2011 Mid Winter Meeting

[DanB]

Sounds good verbally. Let's see the document!

[DanB]

Congrat's to Cleveland Unit! I look forward to their rally, & encourage everyone to sign up.

[wheel interested]

Originally Posted by DanB

Congrat's to Cleveland Unit! I look forward to their rally, & encourage everyone to sign up.

If I am not mistaken I think the rally fee is $100.00 for four days.

[DanB]

Synopsis:

- Every Section has been edited
- "Leaner" organization to represent the new size of WBCCI
- Enabled electronic means of operation
- Individual voting
- MAL empowerment
- Reduced IBT terms for most
- Smaller IBT & region structure
- New "Standard of Conduct"
- Ethics & grievance is eliminated.
- International will have less meetings.

Question: Will "line item veto" voting be possible on this new Constitution or is it a "all or nothing"?

[DanB]

Originally Posted by wheel interested

If I am not mistaken I think the rally fee is $100.00 for four days.

Yep, this includes camping, 3A & water, 3 Breakfasts, 3 dinners (one of which is a dinner cruise), multiple tours & activities.

Heck of a deal!

(Did I mention it's 25 minutes from my house )

[RickDavis]

Sounds good so far, can't wait to read the final version

[redwagon]

I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I am concerned.

First point, why are there members parked in RV's offsite?? According to our current bylaws, if any of these members are traveling in a non-Airstream, they are not permitted to attend or participate in the rally.

Which brings me to my second point. If the constitution continues the membership requirement of owning an Airstream, but what if "streamlined" bylaws eliminates the section restricting members from attending WBCCI functions in any other brand.

Would anyone even notice if this was omitted?

We just became an Airstream named Good Sam club. I kept hearing the focus being on fun, fellowship, and adventure, but not about "while using our Airstreams".

Does anyone know why Larry Huttle is missing?

Sandy

[RickDavis]

Originally Posted by redwagon

First point, why are there members parked in RV's offsite?? According to our current bylaws, if any of these members are traveling in a non-Airstream, they are not permitted to attend or participate in the rally.

Which brings me to my second point. If the constitution continues the membership requirement of owning an Airstream, but what if "streamlined" bylaws eliminates the section restricting members from attending WBCCI functions in any other brand.

Would anyone even notice if this was omitted?

We just became an Airstream named Good Sam club. I kept hearing the focus being on fun, fellowship, and adventure, but not about "while using our Airstreams".

Does anyone know why Larry Huttle is missing?

Sandy

Are they in RV's off site or at the local Motel??

I WOULD notice if it is missing.


Don;t know why Huttle isn't there, but that could be good as he would be the one talking about re badging motorhomes

[wheel interested]

According to last simulcast, Larry Huttle is supposedly missing because the meeting was listed on a "wrong" calendar and he is unable to attend now. However it appeared from the reiteration of phone calls of inquiry that both Larry Huttle and Airstream president Bob Wheeler said the membership vote of two years prior show non-acceptance from the membership. Interesting and encouraging comments, imho. It appears Airstream has not changed it's stance on rebadging a non-Airstream as an Airstream. I thought at the time previously that larry Huttle said a WBCCI special edition could be done without a problem if acceptable to members. See 47Weewind's, "Pumpkin Coach" http://www.airforums.com/forums/f286...tml#post880729

Mid-Winter IBT- "Pumpkin Coach" program announced by AOAII.
Dateline: Perry, Georgia, January 20, 2007

Interview with AOAII Spokesman Rodney Dangerfield.

The Airstream Owners Association International, Inc. (AOAII) Board of trusteess (IBT) today unveiled a new program to increase membership after a decades-long slide in membership numbers. The IBT unanimously approved on Friday, Jan. 19 the "Pumpkin Coach" program under which owners of Class A motorhomes manufactured by any company other than Airstream, Inc. can become AOAII members. The simple application of an AOAII approved "Airstream Edition" decal underneath the motorhome manufacturer's badge automatically transforms the motorhome into an Airstream product that qualifies its owners for AOAII membership. "You don't even need a magic wand" states Dangerfield, "only a small dish of water."

The decals are good for a 12 month period ending on July 4th each year, when at the stroke of midnight the motorhome turns back into a SOB [Some Other Brand]. But "fear not" says Dangerfield, "new decals, good for another one year period, are available from AOAII headquarters for only $75.00 per year. Just be sure to apply them before midnight."

The Pumpkin Patch program will be field tested the first year only on Class A motorhomes. If AOAII membership numbers rise, then the program will be expanded to all other types of recreational vehicles. "Airstream, Inc. can only produce about 2,500 travel trailers per year, far too few" notes Dangerfield. "We need a much larger membership universe to draw from, so in 2008 we intend to extend the Pumpkin Coach program to travel trailers and RVs of all brands." Again, the mere application of an "Airstream Edition" decal will transform any SOB travel trailer or RV into an AOAII-recognized Airstream product, qualifying its owner for membership under the expanded "Pumpkin RV" program.

When asked where the Airstream badges could be found on a non-Airstream brand recreational vehicle, Dangerfield bellowed "Badges? We aint got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges! ... when a little decal will do ya."

The inspiration for this innovative program came from the Board itself. Noting that dressing up an ordinary person in a snappy blazer, tie and beret transformed him or her into a respected leader, they realized the same principal could be applied to recreational vehicles. "It's all about distinctive surface appearance" ,says Dangerfield. "If we dress up the surface of a SOB, it too will become a leader among its peers. Every RV is entitled to respect" harrumphed Dangerfield.

Recounting that Airstream, Inc. recently entered the toy-toting market with the innovative Basecamp, Dangerfield hinted the AOAII might leapfrog the trailer manufacturer by jumping ahead into the utility trailer field. "There are a heck of a lot of horse trailers out there" observed Dangerfield, "and a fair amount of them are aluminum, reminiscent of our far distant heritage". The AOAII decals look particularly nostalgic on an aluminim surface. "Now that dogs will no longer be restricted to one far off area at our International Rally, we'll look into integrating horses at our 2009 International in Madison, Wisconsin. That should boost attendance. We'll just have to remind owners to bring larger pooper scoopers" sniffed Dangerfield.

"In 2010, we'll tackle the world of flatbed trailers, all sizes" expounded Dangerfield. "We're partnering with Kelty to make an 8' wide by 40' Airstream Edition branded tent to fit on a commercial flatbed trailer. Those 18 wheelers are already self-contained in the cab, and the extended family can sleep in the tent" during International. Having admitted diesel pushers for years, the AOAII looks forward to welcoming all thos "Airstream Edition" 18 wheeler deisel pullers as well. He predicts a constitutional amendmant to change the club to the AEOAII will pass handily.

2011 will see the program extended to people and renamed the "Pumpkin Person" program. "Anyone who wears an Airstream t-shirt, hat, bracelet or other item is, on the surface, an Airstream" said Dangerfield. "Why would they be denied the benefits of membership? Anyone wearing any Airstream branded item will be welcome to join the AEOAII, for a fee of course, which should further boost membership." Decal sales are projected to flatten in 2011, but people who want to to be recognized for their leadership potential can purchase "Four Winds" embroidered formal wear.

Finally, Dangerfield whispered he overheard some guys in berets talking to Saint Peter about "Pumpkin Gates" welcome plaques and co-branding "Airstream Edition" angel wings. When asked about the future for those who actually owned Airstream manufactured recreational vehicles, Rodney sharply remarked he had no knowledge of any AEOAII plans for such misguided souls, but suggested we contact them directly through the Red One in the netherworld, where such owners could be found.

[DanB]

Genealogy Interclub dissolved.

Budget Committee--- Amendment for International Rally contracts passed. Limits spending to $20,000 prior to Jan. 1

[pmclemore]

Originally Posted by DanB

(Did I mention it's 25 minutes from my house )

YAY - the after-party can be at Dan's house!

Pat

[wheel interested]

Or Lou and Larry's driveway.

[wheel interested]

Constitution report, not so much. Committee chair insisting amendments should go through a member of IBT to flow smoothly and negativity has been harmful. Though it is a matter of debate which side caused the negativity. From Kerry's report the members have caused a positive direction through their involvement.

[wheel interested]

"Renew to continue to be our friends."

[mbmbstreamer]

No interest in MOHO from Thor!

[DanB]

Motorhome Issue from Larry Huttle:

Airstream has given the option for Thor Motorhome Division. WBCCI motion failed in past. Airstream has no plans to enter class A or class C in foreseeable future.

In speaking with Thor, significant interest would have to be shown prior to commitment.

No Airstream dealer support or service on these units. Thor "not interested" due to past actions.

"club needs to work together with Airstream" Airstream pulled support of International due to membership not allowing Class A's in? (did I hear that correctly?)

"We must authorize Airstream products..."

"Airstream" not in the name of our club. (WOW)

[DanB]

"Must lay the groundwork to sell it", "It is critical to the club for membership"

[RickDavis]

MOHO issue appears to be on life support and may go away for a while

[DanB]

Adolf wants to bring forward a motion in June.

[redwagon]

We need to know how many existing members plan to purchase motorhomes.

Before we can decide how to proceed. But I guess the committee never gathered that information.