the Membership Committee (contact information is on page 99 of this issue).

Looking at my schedule for the remainder of the year, there is little question that my plate is pretty full. That is a good thing in that I will have the opportunity to communicate and be involved with section members and events around the country. Maybe I will even experience events and ideas to pass on to the Membership Committee. I am looking forward to seeing you at a future event.