VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION Forum Questions Business Process

Yeah, I know some of them Oreo cows up close! I thought about field coils but they may be too old to count anymore.

Seems every body knows a lot about this and I appreciate the thoughts and concern both sides have.

My view is easy and rather simplistic, we are either improving VCCA, or were are not.

I base these views on several points including my recruiting efforts and conversations with young, potential VCCA members over the 1.5 years.

Thus, If VCCA is to grow we must have new members. These new {younger} members have baseline requirements. Among these; a high quality, interesting, valuable, fast, fun, creative and secure technology site.

This is what the next VCCA generation grew up with. It is a norm and they demand it. So I’m in favor of this investment.

Beyond this initial investment, there is a valuable and mandatory tool that can and will be used for recruiting. one with a true ROI {return on investment}. Unfortunately not making this investment will create additional problems and delaying the decision will see the cost of doing so skyrocket.

I was recently told by a VCCA member, “It’s just a club.” I agree 100%. But it’s also a club where there must be some functional and fiduciary responsibilities to improvement and capitalizing on ways to increase the clubs value. Just part of the "clubs" responsibilities.

Any changes or improvements CAN be done while respecting the values and standards of the past, then improving and investing in it’s future. As Bill Gates said in a speech, “Your either improving or your going backwards.”

And lets face it, any necessary change can be fun, or a pain in the a**. Depending on how a person chooses to see.

At least that's how I see it. And it’s also why I paid my dues and why I support the BOD. Or possibly the BOD should consider changing our mantra, “Join a great Chevrolet Club where things never change.”

Just my view. Thanks for the opportunity.
Michael41

I totally agree with Mike41s point of view. Unless this club is serious about getting into the 21st century, it is doomed. The people that have been in this club for years HAVE to be open minded to change. All things in life change, nothing ever stays the same. This has to be at the national level, as well as at the local level. At our local meeting someone suggested a change of logos for our local chapter. Nothing drastic, basically adding a nice picture of a 32 chevy to our already existing logo. You would have thought the world was coming to an end. The ol timers got together, and that was the end of that! I understand tradition, and all that, but maybe the younger members wanted to put there impression on the club, by combining the best of the old logo, with something new added to it.

This up-grade of the web site is a fantastic idea, whos time is WAY over due. If the ol timers of this club do not begin opening up to new Ideas, and reaching out to the younger members, and the younger potential members. One can only assume the future survival of this club for years to come is of little concern to them.
What worked 30yrs ago was fine 30yrs ago. I wish some of the BOD would understand all we want to do is carry on the tradition of the VCCA for years to come.

We need to start by getting the younger members to run for the BOD and vote the ol timers out of office. I'm looking at a 1993 G & D and see about ten on the same names that we have today running the show. This is from an old timer with only seven members having been menbers longer than I have. There comes a time when we should retire and let the younger members run the ship. I served my time many years ago.

All the talk about getting the younger generation of people to get Involved In the VCCA, What I see Is, That the majority of young people today are not really Interested, In getting Involved with the older chevrolets back In the twenties, thirty, fortys. They are Interested In the Sixtys, Seventys and newer cars, Muscle cars, Big engine cars. There are car clubs all over that draw the younger people to those kind of clubs. Without the younger generation getting Involved with the older cars, I see a slow Slow gain In membership of the VCCA, In getting them Involved In our club. Times have changed as each year goes by and the newer cars, Not the older ones, Are what the younger generation Is Interested In. There are VCCA members today who had their children Involved with them as they grew up being Involved In the touring and club functions, But today they have no Interest In the old cars. Just my observation of what Is happening today.

I think you're right on the button there Don.
It was in the 40's 50's & 60's that the specials (UK)/Hot rods (US) building really started.
How many members have done their share of destroying vintage/classic vehicles back then?
BOY! they were beautiful....
But now we'd lynch this fella Coddington.
Power is what we wanted then & power is what they want now.
Yes there are exceptions, then & now!

You are right Don, I cannot deny that. But then again I wonder how many current members had there share of hot rod fever when they were younger? My guess is pretty many of them. Its a stage of life we all go through. But what about after that?

I was thinking it over this weekend and wanted to add a couple of points to my original posting.

First, I read the bylaws etc. this past weekend, good stuff. So if the for fathers, in the BOD opinion had it "perfect from the start" then keep it that way. There is NOTHING wrong or bad about this club standing tall & proud about being traditionalists.

My view is, VCCA DOES NOT have to change one cotton pick-in thing. They can be what they are and be dam proud of it. BUT tell the world !!!

Now, the argument against this position. Everything in the world HAS changed. So VCCA may find itself behind at times. And “catch up” in life is a difficult, if not impossible. Great old say explains it best, “If you think change is hard now, just wait until every one but you has done it.”

Next, what Kipper and Don have said, “That the majority of young people today are not interested in getting involved with the older Chevrolets.” is wrong and I could not disagree more. These young folks are bright, interested, talented and creative. Additionally the young people that I have talked with are VERY interested in old cars, including Chevrolets.

This brings us to recruiting. VCCA Must consider Four key points to recruit younger and newer members.
1. Update and improve VCCA’s technology, including the web site.
2. Consider additional classifications for Chevrolet’s.
3. Develop a recruiting plan that outlines and communicates,in detail, the Benefits & Values of being a VCCA member.
4. Recruit & Welcome younger members. Openly and free of all previous views or judgments.

The way I see it, the young new members are the ones who will carry VCCA into the future. They are bright, interesting and very sophisticated. And they know cars, including Chevrolets. To be sure this was true I called 3 “mechanics training” facilities around the country. And the comments were the same each time I asked; Are your newer students interested in old cars, such as vintage Chevrolets?
“Yes. Absolutely. That’s all they talk about.”
“Many drive old cars, and it’s their hobby.”
“Can’t keep-em away from older cars.”
“Yes, they love the 50’s & 60’s cars. It’s a life style for them.”

All I know is, aprox. 75% of the young people I meet at swap meets, car shows, conventions, etc., ALL READY belong to one or more OLD car clubs. So this should dispel the “believe” that they do not like old cars. FACTS ALWAYS TRUMP BELIEFS

There it is, first hand information, qualified ideas and quantified facts.

Now my suggestion to Michael Jones Send a note to each board member and ask them to post a current statement, with in the next 30 days, where they stand on “changing” the web site and technology. This would allow Jerry, Dennis, Steve, Joe, Don, Roger, Leigh, Bill, Mike, Bill B. Nick, Robert, Ken, John, Jean, Leonard, Pinky, Jerry G., Bob H., Russell, Pat Mc., Chuck, Shirley & Dennis F. to tell us where they sit exactly on this issue. Just simple, easy to read statements of position. Remember, there are “No Bad” guys here. Every one is entitled to a position, respectfully.

And there's No Way these suggestions tarnish, weaken, undermine, lessen, discount or dilute VCCA’s original Statement, Mission, Goals or Position. In fact they would polish them to a new luster.

When I think about this issue, it’s really an opportunity to see where each and every Board Member and Executive Chairman stands on investing in and improving VCCA for the future. As my grand father use to say, “Just tell me what’s in the soup so I can decide if I want to buy it.”

I will look forward to every ones response.
Respectfully,
Michael41

Michael 41, Please tell us what additional classifications of Chevrolets you are interested in adding.

Well truly, I am not sure.

Out West here there are a lot of classic Chevy's that have been up-dated by younger people. Like Disk brakes, maybe different eng's, slightly different upholstery, tires, a little bolder paint jobs, etc. From across the street they look stock but up close, they have these changes.

The one thing I have noticed is that the owners are in LOVE with them and have done an incredibly beautiful job of rebuilding the cars. As well as spending thousands of $$. The quality, to the engineering and selection of products they are all first quality. And the owners are as fun, bright, full of pride and talented as VCCA members.

As far as these projected Chevrolets go, possibly it could be a modified class. Where the body lines must remain true to the original design. But the running gear, etc. may be modified.

In a funny way, a class like this may make our Stock and Restored Chevrolets MORE valuable, by framing them with the "modified chevy's.

But this is only my view, which is limited. And I remain open to any other suggestions or thoughts.

Michael41

Michael, you have made some good positive points there. In order to give our club a strong support and favorable factor for growth. I could support a modified for Safety and performance class ie..."Street Modified Chevrolet" as long as restrictions were applied as to appearance and street use , also 100 % Chevrolet parts used, no Mopar, F0RD or Mustang, Pacer, Jaguar etc. parts used....Any after market performance add-ons to be certified for use by the VCCA Safety & Performance Committee. "Certificates of acceptance" would have to be earned and displayed by any aftermarket Manufactor or vendor. Judging point values as decided and applied equally and with strict WRITTEN rules that are decided by a committee made up of both restoration and preservationist and "modifiers for safety and performance members" I also would have only one "Street Rod" class and the year models would have to fit within the VCCA Years of acceptance. Any Street rod would have to be street legal with conventional plates and registration Insurance proof,and state inspection certification. This class addition would have to be selected and approved by written ballot of 2/3rds of the VCCA membership.

I see your point MrMack. Good thoughts on the details.

As I stated before, I am not that deep in Chevrolet experience, but with the guidance of knowledgeable members look you, I am sure a class could be developed that would open VCCA up to new members and open new members up to VCCA. A Balance of you will.

Just how they would/could be judged etc, is a workable issue. All it takes is interest and effort. And truly, within VCCA there is at least 1,000 years of experience. Surely that much knowledge can come up with the guidelines for a new class. IF that's what it takes to help the club grow and increase it's value.

I am also sure any new members who happen to qualify would be MORE than willing to assist in the new classification efforts. There you have it, a team effort.

And I mean what I said. I can for see the "new & younger" members becoming more and more interested in our stockers, after they are around them a while. Sort of another balance.

In closing, I have seen MANY Chevrolets that were NOT stock but are VCCA members. They all seem to be nice folks, participate, honor the club and have a good time. I guess it's just more of that balance thing.

I once heard the President of an association speak, and it was his thought that the single most important view a President or Board can have is, what can it do to help the "organization" 10 years down the road.

Two words that comes to mind when I think about VCCA's value, Mentoring and Legacy. Thus my thoughts, are directed towards VCCA's future.

I Appreciate your views.
Michael41

Michael. All your thoughts about getting the younger people Involved with the older cars and to join the VCCA. Sounds great, Bring them on and Join, But I do not see that happening. You talk about street rods and modified cars and having classes for them In the VCCA. I cannot see that happening any time soon and In my opinion I think that would be a big mistake. I do not believe that younger people are joining the VCCA. If that Is happening, It would be nice to hear from some regions across the country, On how many new younger people have joined In the past year. The younger people who have newer and modified cars are moving on to clubs that pertain to those cars and they are not joining the VCCA, To go touring with the older generation and the stock cars. In the Northwest regions, And I would bet everywhere else, The clubs are not getting hardly any younger people to come to a meeting let alone join. Talk all you want, But as of now, In our region and In most of the others, Time Is marching on and the older Is getting older and the younger are not there, And the street rods and modified cars Is not what the VCCA Is about. :)

Sadly, Dons views are shared by many of the old guard. And if that train of thought prevails, then yes, this oganization is DOOMED. The old will get older, and there will be no one left. Is that what you members of the "old guard" want, as a legacy to this GREAT organization YOU ALL have created? Or is CHANGE in order to secure the future of VCCA for future generations?
I think mikes, and Mr. Macks Ideas are fantastic!
It will get the younger croud mixed in with us purists, and you older guys. And they can be exposed to how GREAT an original car really is, and learn the history about these cars that only you GREAT members of the "old guard" can provide.
History more then anything is the key to loving an old vintage "STOCK" automobile. Its exactly how this ex-rodder became the PURIST I am today.
"E X P O S U R E"

It sure is an interesting world that we currently live in.

So, my weird idea?

Here it is... Read the first posting in this thread ( HERE ) and then think about ... steps... that you would take if you WANTED to PURPOSELY drive the club OUT OF BUSINESS!! If this was your goal, what steps would you take? Make a list.

The reason that I like this approach to problem solving is that it gets the obvious issues out in the open right away. So, what would YOUR steps be to put the club out of business??

Once you list these, then you have a GREAT list because it is the OPPOSITE of what you really need to do!!! How easy is that?

Your ideas and continued input is welcomed. Leigh Wilcox is just about ready to start the Business Process Team again, and we could really use your ideas.

One of the best ways to destroy the club is to have tours that are limited to just some years, some types. This splinters or fractures the overall club.

How can anyone think it's "good" to purposely exclude members of the same organization??

That's like a clique or private club or whatever. Definitely bad news.

Bill.

Another good way to destroy the club is for the old timers (purists ??) to turn their noses up to fellas who have dual pipes, dual carbs, blue dot tail lights, etc. The members of the club that make those fellas feel unwelcome when they come to a meeting or on a tour as a "guest" apparently feel they're keeping the club pure.

Yup. That's pure alright. Likely ONE of the pure reasons we've had 40k total numbers but actually have only 8500 members.

Talk about two faced. A 41 Chevy with a 48 motor is A-OK for judging. But no split manifold. That sounds like something Jay Leno or David Letterman could use make up a joke!!!

Bill.

I am one of those old-timers that is always being talked about. There are only seven members in VCCA that have been in longer than I have.

When our two boys were growing up we did not attend car functions without taking them along. They attended every banquet we attended. They were as much a part of the hobby as we were.

One boy started a screw on hubcap collection as a Cub Scout Project while attending Swap Meets with us. He joined VCCA at the Anniversary Meet in Colorado Springs when he turned 16. He is still a member today.

The other son just last month joined the hobby. Our other interest has always camping and he has been camping all his life and still is.

My point: How many children or grand children do we see at VCCA activities? How many of those attending get pizza instead of attending all the functions of a meet or tour.

If we don't have them involved when they are young chances are they will never be interested. Look at the pictures in the G & D. How many children do you see?

One of our granddaughters got her drivers license on a Wednesday and she drove one of our cars on a local tour the following Sunday.

Our boys drove our cars in school parades when they were in high school. I had other club members ask me if I had lost my mind.

I'm not saying I did everything right but this is my opinion of how we can start turning things around. I don't have all the answers.

I just have to go back to when I was in my teens, twentys and then the thirties. As a teen I wanted a car to personalize, semi customize a cool interior, fast & loud, as a twenty year old I got into big and powerful, during these years I was a club guy, now they call them gangs. hang out with my peers,compete., race, drink beer,drag race. Work a job to keep the car up.
Then in my thirties it changed, marriage, more time on a job, station wagons, travel trailers. This lasted into the early fifties, then empty nest, work more time on a soft job,talk about retirement,started thinking abour cars I had back in my teens, bought one, worked up in my career to where I had little time to work on the car, did a lot of dreaming. Now retirement...come on baby let's get into the old car scene, join a club, have fun, drive old cars, it is just a gang for seniors, velcro shoes, comfortable clothing, talk about old cars, work on old cars, spend money on old cars drive a while, eat, drive a while eat, have fellowship. Go online and bitch and worry about our old car club going to hell in a handcar. Think about what your sons and daughters have to do to keep their head above water paying for an expensive cardboard house , a car with a sun roof and a "system" HDTV,computers, "we needa..." Kids need a team sport, Kids need discipline, kids need, kids need, but a video game and computer are easier to coach.

Mom and Dad we need...

"Mom and Pop where are you when we need you? probably off on another damn car trip!"

Great responses. Thanks for your thoughts and views.

And I hear you all loud and clear. Let me address a few of the comments made to me. However I do not want any one who reads my ideas to assume they are fail proof, OR that these are the ONLY ideas that would and could grow VCCA. There are many other plans, ideas, methods and processes that can, reenergize VCCA. Unless people do not think so.

Now for some quick thoughts and remarks on the comments.

YES, Young people are NOT joining in large numbers {currently}.
THAT DOES NOT MEAN THEY WON'T.

Yes, people do “gather” or connect with like minded people.
That’s Normal.

Yes, “fraternal organizations are dying on the vine.
The reasons are clear and documented. They failed to change
or open up to meet the needs of NEW members.

Yes, young people are interested in different things.
So were you & I. But we ALL share a desire to connect. To feel valuable, important, necessary & WELCOME. Especially younger people.

Yes, it MAY be necessary to make some adjustments in VCCA. But that does not have to happen. The Elks, Elks, Eagles, Masons, American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Odd Fellows didn't do it.

There MUST be {and maybe there is} least 10-12 managed, creative, valuable ideas, methods, plans and concepts in place
at ONE time to grow VCCA. Just different cars or younger members will NOT do it.

1. The first place to add energy is to the existing club & members. A plan to reenergize these members is key.

2. VCCA must recruit with a different plan, set up to deliver different results. Lots of thought here but clearly it’s doable.

3. Get younger people involved. Many, many exciting paths here.

[B]“If they ain’t coming to you, go to them.”
Go see THEM.
Get an invitation to join them at THEIR meetings. {several times}
Join THEIR Clubs.
Go to THEIR cars Shows. {several times}
Go to THEIR schools for a “show & tell.” {several times}
Go on THEIR tours. {several times}
Invite them on YOUR tours. {several times}
Invite them to YOUR region meetings. {several times}
Have a special car show/BBQ & invite THEM. {several times}
Get to know them. Well.
Share your enjoyments, interests & knowledge.
Listen to THEIR enjoyments, interests and knowledge.
Go back to the top of this list & start over.....
There are 15-20 MORE ideas just in this category.

But should you decided to work a process like this, be proud of your recruiting efforts and make new friends. Because IF you are genuine and respectful, you will make a lot of them. And for god's sake SMILE. The number 1. complaint from young people is that old people do not seem happy.

From my view, I know this process would be successful. I’m sure of it because I know, have experience with & respect young people. First I am proud father, with 32 years of experience, a Childhood Development Specialists, a Psychologists and President of a successful parent and childhood development program.

I like Bill Barker’s method reverse thinking. Works, if people work it.

Another way to plan is change problems to CHALLENGES.
Instead of listing why the plan will NOT work, express the problems as Challenges. For example; How do we get young people involved? Not, they like different things, they do not understand, they can’t, won’t, wouldn't, blaw, blaw, blaw. The world is tired of that method and ALL IT EVER REWARDS IS THE FAILURE.

Disclaimer: Any new path starts with the views and beliefs of the people involved. If you have a list of “failure reasons” keep it to yourself. As Vince Lombardi said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.” So don't be a failure strategists. No reward in it.

However if you feel a deep need to EXPRESS why this will plan will fail, Paa-leezzze call your Minister, Dial-a-prayer, a drinking buddy, a former wife or any one, just NOT me. People’s failure ideas are none of my business.

Now, I am only a member and idle observer of VCCA with less than 2 years experience. However the first plan for my region has netted us aprox. $3,000.00.

I’ll leave this with my favorite quote,”"Unless something changes nothing will.”

Oh, and the serious tones of this are not really there. I wrote this with a big smile on my face.
Michael41

Mr.Back Roads also has an excellent point, which is why I bring my daughter to all our local meetings. WE all have to keep the kids involved, and interested. But there also has to be a way to get outsiders interested in the VCCA. Which brings me back to Micheal41s, and Mr. Macks Ideas.
But where do you draw the line between modified, and rodded? Interesting ideas to say the least.
42Bill, I believe the reason they split the tours up is because it would be difficult for an old 4cyl to keep up with a 6, or even an 8cyl while touring? Really dont think its to splinter the club.

Hey Fleet, (sorry I can't remember your real name. Maybe Don - ??)

I don't think for a moment that the 4 cylinder guys or the 'early 6' guys do those tours to intentionally split up the club. But in my mind, it's like a wedge. It seems like eventually a split will be the result.

They talk about going slower, etc. etc. I've been on tours where there's fours and early sixes and I was in a high hp car and I just drive slower. No big deal to me.

My thought is it isn't "right" to have a tour where part of the membership is "automatically" excluded. Sorta sets them aside as something special or whatever. Easy to make others think they don't belong. Or aren't as good.

Bill.

I want to add another thought..... for ME, one of the really neat aspects of the VCCA is there's cars from the Teens to the Seventies. How fun!! You can see a ton of history on one tour. That's always been a positive, for ME. And not just 'older' and 'newer' but Corvairs and Vettes and Monte Carlos and pick-ups and and.....sort of all things Chevy.

I guess we get around 125-150 cars at the annual NW Meets. How cool. As above, cars from maybe 1917 to Monte's. That's really neat!

Enough of me for now....

Fleet47, I like your thoughts but you may be ahead of your self and the process when you ask:
Where do you draw the line between modified, and rodded ?

Once VCCA reaches that point, the lines will be made well, and clear.

Michael41

Speaking about the older four cylinder chevys, I was really amazed at the last two northwest meets when It came to going on the tours. The four cylinder cars went first, Then the other cars. Those early cars were long gone and really tooling down the road and there was not once where they slowed the tours down. I myself do not like the Idea of only a four cylinder tour. I think that limits alot of others who have six cylinder cars, That would really like to participate along with the early cars. I think this Is where you put the year of a car, between two groups of other members and their cars. I like the Idea of a four, Six cylinder group of cars together on a tour. I think It should be about friendship, Getting together, Not being seperated by what year of cars you drive. I do know that there will be a four, Six cylinder tour just before the meet In Grand Junction, Which Is great.

There are several reasons why tours are limited. First they are limited in the number of vehicles and people by the facilities available. Safety and public relations are also a factor. We can either be an attraction and give pleasure to the people who see the old cars on the road (which is what we hope for and will serve as inspiration for others to get one and have fun too.) or a distraction and have people wonder why they still let those old cars hog the road and get in the way of people who are going some place. Too many in a bunch can be a real safety hazard! Can you say Road Rage?

The second is to give an incentive to obtain, restore, recondition or upgrade an old Chevy. How many people wanted a pre-29 (4 cyl.) Chevy before the 4 cylinder (now called pre-29) tours were started by Tom Meleo? Not me! The were only good for parades and shows. Parts were hard to get and you had to trailer them if the event was more than a few miles from home. Guess what? I now have 6 of them. Do you think that I would have bought even one if I could have driven my '72 Chevelle Convertible with automatic trans/air conditioning, etc.? I have so much fun now with the older Chevys that the Chevelle has not hardly left the garage in four years.

Did limiting the tours fractonate the club? Guess it could have in some peoples eyes but may have done just the opposite in others. There are people out touring that basically kept a car in the garage and had the spouse nag about that old thing taking up garage space. Now they can't wait to go on the next tour.

In our area we have several tours where you can bring what ever you want, 4, 6, 8, gas, diesel even modern. Just had a fine Buick Convert at our last Region outing this past weekend. Did anyone complain? Surely not as much as for the F@$& pickup. Were really glad they came but, just had to gig'em a bit.

If someone does not like the fact that some tours or events are limited then start your own with what ever you want to invite or accept. Part of what makes the VCCA what it is is our diversity. We just need to expand and build on it. New ideas can bring new members. Just like the 4 cyl. tours did.