I haven't had a lot of time to enjoy chipping lately, been doing a little but have not been here on this Board much. Last week a friend from work passed away unexpectedly and I've been in a somber state since. Thought I would get a lift from reading the club magazine but when flipping through I saw the In Memoriam page and saw all the great friends that left us recently, but the surprise of Stu's passing, was shocking. I had not heard this news yet.

After reading Rick Timmins' "Suggestion to grow the Club" article I was also surprised. How did it get in? lol... I thought Rick presented an excellent well thought out idea. Many people here know that I have also suggested this move, but Rick really outdid himself with crafting his article.

I was curious to see what peoples responses would be to the suggestions... would members consider any of this? I think it is an interesting starting point for discussion and addresses what we all want.. a growing club and hobby. I did a quick search on the archives here and read through a thread commenting on the article. What a sad thread... a very dedicated member goes out of his way to make a suggestion in the form of a full article and not even a thank you. Kind of cold and dismissive responses. Some people spend thousands of dollars on chips or make thousands of dollars selling chips, not everyone, but a lot of people. Is $75 too much to ask from members, especially Life Members? I have noticed a lot of members hold back their opinions because they don't want the flack from others, I hope we can all get along with differences of opinion.

I'm going to attach below a 501c3 life cycle chart, it is what every not for profit operates by. We are in the decline stage now... will it be renewal or a slow fade. I hope we can better organize and plan for growth. Personally I would agree to pay an additional $75 a year to hire a full time Executive Director. If they were any good they would earn their next years salary by writing for grants. The key would be for us to become more
professional and accountable. The BOD would work with the ED but they would let them do their job. Can't have the BOD micromanaging an ED. Thanks for listening. Happy and healthy chipping to all...

http://www.thechipboard.com/index.cgi/md/read/id/1501028/sbj/club-magazine-arrived-lakewood-ca/