
Minutes
of The 2007 Annual General Meeting of the North American MGB Register
Minutes for the Annual General Meeting of the North American
MGB Register
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, October 27, 2007
The Chairman, Bruce Wyckoff, started the meeting
at approximately 1 p.m. with a brief statement on what a successful
year the register was having and then had everyone in the room to
stand up and introduce themselves.
After introductions, the conventions coordinator, Tony Burgess,
spoke on the convention to be held in 2008 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
He stated what a beautiful area this was going to be for the car
show, not just in King of Prussia, but the surrounding area as well.
He also expressed that the room in the convention host hotel were
very reasonable for the area at $95.00. Tony further stress that
you should reserve your room early if you plan on attending as they
are going fast. Plans or the convention include; driving tours,
tech sessions by Peter Cosmides and John Twist, historical re-enactors,
a "drive-in" movie, dinner at the Mermaid Lake resort
and of course the car show and awards banquet at he host hotel.
Executive Officer Reports
Chairman's Report: The Register had a "record-breaking"
convention in 2007. The convention was the largest west coast convention
to date, with many first time attendees, and a joint advertising
campaign with NAMGAR which featured an ad on which we received a
number of complements. The Chairman gave a special thanks to Charles
de Bourbon for putting it together.
The Chairman is excited to be sharing MG2008 with the American MGC
Register and is hoping this will prove to be another "record-breaking"
event.
The Chairman was also encouraged by the increased number of letters
to the editor. I believe this is a good barometer to what is happening
within the club.
The Chairman, on behalf of the coordinators and registers, thanked
the membership for making 2007 another successful year. He also
expressed thanks to the Philadelphia MG Club for hosting both this
AGM and MG 2008 in June.
Vice Chairman's Report: Richard Liddick reported
his work with the local chapters and his duties as the NAMGBR representative
on the North American Council of MG Registers.
The Register added four new chapters in 2007.
1. Blount British Cars Ltd. of Maryville, TN
2. Brandywine British Chapter of Wilmington, DE
3. Idaho British Car Club of Boise, ID
4. Greater Ozarks British Car Club of Springfield, MO
We have 87 chapters, 17 chapters are not in "Good
Standing". That means to 19.5% or our chapters are not maintaining
their minimum of eight (8) NAMGBR members. It breaks down like this.
Two chapters have no members, two chapters with 1 member, one with
3, one with 4, three with 5, two with 6, and six with 7 members.
We also have three chapters with high membership numbers. They are
the Chicagoland MG Club with 38 members, the Emerald Necklace MG
Register with 31 members, and the Peachtree MG Register at 29 members.
The Vice-Chairman's annual work includes mailing "re-affiliation"
forms, in the beginning of the year, to all our chapters. It is
amazing how many of these forms get returned by the post office
as undeliverable. We cannot ask the chapters enough to let us know
when your change officers and/or mailing addresses. It is a simple
matter of visiting our website and updating the listing for you
club. It would go a long way to save your Vice Chairman and our
Webmaster, Rick Brown, a lot of extra work.
The Vice-Chairman, as representative to the MG Council,
reported that planning is under way for the big quinquennial meeting
with all the North American MG Registers. There has been some lobbying
by some of the Western MG clubs for a west coast event, but no decisions
have been made yet. On a note of interest, Rick Ingram, former NAMGBR
Chairman, has been chosen as Executive Director of the MG Council
for another term. For more information on the North American Council
of MG Register, check out their website at http://www.mgcar.org.uk/mgcouncil.
Secretary's Report: Jerome Rosenberger reiterated
that we had a very successful year. Our membership numbers have
increased from 1830 at last year's AGM to the present level of 1901.
In addition to the usual recruitment sources, we recruited 15 new
members at MG 2007 and at the University Motors Summer Party we
only recruited four new members, but we did manage to bring a half
dozen lapsed members back to our ranks.
The Secretary attributes the success to improved response time to
the membership, a series of very successful conventions, and the
"new and improved, all color" MGB Driver. With special
thanks to Robert, Charles, and Kim for going the extra mile with
the newsletter. Having assets like these, it's much easier to keep
your members.
In closing the Secretary called upon the other Executive officers,
Coordinators, and Registrars to make member service, recruitment,
retention, and getting the membership over 2000 their primary goals
in during the next year.
Treasurer's Report: Alan Magnuson reported
that this past fiscal year has seen continued strengthening of our
membership which has resulted in a very strong financial year. In
2007, we had income of $79,904.26.
The largest source of income continues to be dues, followed by income
from car shows, advertising, and regalia.
Expenses for the fiscal year were $60,267.20. Printing of the Driver
and the Mutual Aid Directory being our largest expense, followed
by car shows, insurance, banking fees, postage, office expenses
and regalia. Our net Ordinary Income is $19,637.06.
Full reports have been presented to the NAMGBR officers and membership,
via the MGB Driver, as required by the constitution and by-laws.
Coordinators and Registrars Reports
Editor: Robert Rushing reported 2007 has been
a fantastic year for the MGB Driver. We switched printers from Kingery
Printing in Effingham, Illinois to Image Graphics in Paducah, Kentucky.
The January/February issue had a color cover with black & white
interior as a test of their quality and ability to produce the issue
successfully. Image Graphic's cost per issue in full-color was less
than the cost per issue of Kingery printing in only black &
white. This allowed us to switch to a full-color format for each
issue starting with the March/April issue.
Currently, we have articles for at least two issues on hand and
are always on the look out for quality material to present to the
membership. He would like to thank everyone who provided photos,
articles, and entries over the past year. Charles and he looks forward
to 2008 and hope that they can surpass the quality of the past year.
Advertising Coordinator: Charles de Bourbon
reported that he is honored to have taken on the position of Advertising
Coordinator. He regrets seeing Pete Cosmides move on from this position.
Peter did a great job of setting me up as Advertising Coordinator.
Peter was definitely instrumental in pointing me in the right direction
with regards to our advertisers.
There was minimal increase in advertising rates this past year.
This is the first increase in advertising rates since the creation
of the MGB Driver in 1991.
The MGB Driver magazine remains an affordable option for smaller
advertisers by the introduction of smaller sized ads. These ads
create a new niche advertiser for MGB Driver, the limited advertisers,
who are interested advertising for 1 or 2 issues only. Classified
ads have a minor change. All classified ads have expiration date
in the lower right hand corner of each ad. It lets advertisers and
NAMGBR membership know when the classified ad was first run. All
classified ads have a 3 issue maximum.
Advertising account information has been streamlined. Advertisers
send their checks to him, he scans and record them, and then sends
them to our Treasurer. The purpose of this is to have a first hand
account of each check sent, the date sent, and the amount. As time
passes, this eliminates guess work and requests for researching
information. This also creates a back up for our Treasurer if he
requires a copy of an invoice or a check in regards to the MGB Driver
advertisers.
This year we have lost one advertiser, but gained two. All our advertisers
are currently paid up to date. He has created advertising cards
sent to all our membership clubs for distribution to potential advertisers.
In 2008 it is his intention to institute a public relations/marketing
plan for the MGB Driver by creating market regions in the US and
Canada. In closing he'd like to ask the membership to send him leads
for potential advertisers in the future.
Publicity Coordinator: Richard Liddick reported
that for 2007, he posted information about the MG 2007 convention
at Rohnert Park California, on various web auto events calendars.
As far as, written articles or pieces about the Register go, he
did not send anything out. As he has said before, with the advent
of the World Wide Web most of what this position was originally
set up for is no longer needed since the local chapters get the
word out about their events.
The position of publicity coordinator should be redefined to blend
in with the changing media. He would like to offer the position
up to another member out there that may have a fresh approach and
new ideas on getting the word out about the Register, the chapters,
and our events. He will continue doing what he has been doing until
that member steps forward.
100K/200K Coordinator: Jai Deagan reported
that there is a 1-2 year supply of dash plaques (20) for the 100k
registry and probably close to 100 plaques for the 200k registry.
The database currently contains 154 cars with almost 140 members.
There are several members who have registered more than one car
in this sub register. There were four members who requested to join
the 100k Register and one who joined the 200k since my last report.
Most of the members applying for admission to this sub registry
are relatively new members have joined within the last two or three
years.
Many different models of MGs are represented in the registry. The
greatest majority of owners have an MGB or MGB/GT. Next most plentiful
model is Midgets and several MGC and MGC/GTs. Members have joined
this sub-register from north to south and from coast to coast. It
appears that a majority of the members of this sub Register are
still members in good standing of NAMGBR.
He converted the database to MS Access and sent a copy to the Secretary.
He occasionally receives a request for admission to this registry
from persons who are not members. When this occurs, he sends them
a polite response with information on joining NAMGBR.
Concours Coordinator: Paul Hanley reported
that it was another banner year for Concours participation. This
year's "Top Point MG" was displayed with five other pristine
examples of the Marque on the show field at MG2007. Regretfully,
he was not able to see first hand these as-original, highly maintained
vehicles. However, Mr. Robert Gloyd, a seasoned veteran of Concours
judging graciously offered to perform the scrutinizing duties of
the day. Accompanied by gracious members of the host club, a team
of knowledgeable enthusiast examined each of the cars for originality
and condition - the two tenants of the Concours Program.
For the last five years, Concours participation has netted at least
six participants each year - most years assembling twice that number.
There have been four judges assist with the examinations at least
two consecutive years and there are now a couple of stalwarts that
have carried the clipboards three years running. Previous participant
and "Top Point" recipient, Bill Harris also stepped up
to the plate. As enthusiasm for Concours increases, so do the judging
standards. Thanks to all.
There was once again a bonus, unexpected award for "Top Point
MG" - it has graced the cover of MGB Driver's Annual Convention
Edition now for the 2nd straight year. Perhaps a NAMGBR tradition
has begun?? Thanks to our editor and his staff for helping to promote
the program.
Lastly, inquiries about originality and Concours were consistent
through the year. One question consistently comes up more than any
other. What to do about original tire sizes & manufacturers
if one hopes to participate in Concours. And the answer is always
the same. Go for safety. A period correct tread design is partially
what judges look for. 165/14's or even 175/14's may net a point
or so deduction for originality, but don't sweat the small stuff
Concours will always be about a much bigger picture.
Regalia Coordinator: Elvin Davis reported that
this year we have sold 22 grille badges, 8 key fobs, 9 window decals,
3 back issues of the Driver, 26 back issue CDs, 5 coffee mugs, and
3 golf shirts.
Total sales: $1087.80 Total expenses: $62.73 Net income: $1025.07
Service Coordinator: Bruce Wyckoff reported
that 2007 turned out to be another successful year for the Mutual
Aid Directory.
For those not familiar with the MAD booklet, we print a list of
recommended repair shop around the United States and Canada, submitted
by the members of the B Register. In the event you are traveling
through the US or Canada and you have auto problems, hopefully,
there will be a MG friendly repair shop near by.
In addition to the listed repair shops, a large number of NAMGBR
members have volunteered to have their contact information listed
in the directory as well. By doing so, each member has pledged to
help a fellow register member if the occasion should arise.
Also listed in the directory were 85+ chapters of the register with
names and contact information. I would encourage any of our traveling
members to contact the local chapter if you are in the area.
A number of advertisers were involved with publishing this year's
MAD. This year's advertisers included Moss Motors, Sports Car Craftsmen,
Eric Jones, JC Taylor, Eclectic Motorworks, Victoria British, University
Motors, All British Car Repair, Autosport, Apple Hydraulics and
Little British Car Company - all helped to make this years MAD possible.
Thank you to all our advertisers.
Again, this year, we had a couple of members that wrote in the MGB
Driver about their travels to MG 2007 and the need to pull the little
blue book from their glove box. We hope you never have to use the
MAD when you travel, but it's great to have if there is an emergency.
The plans are in the works for the 2008 version of MAD. If you have
a repair shop that you would like to recommend, please contact me
through the web site or my email address on Page 3 of the MGB Driver.
There was a discussion on how to make car model registration
easier, especially for Midget and 11/1300 owners. At present, the
only form going into the new member packet was for the one for MGB
owners. It was felt that this oversight was leading to low registration
of Midgets and 1100/1300. The Secretary agreed to reword the "Welcome"
letter to new members and to include forms for Midgets & 1100/1300s
in the new member packet.
After the break was the announcement of our regular
annual awards as follows.
Enthusiast of the Year: Robert Gloyd, Centennial, Colorado
Chapter of the Year: MG Owners Club - Northern California, El Cerrito,
California
Newsletter of the year : "Octagon", MGCC Toronto, Canada
Good Samaritan of the Year: Brian Goldsmith, Treynor, Iowa
Special Award: Sorry Safari Touring Society, Oakland, California
Elections
During the break, a final tally of the ballots was
calculated and it was announced that Bruce Wyckoff had been re-elected
Chairman and Alan Magnuson had been elected Treasurer.
The Executive stated for the record that they were quite pleased
with the response to this year's election. 46% of the Register Chapters
returned their ballots; in spite of the fact the both candidates
were running unopposed. We believe this is the best response we
have had in ANY election.
Insurance
Following the election of officers, there was a discussion
on the subject of insurance. The Secretary outlined for those present
our current general liability coverage was and what it covered.
Also there was a discussion about a proposed "Directors and
Officer" coverage. There were a number of questions and concerns
from the regarding liability limits, cost to the chapters, and whether
coverage would be extended to Canada or not.
The Secretary answered the questions that he could and promised
to follow up with the underwriters on those he could not.
Next, there was a question from the floor about the
possibility of acquiring a couple gift certificates for an upcoming
holiday party. The Secretary promised to mail them out upon his
return to the office. There being no further business from the floor,
the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Submitted 11/5/2007
Jerome Rosenberger
Secretary, NAMGBR
Footnote to Minutes: During the meeting neither Bruce
nor I could find the copy of MGB Registrar Ken Smith's, report.
It later turned up so I am including it here with apologies to Ken
for its omission on the day of the meeting.
MGB Registrar: At the time of this report (10/14/2007)
we currently have 2906 (+114) MGBs listed on the database. These
include:
MGB Limited Editions: 340 (+ 61)
MGB/GT Factory V8's: 18 (+2)
MGB/GT 1967 Specials: 115 (-1)
Since my last report we have continued to receive
registrations at a steady and regular rate, resulting in a gain
of 114 new entries. Many new members have sent details of their
cars to me and where possible their registration has been acknowledged
by a personal note or e-mail. Names of new registrants are also
posted in the MGB Driver.
The largest increase has been seen in the number of MGB L.E.s registered,
or notified to me - a gain of over 30%.
We have also continued to consolidate the information received from
Steve Harding on the 74 1/2 MGB register into the main database,
and this process is ongoing. Steve relinquished the position of
74 1/2 Registrar due to his commitment to MG 2008.
We have continued to receive requests for information on specific
models and have been able to advise several members on the purchase
of an MGB, and possible information they needed to get the best
car for the money.
The only problem we have experienced is that overseas hackers gained
access to the MGB Registration form through the NAMGBR web site
and thus we were receiving registrations touting EDS products, young
ladies wishing to speak with us, and other scams from Russia, Nigeria,
Bosnia and several other far flung outposts, none of which had anything
to do with Registering an MGB! Once Rick Brown was made aware of
the situation he amended the entry code for the Register your MGB
section and the number of false registrations has dropped dramatically.
Once again, I urge all members of the NAMGBR to register their MGB
with us, as the more knowledge we gain, the better equipped we are
to assist members in their search of knowledge on their MGB.