To VCA members throughout the Globe:
You have questions—we have answers!
Q: What is the financial condition of the VCA?
A: The VCA is in sound financial condition, with bills current and over $75,000.00 in the bank account as of 12-4-13. We are NOT bankrupt and we are NOT going out of business!! Many of you were unaware that our club has always relied on raffle cars for a source of income, since almost all of the membership dues gets spent on our members, with a portion of the money also going to each region. The Viper Magazine, badges, and renewal gifts are all member benefits. Pat and Pietro from SRT were in contact with us just last week about how they could help us with the next raffle car.
Q: Has SRT abandoned the VCA?
A: Absolutely not! We are in contact with Pat Dougherty on a regular basis. SRT realizes we have 20 years of website data, a magazine with advertising revenue, a website with advertising revenue, and we will continue to support SRT in every way possible in 2014 just as we have done in years past. Contrary to what you may have heard, Kim at JR Thompson did indeed make a personal phone call to Cathy Smiley asking the VCA to help them promote the lower ticket prices at the Petit Lemans in Atlanta last October. Kim and Fiona sent us an email thanking us for the assistance. So, the email went out worldwide to 3100+ members!
3100 members... think about those numbers for a minute when you realize how large the VCA is.
Q: Will there be a VOI 13?
A: Yes, although we are realistic to plan on the attendance being about 50% lower than in years past. Plans are underway to hold the next VOI in ... Wait a minute! We can't tell you that just yet! Just know that John Canal is putting a lot of time and effort into the fall of 2014 for VOI13.
Q: Will the Viper Magazine be on track for 2014?
A: Yes, and you are about to receive two more publications of the Viper Magazine in the next 3-4 weeks!! We're sorry we got behind with issues this year. Positive and effective changes have been made to avoid any such delays in the future.
Q: What can you share about the most recent Viper Raffle?
A: We understand the concern and respect those that have had questions. There were two issues, the initial winner unfortunately was not eligible and this resulted in legal action that was found in favor of the VCA. It was very disappointing but as you know, in fairness to our membership who participated in the raffle, we must follow the rules that we have in place. The second issue was the raffle. In plain terms, the raffle car timing was included in our operating budget and was held up due to many conditions beyond the VCA's control. We have conducted the raffle with the support of one of our member clubs who registered the raffle in their state for many years. This year, the raffle was conducted without the assistance of this club, which was unexpected, and it was required of the VCA to hold an internet raffle. We are working hard to assure that the next raffle is conducted back in our home state of Michigan, if possible, where it has successfully been conducted for t he last 12 years.
Q: Can the VCA survive with fewer members?
A: Yes, the VCA isn't going anywhere! Even with the members that have renewed thus far, we can and will survive. When Chrysler was in bankruptcy, the VCA managed to weather the storm, even increasing membership during years when the Viper wasn't in production. We, the VCA, have a strong and resilient foundation from which to build from. In the end, we will be a more unified club than ever before.
Q: Communication from the VCA *** to the regional presidents has been sketchy, at best. Why ?
A: Many of you work full time, have active lives outside of the Viper Community, and have families/friends that you want to spend time with. And so do we!! Take a moment to imagine your lifestyle as it is today. How would you like to work a full day and then spend 4 additional hours almost every day as a volunteer on Viper business? Our current VCA National Board are making that effort to save something of value to all Viper owners, namely the Viper Club of America and all of its many assets which we have accumulated over the last 20 years. The International Viper Registry, the tooling for making body parts for all Generations of Viper, the VCA website, etc. Yes, in 3 short months we have a draft ready for approval on bylaw changes, new elections in the first quarter of 2014, RFQ for a new management company/production of the VM, Jon B/Parts Rack has been reinstated, the list goes on and on.
Q: What are the details of the bylaws changes?
A: The proposed bylaw changes are almost finalized and will be posted before Dec 18, 2013 on the VCA website. Some of the key changes are 1) The national VCA President will be prevented from evicting a board member without a 75% vote of the entire *** 2) Your vote by proxy or email will be accepted 3) Term limits will exist for national and regional officers 4) More power is being given to the Regional Presidents and less power to National President. 5) All Viper owner members will be allowed to vote for all officers. Some people are under the impression that the national board is paid / compensated. We are not! These are strictly volunteer positions. We hope that you can see that we are working hard to make the VCA an even better club than it was before.
Q: What is the status of the new management company?
A: We will have a new management company beginning Jan 1, 2014. The national board received 6 quotes from accredited management companies. We narrowed that down to two finalists, and just recently signed and completed the contract with the company who will begin on Jan 1st. The savings will be substantial overall, and they will also be responsible for producing the Viper Magazine. The *** of the VCA has no personal affiliation with any of the management companies who provided quotes. Both finalists had the ability to warehouse and process VPA orders, if ever needed in the future. Herb Helbig will continue to support the VPA as a consultant. The VPA had sales of over one million dollars in 2013, with the best November ever in its history. Chris Marshall has sent us his resignation from the VPA effective December31, 2013. Everyone here wishes Chris and Mary much success in their future endeavors. We would like to thank them both for their years of service and countles s hours of work in behalf of this club that we all love so much.
Q: How will the *** be more transparent in the future?
A: We have heard your concerns and fully agree that we must improve in sharing communication in regards to VCA business going forward. We will partner with the 2014 Region Officers to establish posting guidelines for such communication as *** meeting minutes, Regional President Conference Calls, Financial Reporting, etc. Transparency will never again be in question for the VCA in the future.
Q: When and how will elections be held?
A: For those presidents who are staying with the VCA, elections will be held in late January or February, with your vote by proxy being allowed in the new bylaws. New leadership will be found in the areas where regional presidents have decided to leave. In other words, our goal is for every VCA region that exists today to continue to exist in 2014.
Q: Last question, why should we stay with the VCA?
A: With the initial changes we have proposed, it is a giant step in the right direction and these revisions are evidence that your voice has been heard, loud and clear. The VCA will continue to exist, and doing it WITH your help is certainly what we want to see. Now it is time to move forward. We will focus on the future and from this point rebuild the trust of you, our loyal members, who have chosen to give the VCA an opportunity to successfully implement these changes. Many recognize the benefits of staying with an established club who has so many dedicated people working together who love it with all their heart. We will continue all the hard work that has been put in motion to improving the VCA.
For those of you who have decided not to renew we want to thank you for your past contribution and you will be missed. We hope that in the future you will consider dual memberships. We do wish the new club and its members well and we hope that VCA members are given the same courtesy. We sincerely ask that you reconsider your decision and renew with the VCA. Please know that we are also disappointed that the actions of a few have had such a negative impact to the club we all have enjoyed over the years. In closing we owe a heartfelt thank you to those of you who are considering remaining members, again, we do need you. You can make a positive difference in the future of the VCA.
Please contact us today for a personal discussion with us.
Sincerely,
Dan Everts
[email protected]
Fredi Spaltenstein
[email protected]
John Canal
[email protected]
Greg Crouse
[email protected]
John Mavridis
[email protected]
Ron Kooser
[email protected]
Cathy Smiley
[email protected]
We would like to introduce ourselves, your temporary national board. We apologize for not having done this sooner…there have been many fires to put out!
Dan Everts – Current President of the VCA
So Cal Viper Club, Regional President – 4 years, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Western Zone Director – Elected and served 1 year; 2012; National Treasurer, elected 2013. Dan has a wife and three sons. He has been the CEO of three small business entities for the last 15 years and earned his BA from CSUF. Dan is a pretty serious track/road race/tech guy. He owns three Vipers, one is a "modded to hell" 2004, one 2006 VOI 9 Coupe, one 2009 ACR. He performs most of his own service work, most mods, alignment, corner weighting and car set up. Dan has instructed for Viper Days, NARRA and other track outfits.
Greg Crouse - Current Vice President of the VCA
President North Central Texas – Greg is a banking and Technology consultant and works with banks all over the world fixing their toughest issues. Married to another car nut who happens to be a children's doctor. Member of the VCA for 15 years, 5 years as a local officer, and the last four months serving on the national board.
Lucas Chaney - Current Treasurer of the VCA
Lucas graduated from the University of North Texas with both a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Science degree in Information Technology. He describes himself as the "new school" computer geek. He enjoys playing basketball (Da Bulls, Da Best) and his hobbies include first and foremost the Viper & the great group of people of the NTVCA, going to the movies, playing a little Xbox 360, and watching TV. He has worked in the IT field since graduating with MS in IT in 2004 and has been a part of the NTVCA since 2007. He's been a local officer for the past 2 years, first as Secretary and later as Treasurer.
Fredi Spaltenstein - Current President, Swiss Club
Fredi has been a Master Painter for 30 years and has two (Adult) children who both work with him in his business. Fredi enjoys music and traveling with his wife. Thirteen years VCA member, 7 years Local Officer, 4 months national board.
Ron Kooser – Midwest Zone Director
VCA member since 2005, and served as the Kansas City Secretary for 6 years. Ron has been married for 14 years and has 3 step children. He is a retired locomotive engineer from BNSF railroad where he was employed for 42 years. He has had 3 Vipers, Gen 1, Gen 3, and currently a 2008 coupe.
John Mavridis – Current Interim NE Zone Director
10 years VCA Member Virginia/Maryland Viper Club ,7 Years local officer,2 months National Board .VP in industrial water treatment company. Provides corrosion and scale protection in heat transfer systems. Involved in all facets of organization. John has been married 20 years and has three young boys.
John Canal – Current SE Zone Director
Group Chairman and CEO of Bunkers International Corp, one of the top ten largest marine fuel trading companies in the world with revenues nearing one billion USD per year. Holds degrees in Communications and Political Science from Florida State University. John enjoys travelling with his wife, Maria and two children. Owns three Vipers, one of which is an ACR. John passionately states that he has had some of the best times of his life in the VCA and has met some of his best friends in this club. Although this has been a trying year for the club, he believes in staying and fighting for something that has had such an amazing impact on his life.
Cathy Smiley – Current SE Director at Large since July 2013
Central/North Florida President since January 2013. A VCA member since 2005, Cathy is the President and co-founder of a multimillion dollar audio visual firm which was formed in 1980. "The wearer of many hats" Cathy, along with her husband Jim, manages all aspects of the business every day, along with their staff and oldest son. Cathy has been married for 35 years and has two wonderful sons and a daughter in law. A Florida native, she says that being the President of the Central/North Florida VCA is the best job on the planet!! She loves people and enjoys planning fun Viper outings with the members of both clubs in the state. Owns eight cars (too many, in her words) and not enough cars( Jim's words) including two Vipers: an '08 SRT10 coupe, and '02 GTS final edition coupe, as well as an '07 Chrysler 300 SRT 8 (Wicked fast!) which is her favorite car aside from the Vipers.
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