Gulf Coast Chapter Status?

[MolenaarE]

Let me state up front it was never intended to cause discontent when starting this thread as was posted later, but to hope that we could bring the Chapter back together.

It really is a shame to see what a change in leadership did to the Chapter after all the hard work Ric put into getting the GCC organized. None of the Charter members I see on a regular basis has ever been notified about the previously mentioned functions or to pay annual dues to keep the chapter active. After Eustis, it seemed there might have been a chance to revive what we started when a small group was willing to step up into leadership positions. That was harshly shot down and you see what has happened since.

There may no longer be a Gulf Coast Chapter under which some of the best AMCA members in Florida can assemble, but we still get together every weekend to help each other with current projects. Whether it's cleaning and parkerizing parts, tearing down a motor, or getting one more picture for that new book, we always have a good time. Isn't that what it's all about anyway?

[shelbyinparadise]

Let me state up front it was never intended to cause discontent when starting this thread as was posted later, but to hope that we could bring the Chapter back together.

It really is a shame to see what a change in leadership did to the Chapter after all the hard work Ric put into getting the GCC organized. None of the Charter members I see on a regular basis has ever been notified about the previously mentioned functions or to pay annual dues to keep the chapter active. After Eustis, it seemed there might have been a chance to revive what we started when a small group was willing to step up into leadership positions. That was harshly shot down and you see what has happened since.

There may no longer be a Gulf Coast Chapter under which some of the best AMCA members in Florida can assemble, but we still get together every weekend to help each other with current projects. Whether it's cleaning and parkerizing parts, tearing down a motor, or getting one more picture for that new book, we always have a good time. Isn't that what it's all about anyway?

Ed you make so many good points it is hard to know where to start. You and your circle of friends that have steadfastly stood by Bruce's side while he strives to provide the Antique Motorcycle World the best possible reference book for all to enjoy is such a noble effort. All of you need to be recognized for your efforts and friendships.

One of the National Clubs stated goals is to support all phases of Antique Motorcycles and research for restorations is every much as important, as riding, showing or just gathering for a few minutes sharing our love of the old motorcycles. Anyone with money can buy an old motorcycle and feel important enough to become a National Leader, But with us older folks are dying off, it is equally important for the knowledge of the old school mechanics, parts people, machinists, painters, and craftspeople of many trades, be preserved. There is plenty of room for three Chapters with different views of what is important to the members.

Any Chapter Leaders must take into account the interest, and ability's of the members, to be sure the events are planned across the spectrum of interests of the members, and no one is left out of the planning of events due to physical abilities, work demands, family issues, and many other day to day items. Meetings of importance to membership should be widely discussed with all members before any actions are taken by a few. Just saying we are going to have elections in a couple of days in a hastily called meeting is not due process or in any form correct from a fairness point of view of those that could not attend.

Leaders should at least contact members for input before taking actions that change the course of the Chapter. Again stating that the Tampa Bay Chapter was formed by a close group of people that are heavy into the restoration process, working on old motorcycles and the sharing of friendships, is being overlooked by some that have the narrow view that if you do not attend a "ride" you loose your voice. Rides should not be planned for days that known swap meets or other events would decrease attendance to meetings. Items discussed on Rides should be posted for all members to be aware of issues needing input.

A formal verbal request for help from the Director of Chapters was again made by me yesterday about improper interference with the Chapter by Both a national Board Member and current president of chapter for desertion of duty to Chapter, according to P&P and Bylaws governing the duties of officers in a Not For Profit Social Club.

It is easy to ignore a problem when there is more important work to be done like helping Bruce with his research work and book, and all his friends and supporters deserve better support from the AMCA than is currently being shown. All this talk of it only takes 8 members to form a chapter, it is also true it only takes one officer to kill or dampen all interest in being involved. Just my opinion, from one of the few dues paid members. lack of trust has kept many from renewing their membership.

Keep up the good work Ed and friends. Shelby

[shelbyinparadise]

It looks like the formal verbal request for help from Director of Chapters has produced a Email from Jack calling a meeting of members,

" The Gulf Coast Chapter is having a meeting at
Lakeland Harley Davidson, 4202 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33805 on Saturday, June 28th. at 2:00pm.
The meeting room is on the second floor of the dealership.
With your help, we can kick this thing back in gear.
Please try to attend. Questions call 239-851-7492.
If I miss your call I will call you back. Going to Rhinebeck this week so phone will be off during flights there(Thursday 6/12)
and back(Sunday 6/15 in the am)."

I urge all interested parties attend and have a civil discussion of how to move the Chapter forward. The Officers and Board of Directors serve at the will of the Members, and if the past 8 months is not enough proof that some officers have neglected their duty to the chapter, people are just ignoring they have the power to change things. A call for new elections by all members, present or not, call for nominations or volunteers put forward for a later vote. Requirement for all officers to have read bylaws, National P&P, and Florida not for profit statutes, so they will be aware of the requirements and duties of protecting the Not For Profit Status of Gulf Coast Chapter, should be suggested.

There are so many great nationally known people that started this chapter, to have these diverse personality's pulling this Chapter back on track for all the members common interests, road runs, Swap meets, social gatherings, exchange of knowledge, mentoring and just a friendly way to be around those people who's enjoy the hobby/obsession that is the Antique Motorcycle Club.

I ask all interested people attend this meeting, join the Tampa Bay area chapter and be a part of what could be the best Chapter in Florida. Charter Member Shelby, dues paid for 2014

[shelbyinparadise]

It looks like the formal verbal request for help from Director of Chapters has produced a Email from Jack calling a meeting of members,

" The Gulf Coast Chapter is having a meeting at
Lakeland Harley Davidson, 4202 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33805 on Saturday, June 28th. at 2:00pm.
The meeting room is on the second floor of the dealership.
With your help, we can kick this thing back in gear.
Please try to attend. Questions call 239-851-7492.
If I miss your call I will call you back. Going to Rhinebeck this week so phone will be off during flights there(Thursday 6/12)
and back(Sunday 6/15 in the am)."

I urge all interested parties attend and have a civil discussion of how to move the Chapter forward. The Officers and Board of Directors serve at the will of the Members, and if the past 8 months is not enough proof that some officers have neglected their duty to the chapter, people are just ignoring they have the power to change things. A call for new elections by all members, present or not, call for nominations or volunteers put forward for a later vote. Requirement for all officers to have read bylaws, National P&P, and Florida not for profit statutes, so they will be aware of the requirements and duties of protecting the Not For Profit Status of Gulf Coast Chapter, should be suggested.

There are so many great nationally known people that started this chapter, to have these diverse personality's pulling this Chapter back on track for all the members common interests, road runs, Swap meets, social gatherings, exchange of knowledge, mentoring and just a friendly way to be around those people who's enjoy the hobby/obsession that is the Antique Motorcycle Club.

I ask all interested people attend this meeting, join the Tampa Bay area chapter and be a part of what could be the best Chapter in Florida. Charter Member Shelby, dues paid for 2014

Only a few days left for everyone to make their plans to attend this meeting, Past President Ric will be flying in for this important event and needs all the support he can get to help save the chapter from the neglect it has suffered since he handed over control to a National Board Member thinking the Chapter would be in good hands. For whatever reasons the Chapter has suffered from lack of leadership and action for the Chapter Members. Issues such as Eustis Support, scheduling of meetings to maximize attendance, and being broad focused to all members interests, not just events attended by a few.

Be prepared to pay your dues before any votes if it comes to that.

I personally will continue with the Vintage Motorcycle Alliance involvement With Destination Eustis Swap meet and Antique Motorcycle Week for those members so inclined to enjoy the well established tradition so many AMCA members worked so hard to Start and Grow the first 16 years. During that time I was only a happy Vendor, before politics changed everything. I wish the Chapter members The best for the future. Shelby Withrow, Membership and Events Director of Cherokee Chapter in Texas, Charter Member Gulf Coast Chapter

[shelbyinparadise]

Let me state up front it was never intended to cause discontent when starting this thread as was posted later, but to hope that we could bring the Chapter back together.

It really is a shame to see what a change in leadership did to the Chapter after all the hard work Ric put into getting the GCC organized. None of the Charter members I see on a regular basis has ever been notified about the previously mentioned functions or to pay annual dues to keep the chapter active. After Eustis, it seemed there might have been a chance to revive what we started when a small group was willing to step up into leadership positions. That was harshly shot down and you see what has happened since.

There may no longer be a Gulf Coast Chapter under which some of the best AMCA members in Florida can assemble, but we still get together every weekend to help each other with current projects. Whether it's cleaning and parkerizing parts, tearing down a motor, or getting one more picture for that new book, we always have a good time. Isn't that what it's all about anyway?

Ed, I have heard from several attendees of the recent meeting at Bruce Palmers house that a good number of members attended and progress was made with you volunteering to do newsletter for the Chapter and promises of better communication with our current officers. I still have not received any email updates on the direction the Chapter is taking or what was discussed during the meeting. I am guessing there has been no emails to members except the notice of the last two meetings that Jack sent out, which I did receive. Are the meeting minutes going to be posted in Newsletter?

[shelbyinparadise]

Ed you make so many good points it is hard to know where to start. You and your circle of friends that have steadfastly stood by Bruce's side while he strives to provide the Antique Motorcycle World the best possible reference book for all to enjoy is such a noble effort. All of you need to be recognized for your efforts and friendships.

One of the National Clubs stated goals is to support all phases of Antique Motorcycles and research for restorations is every much as important, as riding, showing or just gathering for a few minutes sharing our love of the old motorcycles. Anyone with money can buy an old motorcycle and feel important enough to become a National Leader, But with us older folks are dying off, it is equally important for the knowledge of the old school mechanics, parts people, machinists, painters, and craftspeople of many trades, be preserved. There is plenty of room for three Chapters with different views of what is important to the members.

Any Chapter Leaders must take into account the interest, and ability's of the members, to be sure the events are planned across the spectrum of interests of the members, and no one is left out of the planning of events due to physical abilities, work demands, family issues, and many other day to day items. Meetings of importance to membership should be widely discussed with all members before any actions are taken by a few. Just saying we are going to have elections in a couple of days in a hastily called meeting is not due process or in any form correct from a fairness point of view of those that could not attend.

Leaders should at least contact members for input before taking actions that change the course of the Chapter. Again stating that the Tampa Bay Chapter was formed by a close group of people that are heavy into the restoration process, working on old motorcycles and the sharing of friendships, is being overlooked by some that have the narrow view that if you do not attend a "ride" you loose your voice. Rides should not be planned for days that known swap meets or other events would decrease attendance to meetings. Items discussed on Rides should be posted for all members to be aware of issues needing input.

A formal verbal request for help from the Director of Chapters was again made by me yesterday about improper interference with the Chapter by Both a national Board Member and current president of chapter for desertion of duty to Chapter, according to P&P and Bylaws governing the duties of officers in a Not For Profit Social Club.

It is easy to ignore a problem when there is more important work to be done like helping Bruce with his research work and book, and all his friends and supporters deserve better support from the AMCA than is currently being shown. All this talk of it only takes 8 members to form a chapter, it is also true it only takes one officer to kill or dampen all interest in being involved. Just my opinion, from one of the few dues paid members. lack of trust has kept many from renewing their membership.

Keep up the good work Ed and friends. Shelby

Elections were held recently, and George Tsunis was elected as Vice President and all indications are he plans to help get this Chapter back on track. Problems still exist, I personally talked to Jack at start of the Cannonball, very open conversation about his time to devote to Chapter business was very limited, that returning emails and phone calls had been slow. I mention to him as a board member of a very active Chapter, how important it was for a Chapter Board to have a leading role in the chapter events and enthusiasm.

A request for a list of paid members went unanswered, and many members are reluctant to send in their dues for lack of financial statement from the Board, The News Letter editor does not have a list to email out to members, and has been required to send it to President for distribution and editing. Topics of discussions at the previous Chapter Meeting at Bruce's House were omitted from the newsletter. There is no evidence that The Board has sent in the Membership list to Director of Chapters, Fred Davis, that is required before the March meeting of the National Board. There is no report if the Chapter is current with IRS filings.

I wish George, Well, in his new position, Board members Gerry Lyons, Bruce Palmer and Newsletter Editor, Ed Molenaar along with past President Ric and many members are ready to help get this Chapter back active and fun. Shelby Withrow, Charter Member

[shelbyinparadise]

Elections were held recently, and George Tsunis was elected as Vice President and all indications are he plans to help get this Chapter back on track. Problems still exist, I personally talked to Jack at start of the Cannonball, very open conversation about his time to devote to Chapter business was very limited, that returning emails and phone calls had been slow. I mention to him as a board member of a very active Chapter, how important it was for a Chapter Board to have a leading role in the chapter events and enthusiasm.

A request for a list of paid members went unanswered, and many members are reluctant to send in their dues for lack of financial statement from the Board, The News Letter editor does not have a list to email out to members, and has been required to send it to President for distribution and editing. Topics of discussions at the previous Chapter Meeting at Bruce's House were omitted from the newsletter. There is no evidence that The Board has sent in the Membership list to Director of Chapters, Fred Davis, that is required before the March meeting of the National Board. There is no report if the Chapter is current with IRS filings.

I wish George, Well, in his new position, Board members Gerry Lyons, Bruce Palmer and Newsletter Editor, Ed Molenaar along with past President Ric and many members are ready to help get this Chapter back active and fun. Shelby Withrow, Charter Member

With the GGC President Jack Stauffer now a Director on the National Board and will be so active there, maybe there is hope that the Gulf Coast Chapter will be able to reorganize around the active members and newly elected officers. We wish the best for Jack and Kelli as they travel the country on important National Board Business with expenses paid, It's amazing that when some one else is paying all of a sudden there appears to be more free time. Maybe all he will be required to do is to vote the way the National Board wants, although he has been slow to answer emails from Gulf Coast Chapter officers or members. When Jack and I talked back in Daytona in September, he told me that he was just to busy to be more involved with local Chapter, but from the timing of this conversation he was already working on becoming a National Board Member.

Gloria and I have always had a good friendly relationship with Jack and Kelli as customers at swap meets we vended at before the Eustis spilt and I personally have no issue with them except difference of opinion with Florida matters involving the Gulf Coast Chapters future. Shelby