1937hd45 Posted September 22, 2006 Share Posted September 22, 2006 Has anyone else wondered how many of the people that come to the Hershey Meet are AACA members? Do we get a fair amount of new members at the meet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter J.Heizmann Posted September 22, 2006 Share Posted September 22, 2006 Another question to add, Bob: "how many vendors ask potential customers, while they have one's attention" if they are AACA Members and "instruct them how to join so future generations will carry the AACA torch"? It would benefit future vendors and the AACA to keep the hobby going forward after we are history.Just wondering...Peter J... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted September 22, 2006 Share Posted September 22, 2006 Not nearly enough! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> It is really a shame that so many people come to Hershey <span style="font-weight: bold">every</span> year but are not members. We are doing our best to convince them to sign up! We do get new members though and are very thankful for the opportunity. We have membership areas on the Chocolate and Green Fields this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted sweet Posted September 22, 2006 Share Posted September 22, 2006 a know a few vendors that are members just to vend there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted September 23, 2006 Share Posted September 23, 2006 My dad and I have been coming to Hershey off and on since 1973. Up until 5 years ago neither my father and I were members. We initially joined so we could enter on the showfield a car at Hershey. Now that we're in, we've had a ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenie Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Something that always puzzles me: With all those potential members walking around-there is little attempt made to recruit them as members. I would think a few short messages over the public address system- explaining the benefits of membership-might move a few hundred over to the AACA tents. I honestly believe 75% of those who attend think this is just "Carlisle West" and it's put on each year by the Hershey Company. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sparky65 Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 I have to say as one that has gone to hershey for years and is not an AACA member the question is why join unless you are going to show your car? I understand you get the bimonthly magazine but i have even less incentive becouse i just read my dads. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> what are the other benifits? I may join this year since i want to learn how judgeing is done since i plan to show in the future. To me there isn't many benifits unless you are showing a car, most people are two busy to activily participate in there local clubs so there is no incentive to join. By the way Hershey is better then carlisle becouse they only charge you to park its free to get in. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shop Rat Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 One wonderful benefit is access to the information available from the AACA Library if someone is restoring a car. It is a great source for factory documentation which can come in handy not only for restoring cars but when you get into having a car judged. Copies of that information are available for a reasonable fee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Green Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Quote; "why join unless you are going to show your car"It's the people you meet and develop lifelong friendships with who have the same interests.If you have gone to old car events especially Hershey for years and haven't experienced the comradery chances are you never will. The old cars get us together and the friendships keep us together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Zwicker Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 IDEA? Maybe the AACA should promote this to all of their members who are vendors at Hershey. The AACA could furnish a camera-ready flyer (could be one page 8.5" x 11") to each vendor, along with the rules and maps sent with the stickers. Flyer would promote the AACA and have membership information and an "order blank" on the bottom of the flyer (kind of like a mail-in coupon). Many responsible vendors would be happy to reproduce these flyers on their copy machines and distribute them at the show. (I do not suggest that the AACA send out the flyers in bulk, due to high postage costs). I may offer this suggestion to the AACA this winter and may furnish a proposed draft of this flyer for their consideration. This would be a very low-cost method of getting the message out on our fine organization. I have been a life member since the 1970s and attending Hershey every year since 1974. Each year at Hershey, I see more and more "gray hairs" and not as many youngsters as in past years. (Too much time on the computers and no time for antique car restoration or Herhsey). If we want to preserve the hobby and our club, we need to constantly put out the message, so that we can attract more members. What better place than Hershey for such a program? (Later this same method could be used at other AACA events). Any other ideas?Fred Zwicker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Binger Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 RonIf these people don't want to be part of AACA it is their loss. I just wish that they would not criticize AACA and have all these things that they think we should do to chance it. Just look at this forum - - -there are a lot of folks on here that don't belong to AACA but feel that they have to tell us how to run our club. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Fred,Great idea. We actually have a one page flyer that was developed courtesy of the folks at National Parts Depot. Fusick Automotive, Dennis Carpenter, Coker Tire and NPD have been sending these out this year with orders. We will be working on expanding this idea and maybe vendors at the Fall Meet might be a great idea.Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shop Rat Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Steve, I just can't remember, are there any kind of "up in the air" type signs/ballons etc. over the membership huts to mark where they are? If not then the national might want to do something like that. The huts are small and brown if I remember correctly and they kind of fade into the background. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Maybe something to make them really stand out?!?!? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 No small and brown huts!? Not sure what you are talking about. Our two membership areas this year are in brand new sheds we have rented. There will be signs available as well...balloons are something we have investigated but so far costs and hassles involving helium fill, etc. have caused us to pull back the trigger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Green Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 I have been trying to get my brother to join for years. Last year he stood in the membership line and decided they were to long so he would come back, which he didn't. So whatever AACA is doing at Hershey it must be working.This year once again he will be riding with me in the 55 to the show field. If he doesn't show me a AACA membership card he will have to walk home. That's going to be my recruiting method for him. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shop Rat Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Great news about the new sheds this year for the membership drive. For some reason I remembered they were sort of small and brown in past years. I worked in one several years ago when they had the Get a New Member drive to earn prizes.I can certainly understand not wanting to fork out big bucks for ballons/helium. Hmmm..wonder if the AACA could get some local business to sponsor them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sparky65 Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Quote; "why join unless you are going to show your car"It's the people you meet and develop lifelong friendships with who have the same interests.If you have gone to old car events especially Hershey for years and haven't experienced the comradery chances are you never will. The old cars get us together and the friendships keep us together. </div></div>Thats just it you dont have to be a member to meet people. I have always meet people while at hershey and other car shows and membership isn't required. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />I have to admit the Library would be a very good reason to join but it isn't close to every one and now so much information can be found online. Of course not everything is avalable online but with discussion forums like this and others there are other ways to find information besides going to the library.Yes another reason to join would be if you actually wanted a voice in the clubs direction but some of us are perfictly happy with it the way it is and would probably be to lazy to vote for officers even if we were members. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter J.Heizmann Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 Hi, Sparky... <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thats just it you dont have to be a member to meet people. I have always meet people while at hershey and other car shows and membership isn't required. I have to admit the Library would be a very good reason to join but it isn't close to every one and now so much information can be found online. Of course not everything is avalable online but with discussion forums like this and others there are other ways to find information besides going to the library.Yes another reason to join would be if you actually wanted a voice in the clubs direction but some of us are perfictly happy with it the way it is and would probably be to lazy to vote for officers even if we were members. </div></div> My advise, based upon your comment above, would be to visit the AACA tent, the Library tent, and, hopefully, the Membership booths at Hershey. One can banter back and forth all day on a forum, however, you could benefit by talking with our representatives at Hershey in person. Give it a try, Sparky.Regards,Peter J... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCHinson Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 The reason to join, in my opinion, is the advantage of getting to know other knowledgeble people in a local club setting. We not only have fun times together, but we help each other out as well.I'll try to leave out the extraneous details to keep it short but.....I once had a problem with a Model A that would not start after the head gasket had been replaced. Being born in 1960, I had to read all of the manuals to try to figure out how to do any work on the car and to figure out what was wrong. After pulling my hair out for about 3 days, working hour after hour trying every thing I could read about to get it going, I called Joe Craig, a local chapter member (who is old enough to remember when the Model A was called "The New Ford"). Joe stopped by a short time later. After about 5 minutes the car was running and Joe was adjusting the carburetor. The people that I have met in our local chapter help each other out like that all the time. I enjoy being able to help other members out now. That is what this club is about! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sparky65 Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Give it a try, Sparky.</div></div>Dont worry i will talk to them at hershey and will most likely join since i want to start to learn how to judge and i hope my car will be done soon enough to enter in a show. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 Steve,With you being young, I'd consider a life membership. Novaman said that his life membership was $300, where I paid $600 three years ago. If I had joined back when Novaman did (20 years ago) I'd have been able to do it for half the money. With that in mind, if I only paid my dues every year for 11 years, I'd be spending more money than what Novaman paid. Today you look at your dad's magazines, but understand that if something happened where he was out of the picture and you were paying your own dues that it could cost you more later, than what you could pay for a life membership now. If Novaman's dues were $300, and mine were $600, I'm sure that there is the chance that dues could double again the next 25 years. Steve has done a good job as executive director, but the fact of the matter is that you can't keep prices the same forever.Whether you join or not, like the rest of us, you have an interest in preserving the automobile, and to me, that's important. I'm only trying to show you the dollars and sense side of the picture.Undestand that besides judging and shows, AACA also does tours. There are a lot of members that never bring their cars out to meets, but do a lot of tours. You wouldn't want to go out with a bunch of other people and go travel as a group in your old cars?? A lot of the people who do tours with their cars have either already gone through the judging process, and/or have old cars that they drive and could care less if they're showroom perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shop Rat Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have to admit the Library would be a very good reason to join but it isn't close to every one and now so much information can be found online. Of course not everything is avalable online but with discussion forums like this and others there are other ways to find information besides going to the library.</div></div>You don't have to be able to actually visit the Library to get help. You can contact them and they will look up what you need to know, copy it and send it to you. You never have to set foot in the door. And unlike information you find on the internet, copies of the information that you get from them is accepted as proper documentation at AACA shows. Do take the time to stop at the AACA tents to find out what they have to offer. And it is worth your time to visit the AACA Library when you are in Hershey. We visited last year and were very impressed.People here value the Library to the extent that a lot of money was raised right here on the forums to help finance the replacement of the roof. It was leaking badly and the people here answered the call to protect the contents of that building for generations to come. Generations just like you. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 It is an interesting thought.What has come to my mind is that how many foreigners come to Hershey on average?? And what countries are most of them coming from?? It always seems as though there is a lot of them, and that they tend to spend a lot of money when they show up.I'd be willing to bet that very few of them are members as well.The good part is that member or not, they're still there, they're still spending money and helping us out in one way or another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Bollman Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Steve,With you being young, I'd consider a life membership. Novaman said that his life membership was $300, where I paid $600 three years ago. If I had joined back when Novaman did (20 years ago) I'd have been able to do it for half the money.</div></div>You guys are making me feel old, but smart. I did my life Membership at I believe $150. I had planned it for awhile and as I remember they raised the dues but not the Life Membership so I jumped in, the next year they raised LM also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlier Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No small and brown huts!? Not sure what you are talking about. Our two membership areas this year are in brand new sheds we have rented. There will be signs available as well...balloons are something we have investigated but so far costs and hassles involving helium fill, etc. have caused us to pull back the trigger. </div></div>Has anyone thought about re-locating the membership sheds next to the parking lot light fixtures?With HERCO's permission, a nice big banner/sign could be attached to the pole. Many cities do this usually with a smaller sign to advertise events, etc. If not a sign what about an AACA flag or AACA "Membership Flag" attached to the pole? How about those triangular flags on a rope strung from the pole to the shed? Obviously, something like this would have to be done with HERCO's permission and any possible liability/damage issues involving the light fixtures would have to be ironed out.Just some thoughts that might be an alternative to the ballon option and could possibly be used at other AACA events. Something REALLY needs to be done to capture the attention of potential, new AACA members. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted September 29, 2006 Author Share Posted September 29, 2006 How about taking every new PAID membership application from Hershey putting it in a drum and pick one out and give that person a ++ FREE ++ AACA membership FOR LIFE? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Steve, I must admit I almost went by one of the "huts" last year in one of the outer fields when I noticed out the corner of my eye the AACA sign and Judy Beauchamp huttled in a corner trying to warm up. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I spent some time with them as they signed up about 3 new members that day. A large balloon over the membership tent is a great idea. Keep it in mind for next year, I'd say.Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnMyer Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Has anyone considered charging non-AACA members say $5.00 to get into Hershey Fall Meet with AACA Members getting in free. Wouldn't that get more of the attendees at Hershey to join the AACA? What are your thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbarn Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 The original post asked about how many people attending Hershey actually belong to AACA. To do the math certain assumptions must be made. Rough estimates are that 250,000 to 300,000 people attend the Hershey Fall Meet. AACA Membership now is about 65,000 + or -. Out of that total membership, a good estimate of about 10-15% actually attend. We have a very active region here in North Alabama, but less than 10% will make the trip this year. Of course, all of the flea market spaces are assigned only to AACA members, but since members can have up to three spaces (more in the case of some of the larger commercial vendors, you cannot really say that the number of spaces available equals the number attending.On the second major thought in the thread, it is certainly to be expected to ask what AACA provides "me" for that amount of money (annual dues or life membership). It is too simplistic to just list the magazine and permission to show a vehicle. There are a lot of other things to consider, some direct and some indirect:1. (Direct) Participating in tours as mentioned earlier.2. (Direct) Services from the L&RC as mentioned earlier.3. (Direct) Participating in the judging program either just for the education or actual judging.4. (Direct) Participating with a local region or chapter (AACA membership is required)Some of the things that AACA does for members are more indirect and less tangible, for example:1. Legislative efforts to support the hobby.2. Membership development and Youth Programs.3. Active relationships with other clubs to enhance hobby activities.4. Active relationships with commercial operations to enhance hobby activities (such as literature publishers, insurance, tool and supply vendors, tire vendors, etc.)5. And, don't forget, this web site and discussion forum is brought to you by AACA!I am confident that I may have missed a few items here, but collectively membership is a lot more than a magazine and a couple of car shows (and the Hershey Fall Meet). It is an investment in our hobby, and I think a darn good investment (especially since I got my Life Membership at $300). <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Well, I see our two esteemed former National President's have entered the fray! Ron, thanks for the post, the club is trying to offer more and more value to our members (this website is just but another freebie) but you are right, our dues are lower than the majority of national clubs and our magazine alone should be worth the cost of joining. Jumped in here tonight to take a break from "stuff" for next week so I have not been real active on the site this week and do appreciate your insights.John, as you well know, currently charging any admission would need a change in our Policy and Procedures. Some day, who knows, the club and the Region may need to look at this as an option. However, at this time, serving the hobby is still a part of our charitable mission and the region is strongly in favor of keeping this not only the greatest show on earth but the greatest <span style="font-weight: bold">free </span> show on earth! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Steve, has there ever been a cosideration for an EZLife program,like the NRA has? Instead of the big check, you pay $100 every 3 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Yes, we talked about it this past year and many of us think it is a very good idea. I think the only reason it was put on the backburner was to wait until we got our new custom software. I think we were talking about $200 per year for 3 years but any combination will work. Choc, you are finally starting to make sense, you must be staying away from the "fly" pie. Oh, I see they are having a chow-chow festival or something around here. I feel bad that I do not have the time to go. Need to put up 3 tents and postion 3 trailers tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 They allow this man to own a "gun"? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They allow this man to own a "gun"? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />Wayne </div></div>Bigrig, I didn't know Steve "carried" <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />. I'll be more careful from now on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They allow this man to own a "gun"? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />Wayne </div></div>Bigrig, I didn't know Steve "carried" <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />. I'll be more careful from now on. </div></div>Nobody brings a Shoo Fly pie to a gun fight. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Sparky, besides all the other very good reasons already stated for being a member there is the "payback factor". That is, you are paying back into the hobby so that it can continue to exist and even grow. By supporting the AACA you will also be supporting the hobby that supports the vendors that make and sell the parts YOU NEED for your car. With out the financial support of the hobbiest (that's YOU) the whole industry will shrink or collapse. The cost of a years membership is about the cost of 2 cases of beer. Less if you drink the yuppie stuff. You will spend twice the cost of a years membership to take the wife and kids out for a movie and a cheap meal.......Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 That's a good idea. Even if you did one free membership each day at Hershey only. It might stimulate more members. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncgirl05 Posted October 8, 2006 Share Posted October 8, 2006 Hello All,Just wanted to let you know that this thread convinced me to become an AACA member - I joined at Hershey on Thursday. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Although it's not in my signature line, we have a few older cars - a '39 Buick, a '41 Packard and a couple of '40 Chevs. Coincidently, one of the '40 Chevrolets is a sedan delivery which has been rear bumper-less since purchased - until we found an original one in excellent shape an hour into our first day at Hershey! What a GREAT find! <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="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Welcome aboard Leigh Ann! Glad you enjoyed Hershey. My middle daughter is Lee Anne and pretty as a button. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 When I joined AACA and our local region in 1997, I wasn't familiar with the AACA advantages. I was used to belonging to a marque club that provided a good annual show and a monthly magazine but had no nearby activities. At first, I just attended a couple of the region's events a year; but I can say that, the more active I become with our region, the more people I get to know and the more fun I have. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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