Guest BruceW Posted October 15, 2005 Share Posted October 15, 2005 In the past, I've never gotten too upset if a group..e.g. Museum Board.. doesn't immediately make a post on the DF in regards to a thread. We are lucky that our Executive Director Steve M. is an active participant of the DF and a proactive leader.Face it.. there are still many people.. probably more than we realize... that either still don't have a computer, or if they do, use it to surf the internet regularly. I don't think their job decription states that they have to monitor the world wide web 24 hours a day in case someone has a complaint. Granted, there have been some things accomplished because of posts made on the DF. But all the typing in a thread is wasted time if it doesnt get to the right people. It has to be brought to their attention. Hopefully, over the years, more and more board members from all of the AACA entities will be more computer literate and ..at least occasionaly... check in to see what is going on with the DF. But until then, there may be times that we need to be more proactive than just sitting behind a computer screen. Its great to talk about things in depth among ourselves.. but it amounts to little without positive action. I'm just saying that we should not be lazy and rely on a few posts on the internet to expect action. Do you think a telemarketer will hang up if someone doesn't answer immediately after the first ring? If the concern is great enough we need to inform all of the executive board via email, postal mail,phone calls and anything else that can get the concern across. The DF can be used to organize and initate such actions.If there us enough concern about the advertising of the Museum, then lets "rally round the flag" and do something to present the concern (on this matter or any other subject when needed)... in a polite and level headed way.... to the people that need to hear it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 15, 2005 Share Posted October 15, 2005 Bruce ~ Possibly your candidacy for the Library board is a waste of valuable talent. You should be a candidate for the Museum Board. You have ideas, obviously a great deal of interest in and support for the Museum and the ability and knowledge of a computer and how to use it to respond to the membership's questions and concerns. Don't waste your time and talent with the Library, get in there and help the Museum. Lord knows they need an enthusiastic communicator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted October 15, 2005 Share Posted October 15, 2005 Hey, I am not almost, I AM sorry I replied Ron. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I was sitting in on a meeting where those discussions were taking place so I chimed in. I will not be so quick in the future! Yep, there could be a small logo someplace, might be the best idea and I will forward it on. However, The Jones family visiting Chocolate World probably will not care one way or another. Oops, I said I'd shut up. I have been online trying to by a car in a live auction and they just took a 20 minute break. Not happy...sitting here all afternoon for one car which I probably will not get! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted October 15, 2005 Share Posted October 15, 2005 Notice to builder in Hershey area....Man needs extra addition to garage, quickly! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted October 15, 2005 Share Posted October 15, 2005 No, man lost the car. I am not sure I know what a car is worth anymore. I was very familiar with the car being sold and someone paid about $12,000 more than the going rate in Hemmings for better cars. I give.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 Boy, I'm with you on that one Steve. I saw some good friends pay far more for a car than I felt it was worth a few years back, but assumed that they just had to have <span style="font-weight: bold">THAT CAR</span> They recently sold it and made a tidy profit. I still don't think that even today it is worth what they paid back then.Maybe the time has come to thin my herd while there is more money than brains out there in Old Car World. But I would probably sell too cheap. hvs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olcarherb Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 So, did you get the car Steve? And what kind was it? (An Olds I'd bet - our newest orphan car!) Hey that IS what this hobby is (supposed) to be ALL about! Not the POLITICS of ANYTHING connected with the name AACA! Seriously, we'd like details about the car & auction.....Herb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 Hi Ron - Im on the Museum Board and read/participate regularly. think Steve covered Marketing 101 quite well. What would you like me to add? "dittos?" If you construe my (or anyone's) lack of response as not "giving a damn" they you've taken an unfortunate leap off the deep end. I've personally expended a lot of effort to maintain an AACA focus there and will continue to do so. I'll be more than glad to bring your concerns to any board meeting and feel this thread is important to underlining that that a strong relationship does exist. The Museum wouldnt be there if it were not for our members and I am grateful to everyone for their support.Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbarn Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 Terry, Thanks for your reply. I may be reacting to a situation that happened a long time ago when someone suggested that "AACA" be removed from the name "AACA Library & Research Center", a change I opposed then and would oppose again. If WE built it, and if WE are expected to keep it going, WE should be given a little credit - somewhere - even if John Q. does not currently know who WE is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 Glad I wasn't there when that idea surfaced-you know from our time together on the board that Im very protective of our logo and name. I agree completely that we want everyone to know whose museum that is on the hill, after all, the logo is pretty danged prominent in the foyer and throughout. Its something we can be proud of and in my opinion represents our "store-front" so there is much more we can do with marketing it properly. Even the fall meet suffers sometimes from identity probs - the average visitor doesnt realize that its really an AACA National Meet hosted by a hard working bunch of vols from the Hershey Region. You'll be pleased to know that the strategic planning you worked so hard to set into motion is still in motion. There are efforts underway to push the AACA name out into the public in a bigger way than ever before and we can be particularly thankful for Steve's knowledge in this area. He quite obviously "aced" marketing 101! Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 Steve has a lot of years of Headquarters mismanagement to overcome. It's hard work, but he is making super progress. hvs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
critterpainter Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 I was at Hershey and wanted to see the museum on Sat but I have NO IDEA where it is. I asked a couple of people but they just pointed and said...its over that way somewhere... How about a map with directions from the swap meet be included in the Hershey Fall Meet magazine Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Block Posted October 16, 2005 Author Share Posted October 16, 2005 BoyI did not mean to get you uys all upset, but to tell the truth, my Hershey roommate recommended doing the Museum. He and his girl friend did last year. Otherwise I would of could of easily missed it driving by it. But having been there once, I will be back next year AACA name or not.I want thanks all the people that put their heart and souls in production an outstnading exihibtion in the <span style="font-weight: bold">AACA Natioanl Museum </span> near Hershey.Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 Bruce, another thought could be:HERSHEY AUTO MUSEUM by AACA(or other name, maybe "ham" might not be too cool )Another alternative could be:"Someone's" Automotive Museum (with AACA's logo next to it)- It is only an example, not a suggestion. - I wasn't trying to upset the apple cart at all. Literature about an automotive museum, and the sign out front of the place should match. If you're looking at a piece of literature and it says antique auto museum, then I'm sure if you see AACA Museum the average person will probably drive by and keep driving.- During Hershey week, my dad and I had dinner at Applebees. While we were there, the waitress asked me "what does AACA stand for?" "the different waitresses here were all trying to figure it out, and I was wondering if you knew?"- This isn't a complaint, but if the people who live and work in Hershey don't know what AACA is, then how can you expect the tourists (non motorheads) to??- There is no way I'm finding fault at what anyone has done, but I also know that my $7 a year and $5 raffle tickets won't keep the place in the black. Perhaps between advertising and roadside signs, we might want to tell the people what the museum is. I'd hate to lose something because of a name that no one wanted to change because of their own pride.- The folks involved with the museum are a dedicated group of people, and I'd hate to see a lifetime of working and financial investments be lost in vain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 Pat ~ Bite your tongue. You will get us both shot. Now please go back and edit out that part. I want no part of even a tongue in cheek suggestion like that.Howard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 16, 2005 Share Posted October 16, 2005 Pat ~ On my last visit to Hershey, between the Vintage and Glidden Tours, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express down on Hershey Park Drive. At the hotel there was a very well prepared brochure in my room listing all services, etc. <span style="font-weight: bold">AND</span> a one or two page listing of activities in the area.Noticeably absent, to my mind at least, was the AACA Museum, or the Antique Automobile Museum of Hershey, or whatever the heck it is called. You would think that one of the duties of one of those highly compensated staff members at the Taj Mahal on the Hill would be to get the name out in places like hotel activities directories. Just one contributing member's opinion.hvs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novaman Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 You mean the highly compensated staff member is actually to do something? Wow, what a concept!! Especially with today's employee's atitudes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnMyer Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 As a member of the Board of the AACA Museum, I haven't looked at the forum each day and just now read the thread concerning the AACA Museum and those who visited the place during the Hershey week. I want to thank Steve for answering many of the comments that were posted. Also Terry, for weighing in with responses. Just getting back form Hershey last Monday, taking care of some related hurricane damge, still involved in a small business and getting my car ready for the Paltaka Tour has kept me plenty busy for the last few days.The comments on this thread are noted and I apologize in not answering sooner I believe Steve has answered the reasons the Board placed the shotened name on the advertising. Perhaps there is a better name, as Dan and Ron have suggested and we will explore other possibilities. But don't expect overninight changes, it took two years to get the good people at HERCO to alllow the AACA Museum to place advertising at Chocolate World, where nearly everyone who comes to the HersheyPark, visits.The museum does have rack cards at all Hershey and surrounding area motels. I stayed at Howard Johnson in Harrisburg and I did find the Museum rack card there with a map explaining the Museum location. Apparently the 3,700 people who visited the Museum during Hershey week were able to find our location!The AACA Museum has now been open just over two years. Have we done everything right? No, we haven't, but we are trying. We got a lot of kudos from those who visited the museum last week, but we know that there are areas that need changes and by posting your positive comments, we will try to get all of these corrected, within our abilities. So keep your positive comments coming and we will try to respond to your satisfaction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 John --- I want it known by all that I have no involvement in Pat Thorpe's rather outlandish mention of my name in connection with the museum. I have requested both to the poster and a moderator that that part of the post be removed.I find the entire suggestion embarrassing. I may be a rabble rouser, but I am not a glory seeker. hvs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 The car was a 1903 Curved Dash. It was restored 28 years ago by a friend you know in Minn. It apparently has had less that 10 miles put on it since the restoration. The car had no fenders or lights (totally acceptable) and no top either. Herb, you are well aware of what these cars have been bringing lately and this one brought $35,000! I am happy for the buyer and seller but there have been several for sale this past year for far less. It was at Vanderbrink auctions...a unrestored Maxwell brought $19,000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Brenda Shore Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 Howard,So edited. Brenda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Green Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 Quote; "I was at Hershey and wanted to see the museum on Sat but I have NO IDEA where it is."From living here that has been my gripe since the museum has opened. Finally there is a sign now on Hersheypark drive thanks to HERCO I presume. Many of the locals can't find the place let alone people from out of town though there seems to be more advertising now then ever. I suggested to one of the museum members at the beginning of sharing or renting a billboard by the tourist trap Indian Echo Caverns. They average 1,000 visitors a day. Having run into him at the Hershey meet he stated they were thinking about a billboard.I for one am just happy to see a sign promoting the museum, no matter what its called. And for those driving by it should be easy to figure out it is a antique car museum by the description on the marque and the old cars sitting out front. As someone once said "if you build it they will come". Lets help them find the place with a few more signs and brochures in the local hotels. Is someone in charge of refilling the brochures when they run out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 Thank you ever so much, Brenda. Howard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 I find it interesting that the two Museum Board members who have responded to our concerns voiced on this forum, are both either current or past AACA Board members, Terry Bond with 9 years service or John Myer who retired from the Board after 12 years service. I suppose it takes service on the AACA Board for Museum Board members or managers to realize where this Museum came from and that it owes a debt to the AACA and its members. Part of that debt is to keep us informed and address our concerns.As for me personally, the reason I raise hell from time to time is that I put quite a few dollars into that Museum at the very beginning as well as inducing others to make contributions based on a matching gift challenge, and I would very much like to see it survive and prosper.hvs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Niezabitowski Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 The Museum should take a cue from the Train Collectors Association. They advertise it as the "Toy Train Museum" but when you visit you have no doubt about it belonging to TCA. Ordinary visitors have no idea what "TCA" is so for advertising purposes it works very well. They let members and family in for no charge by the way. The AACA Museum is first class, and is set up along the lines of the Peterson Museum in LA. Iy is also a pleasant refuge from the tons of HERCO advertising all over Hershey.It has every chance of suceeding if properly promoted, and promotion gets better every year. The Hilton Garden Inn had plenty of info in the rack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted October 17, 2005 Share Posted October 17, 2005 Thanks Brenda. It never was an intention to put Howard in a bad spot. I have privately e-mailed him and apologized. It was only an example of Howard has done a lot over the years, his name came to mind, and it is easy to spell. I respect Howard enough to where I wouldn't intentionally do anything to upset him.John, thank you for your reply. The museum is a great thing, every time I'm in the area, I try to stop, and there's never been a time where my visit wasn't enjoyable. I know that there are a lot of people who have poored a lot of time, money and heart into the place, and I'd hate to see anyone's labor be done in vain. My concern is that maybe with the name, people may be out there who can't identify with the name to understand that is a car museum. For every person who is not in AACA who enters the doors of that museum, it would be nice that as a club that we could impress them enough to visit again, and perhaps even join AACA. For every person we gain, that is one more person to contribute and start to ease the burden put on some people who have already given so much to the musuem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novaman Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 Here is a basic idea for a 14'x 48' billboard shared with someone else. To be honest, I don't recall evedr seeing a sign for the museum while at Hershey. If there is a differnt size or shape, let me know the deminsions and I'll see what I can come up with.Forgive any typos, I'm rushing to do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnMyer Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 Novaman:I like your suggestion about the billboard showing a picture of the Museum and featuring an antique vehicle. It is an idea that we might be able to use. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 I also believe a billboard is a necessity - great suggestion Novaman!Howard-did you know there are some great auto museums in Scotland?Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novaman Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 typical billboard sizes are 14'x48, 12'x25', 6'x12', bus sizes: 30"x144", 30"x88", 21"x70", signs like those at transit shelters 46"x67". Something similar could be done for those blue info signs like they have for food and gas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 Excellent idea David. It's great that John and Terry from the Museum Board are looking in here on the Forum. A lot can be learned when people come out of their self imposed ivory tower and see what others think. Might be good if more of them did.hvs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizzyDale Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 Dear David,Great idea on the sign....ONLY thing that would make it better is TWO 39 Zephyrs.diz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 David, looks like you had the Marketing 102 class!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Keep the ideas coming!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Green Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 David, your design looks great, hopefully the idea finally sinks in. May even want to consider one in Lancaster right down the road as they are infested with tourist and the capitol of PA is right around the corner. The museum is the best kept secret here locally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 ...or on a billboard heading out of Harrisburg Airport in the direction towards Hershey.It does look nice. Depending on how long you kept the billboard up you could use a photo of a current exhibit, or of one of the cars that you'll actually see when you enter the museum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BruceW Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 and maybe I-83 north, somewhere between the state line and Harrisburg....Maryland isn't that far away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Green Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 Or Gettysburg which is right up the road and is a tourist haven year around. Many people that visit the area go to both areas since they are so close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BruceW Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 thats true Ron.. there is the national Historic Battle Field Park there for warm weather an skiing close by for cold weather.....Can figure that any signs placed on both North and Southbound on I-83 and I-81....and East and Westbound on Rt. 30 and Rt 283 are a plus that covers the main arteries through the area as far as outer distances go. Rts 23, 322, 422, and 743 are good prospects for nearer to the Museum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave@Moon Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Something similar could be done for those blue info signs like they have for food and gas. </div></div> The legal term for these signs is "Specific Service Signs". They are generally very reasonable, especially for "attractions" (as opposed to gas/lodging/food businesses). I could not find a specific fee schedule online for PA, but as a comparison in Indiana they charge "attractions" $62.00/month per "mainline sign", with an additional $10/month per "ramp sign" or "trailblazing sign" (which I assume are those that you see at intersections beyond the intertate). In IN those prices are doubled for businesses. PA probably has a different fee schedule, and there may be considerations for non-profit attractions as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Green Posted October 18, 2005 Share Posted October 18, 2005 Lamar Advertising is the player in this area. Seems they are the company that is buying everyone up. Billboards, though a great way to advertise has to be expensive, at least in a tourist trap area.http://www.lamar.com/main/default.cfm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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