Albany NY Local chapter start up invitation

[JohnD1956]

Okay, I went out on a limb, and searched the 2003 Roster for people who may live in the Albany NY area, and sent them an inquiry to see if there was enough interest in a local chapter. Since this was a manual search I just included areas I recogonized in and around Albany. That may mean some eligible people did not get these inquiry's. Also it definitely means people in Mass, and Vermont who may have found a chapter in Albany a viable option did not get an inquiry.

I apologize if I missed anyone and assure you it was not done on purpose.

Meanwhile, in the event there are any such people here, I would welcome you to respond to the inquiry. I have posted the text of the inquiry below for your convenience.

Again, I apologize if I missed anyone who I should have sent an inquiry to, and I look forward to working on a local chapter this year with you. The text follows:

Hello, from a fellow Buick Club of America member. I am writing to you today, along with 39 other members of the BCA in and around the Capital Region, to inquire if you are interested in forming a local chapter to the club. As you may know, there are several chapters in New York, none of which are very convenient to us. There's the Long Island chapter, and Syracuse, along with several between Connecticut and Massachusetts. However, there are 40 of us within one hours drive to the Albany area, and 40 members would make a nice sized chapter.

Of course, there are many more potential members as well. I tried to get to more shows and cruise nights this year than I have in the past, and I was surprised to see the number of Buicks at each show. I can't remember where I heard it, but someone told me that Buicks are the fastest appreciating collector vehicles in the USA right now. I hope it's true and speculate that it may be so because our cars have been so under appreciated and under valued for so long, yet they appear to be among the most reliable cars ever produced. However, I am getting ahead of myself here.

Right now, if there are a minimum of 10 of us with interest in a local chapter of the BCA, we can petition for a Charter. The only obligation for this is that each individual must be a currently active member of the BCA. Of course if we do start a chapter, we as a group would have a few more responsibilities, to ourselves. Things like selecting a name and a board of directors, as well as a policy statement, and various other organizing aspects of such a venture. This of course is part of the fun of a Local.

There are other things that would be fun as well, like caravanning to other local shows, meeting potential new members, gathering for a picnic, or a cruise excursion to some local attractions, and maybe traveling together to a Regional or National meet. This list could be endless, depending on the exuberance of the members of the Local.

So here is my proposal:

I would be glad to set up an initial meeting before the end of the third week in February for those interested in such a group. This meeting, depending on size, could be a Meet and Greet dinner, or lunch, or even less formal as a get together in my home in Glenville. Since this would initially be a working meeting to formulate a petition for a chapter, it does not have to be a long one.

Thereafter, if there is sufficient interest, I know where there is a stunning car collection in Schenectady for our second meeting. While not as formal as say the Saratoga Auto Museum, this collection is simply fabulous in it?s historical aspect. Many cars are from the teens, and this meeting would take quite a bit longer to conduct as there are roughly 30 cars to be inspected, along with hundreds pieces of memorabilia. I would be glad to arrange this visit as well and would try to set this up for a Saturday.

However, keep in mind that it is not free. The last time I went the curator charged $90.00 for access for the day regardless of the number of people attending. I imagine it is more now. So we?d have to find an equitable method to fund this activity. The best part of this place is you can bring your family, including kids that are old enough to respect the man?s property. You can see and touch the cars, but just like us, no one wants to see anything damaged. I would endeavor to set this up for no later than the third week in March.

After these two meetings the desires of the members would rule.

I have listed below three ways to contact me. Please feel free to do so if you want to join up, or if you want me to remove you from this list. No obligations or pressure from me. I just think it could be a lot of fun.

At this point you may be wondering how I got your name. For the record I found your address information in the 2003 Membership Roster issue. Besides your address, I took your BCA number and the e-mail address you had listed. I realize that some may no longer be interested in the Club, so I apologize for this intrusion and I would be glad to strike all your information from the address book I created for this letter. Naturally, in today?s society, you may be concerned about what I planned to do with the list I created. Let me assure you there are no plans to share the list or any information unless you want it to be shared. In this regard, I would like to know what information you want me to delete, and I would be happy to add anything I don?t currently list.

I look forward to your response, and to a Capital Region Local.

Very truly yours;

John De Fiore 3757

53 Harmon Road

Glenville, NY 12302

E mail: jld1972@empireone.net

Phone: 518 384 7807

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

John,

man now that's what I call taking the bull by the horns. Fantastic thing you're doing. Great work!!!!!

You may also want to post this in the "BCA-Events, Business and News".

[Guest my3buicks]

Hi John, I guess this confirms that you got the new chapter startup kit. Please keep me up to date and let me know if there is anything else you need. Best of luck, and Thanks for your enthusiasm.

[JohnD1956]

Great idea on the dual posts. I'll drop one over there as well. And thanks for the encouragement. I really apprciate it.

JohnD

[JohnD1956]

Hi Keith, yes, I did get the kit. I hope I read it right , that I need a minimum of ten BCA members to sign the petition just to get started, Right?

Right now I have 9 members and I just sent the letter this past Wednesday. This ought to be fun and interesting. I'll keep you advised on how we are proceeding.

John D

[Guest my3buicks]

That is correct John, sounds like things are well under way. Thanks for your efforts.

[JohnD1956]

Hi Keith, I have 11 possible members at this point. I am going to move forward and establish that first meeting. I was thinking I would use the Chapter/Division Inquiry Letter as the outline for the first agenda. Would you happen to have that in MS word or Wordperfect format so it could be e mailed to the potential members?

JohnD

[Guest my3buicks]

John, email me and I will email it to you.

[JohnD1956]

Hey there everybody.

The members of this potential Chapter will be meeting on Sunday, Feb 13th, 2 - 4 PM at Bennigans, on Rt 7 in Latham NY.

Feel free to e mail me at jld1972@empireone.net if you care to join us.

Note, spouses are included and the menu can be viewed at www.bennigans.com.

Thanks

JD