VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions VCCA Magazine Ads

Who is responsible for the VCCA ads placed in magazines? In the May 2006 Hemmings the VCCA ad states "Going strong for over 42 years". That is correct we are over 42 years old. Next it reads Chevrolets 1911 - 1979 and under that it reads "All Chevrolets 25 years and Older".

Why not remove the years of vehilcle and just go with the statement of 25 years and older and the ad will not become outdated?

We could change the going strong statement to GOING STRONG SINCE 1961. The original Chevrolet Club.

Just my thoughts.

Makes sence to me

Back Roads,
I have noticed the same thing over the years, and I agree with your suggestions.

Does VCCA have a PR Firm, or person ??

I have also noticed a complete lack of PR about our VCCA and our Anniversary Event in Colorado.

I had been looking for VCCA Anniversary Ads in other car magazines and publications, to support my duties for the event, BUT so far nothing.

Not a word about "The Big Event" in Hemming's, Classic Car, Automobile, Collectors Automobile & twelve {12} other magazines & auto publications I reviewed.

In addition I checked "On-Line" with about 14 web sites that list various car events, shows, auctions, etc. etc. etc. NOT ONE LISTING !! Not even on Colorado or Grand Junction's web site.

I have never heard of an organization NOT PUBLISHING it's functions. Especially it's 45 Year event. Hell, 6 old Chevy's should be making the rounds on the "Today" show, Jay Leno's, Good Morning America, News Papers, Magazines, Auto web sites, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.

Seems odd to me. And frankly very sad that so many are investing so much, with no support in a conventional or typical manner.

No organization can grow or even sustain with out good press.

So, who's in charge of this club's PR ??

Michael41

NCRS appointed a PR individual about 10 years ago. he's a member and its volunteer driven. you'd be suprise3d how much press, and yes , even $ he generates for the club. GM typically ponies up about $5K each year at the NCRS National conventions. At the Hershey Nationals several years ago, our PR fella arranged for Lou Dobbs to send a team to film the convention wheich was shown nationwide the following evening.A VCCA PR fella is a no-brainer. mike

I think Pinky Randall is our PR "guy." (I don't know his real "title" and I'm not going upstairs to see what it says in a G and D.)

Further, I don't know exactly what Pinky does but I clearly recall hearing good things about his efforts.

Hopefully someone with more knowledge and a better memory will back me up on this.

Not to be negative to Michael41, but in that CO isn't really an 'open' event where we're looking for spectators (the public) to attend, I'm not sure it's important to have advance PR. I think Gene is on the right track (in the other PR thread) with his idea of after-the-fact PR. That let's the "public" and prospective members learn more about us.

Bill.

There is a publicity committee that is chaired by a member of the national board. I believe that Bill Bradford is the chairman. I know that right now he's pretty busy with the Anniversary Meet.

Pinky is in charge of Chevrolet relations.

I have asked if there was any chance of advertising in some magazines that focus on newer Chevrolet's like Super Chevy and that sort. I realize that alot of those cars are modified, but we need more muscle car era vehicles.

No prob-lemo Billy. I understand.

But since the Colorado event is "Closed" {which baffles my mind} it could have been used to build positive press. Operative word being "COULD"

And if VCCA does not want, nonmembers there. Another baffling thought} it would have been a great feather in our cap and a heck of a way to say, raise our flag and say, Look At Us!!

Seems like a wasted opportunity to me. I'm told Membership is dropping, voters are not voting, number of judged cars are shrinking. Hello ??

I did what others told me to do, I looked at Hemmings and there are over 100 ads for "Club Only Events" this year, but NOT one listing for VCCA. He says as he bangs his head on the dash!!!!!!

But maybe I'll knock some since into my little Ol' Irish mind and one day understand, No press is good press. Hmmmm???

Michael41

The way I see It, The national meet Is not the place to try and bring non members to see what the VCCA Is about. This Is a week of fun, getting together, Meeting old and new friends and going on tours for for VCCA members, Just like alot of other car clubs and other organizations do. I believe that all the other ways to get new members to join Is the way to go, But not at the national meet. This Is what members look forward to every five years, Not to spend their time trying to get someone to join.

Right on Donaldsan...Our primary goal isn't expansion of the club by any means. But it is an organization of a membership with a very selective mission, "The Preservation and Restoration of Chevrolet Vintage vehicles to original condition at least 25 years old and the comaraderie and the skills and social activities associated with that hobby. We do have fun! and we do drive and show off our cars, and we do a lot of talking and tire kicking!

Mr Mack, could you please explain to us who the "our" is that you are the spokesperson for? I think you might have made a mistake and left out the IMHO! If any of you have any intentions of seeing this club survive that the only goal is to get new members. If not then why waste money placing ads at all? Do truck owners know about us? Do Corvair owners? I am sure some do but not as large group. Michael has been doing a heck of a lot of work and is finding out that we do not exist as a club to many Chevrolet owners who share the same values, I will agree with you on one thing we do talk a lot.......... :( :(
John

Yes John, I did that, thanks for the correction, Actually I was more or less answering Don's reply and intended primarly to add to his comments I probably should have used the (IMHO) disclaimer for sure.... and explained that it was my opinion about why we (VCCA) hard liners haven't seen fit to open the Anniversery up to the general public as a means of recruiting new members, isn't there something in the 45th Anniversary Meet literature about members of VCCA only?(IMHO)
I thought the last questions raised in the thread were about why we didn't advertise the 45th Meet in magazines and have an open meeting there in G.J. to invite the public and also use the meet to recruit new members. Am I wrong?

Also John do you think that there is a certain element of our National club that don't want any expansion of the club? "Just keep OUR club like it is."

And we are in agreement that there are many Chevrolet fans out there that haven't heard about what we do, and many that DO know about us, that have a negative opinion about what we are and what we do, we need to change that for sure. Again, that is my own opinion....

For some reason I think I am confused here. I must have missed something. Yes we are closed to members only at the meet, but I think the question was why don't we use the meet to promote new members? I took this as prior to the meet. Use it as a tool, it has been done here in Area 11 prior to meet, list the meet in the local papers and mention " members only for membership info please call....." It has worked very well!

Yes I feel there are members who do not want to see any change in the club, and many who only consider a Vintage Chevrolet to be pre WWII. I had a member come up to me in Springfield while I was parking my 60 Impala and ask "when are you going to buy an old chevy?" The sad part was it was not to be mean.
John

This club has always had it's main focus as the "old" cars. Translation: Pre WW II.

What "proof" do you need other than to check the logo.

I suggested changing the logo in this forum about a year ago and was basically told that was a dumb idea.

The existing logo with the really old car and the dates does NOT, in my estimation, represent the club. It certainly is not attractive to any prospectvie member who owns a car newer than the late - 30's.

The logo clearly mis-represents the club. IMO.

Bill.

Bill, you do raise a valid point but the AACA's logo dipicts a Duryea,and their membership is on the rise.
John

I am not suggesting that the VCCA logo be changed and when it was designed 45 years ago the old car and vintage name was appropiate.To day with the wide number of years covered it would be better to have NO CAR pictured as it give the impression that the club is just for "old cars" from the '20's....The young person with a '73 Chevelle would rather belong to a "younger" sounding club.
Recently a new logo was presented to the membership of our region.It pictured a 1933 Chevrolet.The present logo has only a Bow Tie and outline of the state, which is very neutral as no year car is shown.About half the emembers thought the new logo look good and voted for it.I was not for it as it pictured an old car and gave the impression that we were a club for just older model cars.
If the National logo was changed I would suggest removing the car completely and replacing it with a Bow Tie which is recognized as Chevrolet and would be neutral for all years.How many 20 year old guys want to belong to a club for "vintage" cars with an "antique" car in its logo?
Just some food for thought....not trying to start WWII.

IMHO the logo is an insignificant issue. The real issue is modernizing the thinking of the leadership in the club. Unless the logo offends someone then it can be retained at least for the time being.

I joined the club over 35 years ago. At that time it was a pre-WWII club. A '55 Chevy was just an old used car. I could not understand why someone would collect a '57. About 10 years later I owned a '57 as well as early 30s. Thought that the 4 bangers were useless parade cars. Now I own and drive frequently several 20s, several early 30s, a '55, '56, '57 and two '72s. My view of what is a Vintage Chevrolet has changed dramatically over those 35 years. Unfortunately much of the direction of the VCCA has not similarly changed. That is the critical issue. Once we get that fixed then let's focus on other issues like the logo. Just my opinion. Hopefully, it is not the second shot in WWII.

The cartoon with the two buzzards sitting on a limb comes to mind. Sure wish I could find a copy to post. "Instead of waiting for something to die, let's fly down and kill something!"

Here's clarification on MY comments.

What I mean is this;
1. The 45 th. VCCA Anniversary event in Colorado SHOULD have been promoted to the hill, starting OVER a year ago. Every industry magazine, news paper, parts co web site, car company, paralleling car club, and industry web site's should have received info on the big event.

2. The event SHOULD have been an OPEN invitation to meet the members, see the cars, feel the enthusiasm, share in the excitement, pick up some info on the club, have a good time, meet some members, explore some great cars, learn about the cars from knowledgeable people, see all the venues, make some new friends and maybe join then or when the person returns home.

Here's Validation for VCCA needing more press:
{4/31, phone call journal}

Michael41: "Good Morning Mr. Car Parts Company President, my name is Michael welch, I'm with VCCA and following up on a letter I sent you about 2 weeks ago inviting you to our Big 45 Anniversary meet in Colorado. And asking if you'd like to support us VCCA members and share in a $10,000,000. market"

President: "Not really sure Mike. I know you guys have been around a long time. But we generally reserve our actual donations for large clubs with over 500 members. When do you have meets, do you have only classic cars,or trucks, hot rods ?

OUCH!!!!!!! And believe me there is No Way Any One can explain away that man's comments. No One!!!!! Name of the company is totally immaterial, it's the PERCEPTION THAT KILLED US.
PR, Builds perceptions. Truthful perceptions.


As I see it, a clubs, ANY clubs primary mission is to share the fun & knowledge of the hobby with others. We missed this opportunity big time.

And I'm fed up with all the "half-butt" explanations about why No Press is Good Press or the event is “Members Only.”

I believe we missed the greatest opportunity in the past 5 years to share our joy. And what better way for ALL THE CURRENT ATTENDING MEMBERS to share, show off, counsel other's as interested in the Old Chevy's as they are. To me, that is the value of life, sharing.

I mean come on----like allowing nonmembers at the event is going stop old friends from having fun. Hells bells, 95% of all fun is in sharing, not owning. Hello???

I do agree with John348, I am not sure who "our" is but it don't include me.

Dam guys, all things grow and change, or they don't. And if they don't they are "dated. " As the old expression goes, "Change or Die."

It's the thrust of this that gals me, "Were an open club, as long as we want you there." What is this club, by invitation only??

Every one, member or not is entitled to their views, I respect those views and the right to express them. I don't think 1% less of any one who does not agree with me.

Now, I have spent all the time I am going to on this subject and many others.

But to me, the club is either open or it is closed. Just PLEASE let me know which one BEFORE I pack for Colorado.

Wouldn't mind the Presidents view here either. So pony up boys, what is VCCA open or closed ????

Michael41

OPEN, to VCCA members (IMHO) VCCA Membership is open to those that apply and pay the required dues. I am sure there will be application sheets available at G.J. (Registrations for the 45th Anniversary must be in before the Meet begins),
If you wish to attend as a participant, start thinking about sending in the registration forms and the required fees.

As far as I know the displays and car show is open to the public for viewing, but not for entrys. It seems to me it would be simular to an Olimpics meet, anyone can view but you must qualify to enter the competition.

Do any of you think we should have our Anniversary meets open to the public, other than viewing?

Do you think we should have an open house car show, seminars and invite every vendor we find to display goods and attend the plaque tours at the VCCA Anniversary meets? Instead of having a members 45th Anniversary celebration.

We make it a giant trade show? NOT in my opinion.
Even in trade shows the entry is restricted as to participants, either by invitation or an entry fee.

I would support our particapation in any trade show that conforms to our mission statement or purpose.

I am not against having recruiting affairs, nor advertising in every magazine on the hill, but who is going to pay for the advertisments? I certainly don't think our current cash flow will suffice.

I just don't make the connection of having a VCCA Anniversary meet and the main objective being to recruit new members, use a different event for that.

My final say on this affair.

I have attended every Anniversary Meet except for the first one. I have also planned and executed several large meets and tours. These events are NOT presented with recruiting as a major objective.

If you have ever taken part in the planning and execution of such an event you know you must have an application and a cut-off-date for the application. Once you have arrived at the COD you can start the serious planning for the event. In several of the NW Meets held in area 3, people have arrived on the first day of the event and wanted to apply/attend. Just not possible because the train is already rolling down the track and you can't stop it.

Usually we make contact with the local news media for coverage of our events. Visitors as a result of this publicity are welcomed to OBSERVE, but not participate.

At our Anniversary Meets, events are so hectic (numerous events taking place at the same time); that the last thing you want is to be involved with a hoard of visitors. We just don't have the time to entertain them. I look at the Anniversary Meets as our celebration for all the work we have done in the last 4 years.

Something that has not been mentioned in this series of discussions is the LIABILITY of NONREGISTERED visitors. What an opportunity to attack the "deep pockets", in the event of an injury suffered by a non-participant.

To sum up my argument, yes, we do need a planned recruitment plan, but extra visitors at our Anniversary Meet is not the time or place.

On the logo idea.....

In my opinion, the logo is not only important, it's critical. I presume it's often the FIRST thing somebody sees regarding the VCCA. And it is oh so true that "you" only get one chance to make a first impression.

Rather than discussing which (year) car; best to have NO car. As Gene suggests, the bowtie seems like a good idea.

You'll never convince me that a teens or 20's car doesn't immediately turn off anyone who isn't interested in that vintage whether due to their age or the 'age' of the car(s) they are interested in.

Bill.

Mrmack you completely missed my point. Your off 1,000%.

You say; "I just don't make the connection of having a VCCA Anniversary meet and the main objective being to recruit new members, use a different event for that."

NO One Said that. No One offered that as a view, suggestion or goal. No one said change ANYTHING, just offer more.

Next, is this comment "Something that has not been mentioned in this series of discussions is the LIABILITY of NON-REGISTERED visitors. What an opportunity to attack the "deep pockets", in the event of an injury suffered by a non-participant."

Was there some sort of morality or honesty test among current members. I don't remember taking one. And to suggest "outsider's" are less honest is, well, odd to be honest. And very closed minded.

But one way to stop "pick pockets" is close down the whole show. Why risk it.

Excuses and more excuses. ALL I SAID WAS OPEN THE EVENT UP TO POTENTIAL MEMBERS and KEEp everything else the same. But the next excuse was, "we are to busy"

What I originally said was, VCCA's PR stinks. Completely worthless as far as sharing the VALUE of VCCA and everything it stands for. And PR missed THE golden opportunity. That's a review, not an excuse.

But I am getting the distinct feeling VCCA is closed to outside folks. Just an observation mind you. But my view is based on math;
23 folks rather in favor of PR, & or some form of recruiting at the meet.
66 Reasons or excuses not to.
20 foolish closed minded statements.

So, Done deal. Votes are in. No More PR, advertising, {since we'd have to pay for it} No positive press. You get to keep VCCA the way it was. No changes.

Enjoy! And oh by the way, be sure to throw put all your computers, radials tires, new cloths, new medications, new tools, furniture, etc. etc. I mean if you want to keep things as they were, then do it.

Once more you got a right to your view, and your club.

Along with what Bill says about our old cars, if you think that way. I reckon it is fine if those that have 20s and 30s cars are "turned-off" with post war Chevrolets? maybe so, but some of us like the old ones and the not so old ones, is that ok too?

It is a shame to me for other Vintage Chevrolet owners that are so narrow minded that they are turned off by a certain year or decade of Vintage Chevrolets.

Mike, I think that you are reading more into what I said than what I said. But that is ok. think what you wish, I have no argument about your goals, just the means to accomplish them.

Maybe there should be a club for Vintage Chevrolets and a club for not-so-vintage Chevrolets.

You know I am so thick. I missed something so obvious. Sorry. I apologize.

What I noticed after rereading this thread was that about 90% of the people offered no support or suggested any thanks for ANY idea, word, comment, thought or suggestion. Just reasons NOT to do it. Like, "Pick pockets........" :(

NOT ONE, "Positive, reinforcing reflective view or support."

As my Grand Father sue to say about PTHC, "Careful boys, your hanging on to a burning rope."
Michael41

PTHC: People That Hate Change.

Mike, don't get discouraged by comments here, come on out to the Meet in Grand Junction and I think you will find many of our members that share your concern about the direction the club appears to be heading, down to a point of diminishing returns. where we don't have enough cash flow or able workers to sustain the events that the club is known for. It is like a dark area at the end of the tunnel. We desperately need younger members with your energy and vision. I have seen younger members lately at events and they share the same ideals for growing the club Most of us (IMHO) do.