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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Eastern States Survey [message #232577 is a reply to message #232564] |
Sat, 07 December 2013 16:55   |
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Kerry,
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. So, here goes and might as well
make some truth known.
First, there are "technical clubs" and "social clubs". GMC Eastern States,
Western States, and Motorhomes International are in the technical
grouping. That means that the object of their rallies/conventions is to
hold seminars. The rest of the clubs are primarily social in nature. They
donıt cover a large, geographical area and don't plan rallies with
presentations as the main agenda. Of course, discussion on all things GMC
goes on regardless.
Now, about GMCES in particular. GMCES was begun in 2003 by an enthusiastic
group of GMCers that had become disgruntled with the way GMCMI was
operating then. GMC Western States was already in existence. For a few
years the enthusiasm was carrying the group, membership was in excess of
140, and there were volunteers willing to supply leadership.
Then, a respected individual took over as the convention manager for GMCMI
and turned that organization around. Within a couple of years leadership
of GMCES was getting tired and no knew leaders were stepping forward. By
October 2007 a move was made to disband GMCES. That decision was presented
a bit hastily and failed.
Two years later things looked a bit discouraging and a more formal
procedure was implemented to bring about a merger of GMCES to GMCMI. (At
this point GMCES had a large treasury as well as other physical assets
that were deemed to be of some value; sound system, video projector,
coffee urns, etc.). The Spring 2009 rally was where the discussion was
held. Again, the membership voted to keep going and a new leadership team
took over. Also, at this point membership had dropped to nearly 75 but,
within 18 months, is was back up to 100.
Since that point attendance at semiannual rallies has decreased. Finding
leadership is, again, an issue. And, as far as I'm concerned, commitment
is waning. Enthusiasm is there but enthusiasm doesn't conduct seminars,
plan events, and produce technical material. Heck, it doesn't take an
office, either. Enthusiasm just creates a lot of noise. Of course, couple
this with sympathy and good memories and the interest in keeping the club
up and going remains.
I served as president for two years and have been the newsletter/web
editor since October of 2007. I've given of my time and energy so I feel I
have a right to make the observation just provided. Of course, there are
others who have given an equal amount of time and attention to providing
leadership to GMCES but, in reality, we humans get tired and feel it's
only fair that others take their turn.
At the membership meeting in Branson (not that Dixielanders were invited
to attend) the question was raised asking if it was time to put the horse
out of it's misery. The survey is the result of that meeting.
As I see it, it's time to make the hard decision and move on. The
technical information can roll over to another organization that'll keep
them open and available. By all members east of the Rockies having one
technical club to support GMCMI stands to benefit.
However, as I see it, GMCES has a chance if it morphs into something
different. That could involve having a summer rally or something else not
being done by any other group. If the social clubs would get behind this
effort (summer rally) and work cooperatively with Eastern States I'd
predict the venture could be highly successful and give a new lease on
life to GMCES. But, to continue down the same path will mean the perpetual
issue of questioning a reason for existence.
Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
ATTENTION: This reply is in reference to what is provided below
>
>
>I guess I don't understand the purpose of the survey? I'm still
>relatively new remember.
>
>I'm a prospective member and intended to join for next GMCES year. Now
>I'm confused.
>
>I missed the Eastern states meeting at Branson because I didn't know that
>Dixielanders were invited.
>
>What is the backstory behind the questions? I don't understand what is
>meant by 'exclusively technical group' and what the alternative is.
>
>I THOUGHT, but perhaps am wrong, is that GMCES is kind of a super
>umbrella group covering the various more restricted regional groups like
>DixieLanders, Sunshine Statesmen, Crabs, Midwest Classics, etc??? As
>such, I assumed (and we all know what that means) that in addition to
>hosting combined rallies across the EASTERN STATES, GMCES was the
>repository for technical 'stuff' from GMCES members and member clubs.
>Right, wrong, none of the above???
>
>I will say this...slightly off topic perhaps. Eastern States Technical
>documents were invaluable to me as a new member and continue to be.
>Further, if the technical content was not available to non-members (ala
>GMCMI), it's safe to say that I would not be involved with the GMC
>community. After I bought the coach that will become a car hauler, what
>led me to buy our Eleganza and start participating was the availability
>and sharing of information that I found. Hiding our lights under a
>basket is not going to promote the GMC world to the heathen masses and I
>THINK that is the reason most of this stuff is done in the first place
>based on the presenters I've talked to. IMO, going private is the best
>way to strangle the marque.
>
>I guess what I'm saying is regardless of what does or does not happen to
>GMCES, I hope that the technical information remains in a open
>environment.
>--
>Kerry Pinkerton
>
>North Alabama, near Huntsville,
>
>77 Eleganza II, "The Lady", 403CI, also a 76 Eleganza being re-bodied as
>an Art Deco car hauler
>_______________________________________________
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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