<VV> Conventions <tad long>

[Flat6Vair]

In the last few years,  several new chapters have been started.  A few more
are trying to see if enough members are in the vinicity.  And yes,  a few
are faultering. Part is the changing demographics that the entire country is
experiencing,  part is the lack of the few dedicated ahrd working members
that every chapter needs.  Most days I really enjoy it.  others,  well, I
take a deep breath, count to 10,  have a beer,  try again  <and I don't have
kids!>

Most of this discussion probably should be on the chapter list -- and all
the chpater officers adding to the discussion.  What do we need to
strengthen the local chapters  -- encourage more shows, find auto-x sites,
participate with SCCA as a group? I know that IF i could encourage enough
club members to do the local auto-x, the locals would put us in our own
class, hasn't happened -- too many other things conflict - and its a long
distance - 100 miles.

The Business meetings for CORSA are not well attended.  Portland may
acutally had more in attendance than the last few years.  The CPF meeting
even had an impromtu tech session.  Cool set of heads.  making more of the
convention a business meeting will reduce attendance -- and make it a boring
businees meeting.   Most of that could be covered via the internet -- the
Corsa Chapter email list as well as sending requests/suggestions to the
Corsa BoD.
At the business meetings, the same questions are usually asked that have no
good answers -- what to do with an aging membership.  Most concentrate on
the under 25 crowd,  and we tend to forget the other younger crowd -- 40-60
that will be around for a few years too. <i hope, i am just 45 years young
myself, hoping to best my granddad's 93>

Convention partipation in events is intended to allow everyone to
participate.  The best IS class driver at Flagstaff had not driven in an
autocross in several years.  But he is a dang good driver and proved it.
(even though the car had a failing valve guide AND only 3 brakes so it
pulled hard to one side).
The Car display the same day as the Concours is a good example of trying to
get ALL the convention corvairs on display at the same time -- to promote
CORSA and Corvairs.   Lexington had a cool opening day parade that received
some good press.  Detroit is the week before the big Cruise week.  Portland
got some air time.  St Louis was featured on "My Classic Cars" .  try as my
club has,  we cannot get a pragraph about a local event in any of the local
newspapers, small town or large. sigh.  We have tried and will continue to
try to get good PR but it is tough,  <bloomington Gold, 'Vettes, does get
some, limited coverage locally, but is a HUGE gathering -- thousands of
cars, each worth 3-4 times a Corvair in todays market

Regional events were a larger part of CORSA in the past,   they appear to be
making a comeback -- and the board is encouraging more regional events.

To me, the convention is the highlight of the year -- many of the
autocrossers consider the autocross "the national championship" even though
we compete mostly at SCCA events.  The Cole is about being the best
all-around Corvair enthusist.  In those respects,  I think you missed the
mark.

I like the "draw" of some of the "touristy" locations -- lexington and
carlisle -- civil war ; Portland - ocean, mtns, spuce goose; flagstaff,
grand canyon.   I've seen one. the Grand Canyon -- only because we needed to
delay the start home to make it home <the tow truck was disliking the heat;
and I was driving a black interior vair w/no ac>   -- and I like Iowa,
visit often <relatives>  plus it has interesting hills and bluffs <to each
there own>

I'm reading all the posts; taking note.

Oh -- don't forget the new "central" chapter - Stock Corvair Group -- 
interesting stuff,  the basis for all things modified as well as stock.  and
At Buffalo,  Thursday. Should be avery interesting <and for some taxing>
day.  Stock evaluation and discussion after the autocross followed by a CPF
presentation that evening.

just some thoughts after a long day.  I'll re-read things over the next few
days and likely have other thoughts -- but think I'll post them to the
chapter list instead.

tim mahler

ps: if you are not on the chapter list, and would like to join -- check out
http://www.vv.corvair.org/mailman/listinfo/chapters