General Membership Meeting - January 8, 2009 - Minutes

The January 8, 2009 general membership meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by President Connie Gentry wearing her Tail Waggin' 2000 Presidential leopard cape. There were 90 members and one guest present. Connie remarked that she wants to have fun with the logo for the year, LVCA Code 411-DRIVE it like you stole it. 411 is Metro's code for a stolen car, so let's get out and drive our cars this year and have some fun. Connie introduced her 2009 Executive Board Committee Chairmen: Events Coordinator Bonnie Corbett; Membership Chairman Ellie Johnson; Publicity Benita Klaizner; Newsvetter Editor Kathy Clapp; NCCC Governor Carl Hastings; Racer's Edge Bob McVane; Webmaster Pat Russell; Community Service Deb Leatham; Storekeeper Vickie Colvin; Communications Committee Jeff & Ellen Blue; Archives Leona Beltz; National Corvette Museum Ambassador Greg Welch and Sunshine Chairman Sally McVane. Motion to approve made by Carl Hastings, seconded by Patti Maize, all approved. Motion to approve the December 2008 membership meeting minutes was made by Patti Maize, seconded by Sharron Grodzinsky, all approved.

Dawn and Jim Gregorio will be the 2008 Audit Committee and they will complete the audit by the February meeting. If you would like to assist them, please let them know. A motion to approve the Audit Committee was made by Darrell Wood, seconded by Bob O'Brien, all approved. Lennard presented his end of 2008 fiscal report. There was a loss of $11,648.07 which was just over the budgeted loss of $10,277.00. But because he received some payments for the upcoming President's Run in 2008, the loss was reduced to around $9,500, less than the budgeted amount. Connie showed the membership a special necklace she wanted her husband Jim to wear but he won't, the "little worm".

Introduction of Prospective Members/New Members: Membership Chairman Ellie Johnson stated we have 225 members going into 2009 as there were 43 members who did not renew their dues. A few moved away, sold their cars or were still undecided, and 17 members did not respond to her phone or email messages. Please let her know of any phone, email, address or car changes. Your 2009 membership cards and new phone lists are ready to be picked up. Our only guest tonight was Sharon Boyd and welcome to Joel Thies, our newest member. Ellie also introduced Don and Jo Kot, long-time members who will be re-joining soon. Ellie presented Gary Lowers with his plaque.


NewsVetter discussion: Connie reminded us how spoiled we were with Bill Heard as our sponsor. They supported us monthly by financing the printing of the NewsVetter. Prospects for finding a sponsor who can afford to donate this amount are slim. Until we have any other alternatives, the membership agreed that putting the Vetter on the website was the best plan. Pat Russell and Jeff Blue have set up a direct email link for easier access to the NewsVetter. We are still exploring options.

Committee Reports: NewsVetter Editor Kathy Clapp will be putting Valentine messages in the February Vetter again and the cost will be $5 for a small message, $6 for medium and $7 for large.

Old Business: Racer's Edge chairman Bob McVane presented a medal to Scott Mergele, the first place Racer's Edge winner at Silver State last September. Tom Skaggs won RE 1st place in the May race but he has not picked up his award yet. Gary Koyama won the matching time trials at the last autocross. Bob will be making 2 changes to the Racer's Edge program this year: the entry fee for the yearly program will be raised from $25 to $30 because there wasn't quite enough in the RE fund last year. There will only be 8 events this year: 2 rallies, 2 autocrosses, 2 drags and the 2 open road races. He is collecting money now and reminded us that he will be following the NASCAR rules: if a tie for first place occurs, the person who paid first wins! Collecting points in Racer's Edge is for members only and there will be a jacket presented to the male and female winner. Six out of the eight events will be counted and he needs a chairman for one rallye. Bob explained how the Silver State Classic Challenge and the Nevada Open Road Race work and reminded us that you get Racer's Edge points for working the event, even if you don't race, plus your motel room will be paid for. The Sponsorship Committee will be spearheaded by Dale Foust, and Jim Wolf, Rich McSimov, Ron Petersen and Ken Ackeret will continue to look for options. If you have a lead for a sponsor, please let one of them know. Storekeeper Vickie Colvin reported that she has some sale items, discounted Corvette Roulette shirts, coats, black books and hats. You spent your money on everyone else for Christmas, now come and buy for yourself. Sunshine Chairman Sally McVane had a sad report tonight. John Finkowski broke his arm, Jerry Klaizner's mother passed away and on January 6th, our member Charlene Lovell passed away. There will be a memorial service for her on January 12th followed by a caravan to the Veteran's Cemetery in Boulder City. Our deepest sympathies go to Don and his family.

Events Coordinator Bonnie Corbett explained her job and please see her if you are interested in chairing a sanctioned event. Ed Anderson announced that after 5 years of organizing the annual Broadway in the Desert run to Tuacahn, he and Karan have decided to take the year off. Jim and Janice Gregorius who open their beautiful home in St. George, Utah for a spectacular lunch before the play have also decided to take a break. This year's play will be Footloose. If you are interested in taking over this event, Ed and Karan will teach you the ropes. Toys 4 Tots coordinator Connie Gentry said there were 5 or 6 cars that caravanned with a truck full of our donated toys to Proudfit Realty. January 10th will be the Cars & Coffee event starting at 7am, but come whenever you want. A $5 donation to their charity (military care packages) will be the first opportunity to earn a community service point this year. Dyno Shootout chairman Ken Rees presented plaques to the winners in the various horsepower clubs. Please see Ken's article on the event. First place went to prospective member Ron Hanselman with 527 hp; Dan Barish for his 586 hp to the rear wheels; Jim Weeks Camaro won at 698 hp, Jim LeMar at 700 hp and Vic Heackley hit a new high water mark with 746 hp. They definitely drove it like they stole it! Cathy Wilson took videos of the event and you can check it out on our website. Sally reported that the Cookie Exchange was a lot of fun with a table full of good cookies and about 50 people went to the New Year's Eve Party. They played games and had a lot of laughs. Award's Banquet: Bonnie reminded everyone that if you do not attend, you will not receive a Memory Book. however, if you wish to purchase one, please contact her ASAP. The Super Bowl Party will be at the McVane's on February 1st and no sign-up is required, just come. Bring a dish to share, BYOB and a $5 donation will go to the Las Vegas Food Bank. This is our second opportunity for a community service point.

Ken Ackeret's President's Run will be February 13-16. The last day to sign up is Jan. 10th. Bob Hulshouser reported that Wrangler's Night will be March 14th starting at 6:30 and part of your $17.50 ticket price will go to Henry's Place, our third Community Service event this year. Corvette Roulette 2009 Chairman Bonnie Corbett said postcards advertizing the event are being worked on. There will be a surprise guest at the Awards Banquet you won't want to miss.

Miscellaneous Announcements: Walt Welch has a C5 magnetic red speed lingerie with mirror covers for sale.

Clean Car Award: Larry Leard presented this month's award to Walt Welch.
Badge Drawing: Bob O'Brien missed out on $55 because he didn't have his badge on.
50/50 and Merchandise Raffle: Congratulations to Ken DePiero for winning $110. Raffle gifts included a NASCAR beverage dispenser in the shape of an old fashioned gas pump, a Coors bar set, Budweiser bar set, a custom Corvette purse, a Corvette photo calendar, Corvette note cards, a Corvette model and a notepad.
Motion to Adjourn: It has been 10 years since the meeting ended in only 65 MINUTES! Motion made by Jeff Blue, seconded by Greg Welch, all approved.

Respectfully submitted,
Carol Gagliardi Secretary