Election Discussions with Graham Knight - Candidate for RTR President

[Graham]

pmajka wrote:

1. Reduce the costs for instructors through a lottery system whereby each event 5-10 instructor get to drive for free (they would be selected at one event & be able to use the coupon/discount at the next event)
2. Reducing costs, particularly in the area of the Der Gasser
3. Increase the number of rallies and social events
4. Increase the meeting attendance by another 25 people through speakers and interesting locations
5. Another great picnic like the 200+ person one I had at America on Wheels in 2008

Some of these are very Juicy Promises or Valiant goals, but How will you fund these programs?

Where will the Money come from?

also

do you also think Gov Sarah Palin would make a Hot VP?

Pete,

Thank you for your questions. As an IT project manager, my work can be very busy at times however, you can be assured, I am still thinking about our Clubs future.

Please my responses below. I am glad you asked these questions because money is very important to the continued longevity and success of this Club.

Responses:

1. Reduce the costs for instructors through a lottery system whereby each event 5-10 instructor get to drive for free (they would be selected at one event & be able to use the coupon/discount at the next event). Unfortunately, upon further investigation, this option is not a viable one, for legal reasons. However, other ideas are being considered. In addition to this one idea, because the track program plays such an important part in the Clubs income, as President, I would request to attend and listen to the Speed Council meetings and understand the Track selection process for 2009.


2. Increase profitability by reducing costs. This will allow for more money in the budget for social and other events. I feel that a questionnaire for the club members is essential. Because the Der Gasser costs the club an enormous amount of money, one question might be; does each member feel they must have a hard copy of the Der Gasser? I plan to follow this up with a comprehensive review of the Der Gasser publishing process and then an analysis of the advertising rates.


3. Increase the number of rallies and social events. As Vice President, I realize that we need to provide diverse activities that interest our members. Areas of interest would be to focus on increasing rallies and social events. Historically, rallies have been inexpensive to run while social events have required Club funding. However, not all social events would require subsidies. As President, I would like to explore these ideas further.

4. Increase the meeting attendance by another 25 people through speakers and interesting locations. Minimal increased cost to the club should we decide to continue to provide food at the monthly meetings.

5. Another great picnic similar to the 200 plus person one RTR hosted at America on Wheels in 2008. This event drew over 125 cars and again would have to be approved by the Executive committee and only if the 2009 budget is approved.

6. Organize and put forth a recurring membership feedback survey. This survey, for both existing and new members, WILL provide valuable feedback from the RTR members as to thoughts regarding social events, spending, track choices, Holiday banquets and so forth. This task will incur minimal cost to the club.


RTR members, as President, part of my initiative would be to conduct a thorough 2009 budget analysis. I feel that it is very important to determine the Clubs projected income for 2009 and secondly to make sure that all the expenses are approved and accounted for. This will allow us to project the spending before any expenses may be accumulated.

As President, I truly believe that through the RTR survey/questionnaire, we can find the interests the club and provide the programs that, you, the members enjoy most.

Thank you

Graham Knight

Vice President - RTR - 2008