Roger Barker volunteered to write some minutes of the meeting to capture the thoughts and discussions. Here is the text of his document.
BMW Club of Houston
Minutes of the meeting January 04, 2020
The president called the meeting to order at 12:07p.m. at the Spaghetti Western Restaurant.
A. Call to Order and Announcements -
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Jerry Matson, President, informed attendees that this was the first Saturday meeting since the survey was completed last fall. (It was also the first club meeting not on a Thursday evening in over 25 years!) Because he rode his bike there was no screen or projector so no projected agenda, videos, or presentation. Also no 50/50 drawing for the same reason.
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Cliff, owner of Gulf Coast BMW, was in attendance and recognized.
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Jerry recognized new officers, VP Fernando Aguirre and Treasurer Roger Barker for those who had not met them yet.
B. Reports from Officers/New Officer Introductions -
1. President - Jerry Matson: Announced that this meeting was going to be about planning and idea sharing for events for 2020.
2. VP and Rally Meister - Fernando Aguirre:
3. Secretary - Position vacant
4. Treasurer -presented the report for November and December
5. RideMeister - Tarek Gaza: Not present, On Club Ride to Marble Falls
C. Discussion
Jerry brought up the following items for discussion and input from members:
1. Branding: Several items were discussed to include a new club logo, tee shirts, hats, decals and other paraphernalia. After much input from members the club will look into a club store link so members can go to a site and order what they want and pay there as well. Cliff, from Gulf Coast BMW, offered to work with the club on getting a logo and with his vendors for supplies.
2. Rides: Jerry read of a list of suggestions that included Newman's Castle, Barber Museum in Birmingham, Arkasas, Big Bend. The membership suggested ride to the Hemi Hideout and Lone Star Flight Museum. Jerry and members also discussed implementing shorter day ride nearer to the Houston area. Theme centered rides were discussed and well received by members present. These could include items related to Presidents, Courthouses, world city names and others. A point system could be implemented and an award for most points presented at the annual Rally. Sam suggested shorter overnight trips to local state parks, etc.
3. Training: Explore training with David Jones, Ari and Bill Dragoo. Some members asked about having informal skills training class at vacant parking lots, etc. Leigh Anderson suggested a track day for membership. Jerry suggested a GPS class and perhaps Tarek could present the same class he did several years ago.
D. Upcoming Events
1. Alaska Planning Group
Send out email to gauge interest
People planning for Alaska need to plan now!
Set up roundtable discussion for planning as well as Q&A
2. MOA Rally in Great Falls, MT
June 25-28
If enough are interested Jerry suggested trailering members’ bikes up there and they could fly in, ride, and fly home. A fee would be charged of course to offset the costs. This would benefit those with limited time. Jerry has booked 6 hotel rooms in the area.
3. Club Rally 2020
VP Fernando discussed the 50th annual rally
Rally tee shirts will be available as well as decals and pins.
E. Presentation-
N/A for this meeting
F. Member & General Announcements
A general discussion ensued with ideas for rotating the meetings to different areas around Houston. One suggestion was to meet in a park and attendees bring their own meal. Jerry asked all present to assist in finding a meeting place(s) that can accommodate 35-50 people and serve good food. Preferably in the northwest to west area, specifically in the Energy Corridor if possible.
G. 50/50 Drawing
N/A for this meeting
Meeting adjourned at 1:15PM.