2007-02-10 General Membership
BMWBMW General Membership Meeting
February 11, 2007
Secretary’s Report
The General Membership Meeting was held at 11:00 AM at the Hampton Inn, 11200 York Road , Hunt Valley , Maryland
Mike Enloe welcomed the members present, and new member Christine Bauer introduced herself.
Treasurer’s Report – In Elsie Smith’s absence, Jody read the Treasurer’s report and announced the $18, 298.51 balance in the club treasury. Members suggested that the money should be deposited in a money market account that would ensure accessibility and gather interest.
Mike reported that the club’s corporate status has been clarified with the DC Government. It was last filed in 1993, and will cost $700 to update. Elsie will now begin work on resolving the club’s tax status and filing the necessary information sheets. Mike explained that the club’s earnings are not consistently over $25,000/year, and thus no taxes are owed; however information sheets must be filed.
Membership – Since Don Catterton is currently working at the Timonium Bike Show, Mike reported that the 2007 membership directory will be mailed in the next two weeks. He reported that membership numbers remain consistent.
Editor – Bob Steele asked that members submit pictures, input and articles to him for publication in the BTS each month. He noted that the covers are now in color. He asked specifically for ride stories, either current or past, with pictures attached.
She has scheduled the March meeting at Morton’s at 3 PM; April’s meeting is tentatively scheduled for the fifteenth at Lap’s in Alexandria; May’s meeting will be held at Jed Hargrave’s farm on the first weekend in May; no meeting in June; and July’s meeting will be held on Saturday the twenty-first at Bob’s BMW, where the club will host a “Show ‘n Shine”.
Tech Committee Meeting – A Tech meeting will be held tomorrow night at Franklin’s Restaurant in Hyattsville, MD, and a tech session is set for March 31 at Open Road Outfitters, 45763 Elmwood Court, Unit 160, Sterling, VA.
While last year tech sessions were announced primarily on the Forum, this year the Tech Chair will note them in the BTS as well. The sessions have become very popular for performing technical functions and getting advice, and as social events.
Rides – Ed brought the awards from last year’s Tour for those members who were not at the holiday party. George VanMater got 60 of the 61 destinations. Lona Soules drew the best hand in Maryland
The Seasonal Ride is not yet ready, but will be based on the Maryland
Some members have requested another Great States Tour, so that will be planned for 2007 as well.
Safety – In James Monroe’s absence, Mike described the safety topics James is planning along with Billy Rutherford, and a safety class geared toward motorcyclists that will be presented this year.
Pam Fisher described the 18-hour Wilderness First Aid class she took. Though it was geared toward backpackers and canoeists, it was very informative and provided good information regarding assessing injuries, treating wounds, and sending for the right kind of assistance. The class is given each weekend and costs $250.
Website – Mike described Chris Uttenweiler’s work on a website redesign. The new website will allow the Committee Chairs and Board Members to post and edit their own information, has various modules that can be plugged in, and themes that can be changed at will. The site can also be segmented for members vs. non-members. He anticipates that the new website will be up in about a month, and will allow on-line registration through PayPal.
Government Affairs – Mike asked members to consider chairing this committee, with Todd Suda’s help. The club needs someone who is interested in what is going on locally and nationally that will affect the biking community, and who would bring issues to the Board.
Amendments to the Bylaws – Mike is proposing various changes to the Bylaws, and will publish them in the upcoming BTS. The changes will primarily change the time frame for presentation of the new slate of officers, and allow e-mail and mailed ballots. The changes will be in the March BTS, read at the March meeting, and voted on in the April meeting.
Goals for 2007 – Mike’s goals for this year include encouraging committee chairs to build committees and recruit assistance for their tasks, to improve communication among the chairs and members, reinvigorate government affairs, present safety programs, improve membership participation on the Board, and ensure speakers/programs for the meetings.
Mike reminded the members of the club’s objectives, and asked the members to let him know if they felt the club was not fulfilling any one of the five.
Basic Rider’s Course – The group discussed the possibility of presenting a BRC sponsored by the club, and offered to club members first. Mike explained that the club would employ trainers from VA or MD, and the club would not have any liability. Chaz Fisher, a certified instructor in Maryland
Square Route Rally – Jim presented a recap of prior years through pictures, and requested volunteers for several activities this year, including beer sales, set-up, registration, tech sessions, and clean-up. To volunteer, contact Jim Bade or Tina Fraembs.
Mileage Contest – Tim VanVranken is managing the mileage contest this year—send your beginning and ending mileage to him or to Anton Largiader.
Door Prizes were presented, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30.