<CORSA Chapters> Another Q or two

Sun Dec 28 09:58:47 EST 2008

I know Harry and Mike are pretty busy as is.
But if CORSA developed a rate schedule and policy for advertising we may be 
able to sell some on a limited basis.
Coker Tire, American collectors Ins, JC Taylor, Harbor Freight, etc.
Companies that specialize in Dash plaques and awards may be a possibility.
If a revenue stream could be developed with advertising, it may even be 
possible to increase the page count of the communique, so it does not reduce 
space for editorial content, and keep it the quality magazine it is.

Another thing I have used on a limited basis, that is an idea that may be 
developed into use by CORSA.
Sell rights to have an individual's Corvair featured on the dash plaque and 
all advertising of a convention.
Some friends of mine tried this for an event.
used a bidding type concept over a set period of time, two seperate vehicles 
to be featured, so winner of the auction and runner up win the rights.
With a month to go on this years bidding, one spot is bid up to $350, the 
second spot is at $200.
The vehicles will be featured in the logo of the event, on the dash plaques, 
on the advertising, on the T-Shirts, on the awards.
They are generally given a special plaque of appreciation, and several 
copies of the dash plaques and a few shirts in their size.
I beleive this works out to be considered a "contribution" of sorts as 
proceeds of the event goes to a certain charity, so it works out to be tax 
deductible.

I have used the same concept on a smaller show I am involved with for a fire 
hall.
Covers the cost of the dash plaques anyways, and I hope to develop this use 
further to help with other expenses.

Another non-Corvair show I have run in the past I have used sponsorships for 
the awards, and dash plaques.
Dash Plaques were paid for by a local credit union, and it was mentioned on 
the dash plaque.
Each class of awards was sponsored by a different local company. Each class 
cost $35, including awards for 1st second and third place, actual cost was a 
little over $31 and the rest of the money was used for other expenses. Name 
of the sponsor was on the award. Takes a lot of extra thinking, and working. 
But the club I was in had some volunteers who would sell sponsorships to 
local businesses.

My goal, was always to try and find a "sugar daddy" a local operation that 
would sponsor the entire show, for me, $1500 would have done it, covered 
awards and dash plaques, DJ, printing and advertising. Never had enough luck 
to have that happen.

But the show we did run, had enough sponsors so the day of the event, all 
expenses were covered, so no matter what, we did not lose money.

Recently, I have talked to some other people who have run events, found out 
where they get their dash plaques and awards. Many of them go to the same 
vendor every year out of habit, and do not shop around. They pay a lot of 
extra money for artwork design when some vendors will do it free. Some 
people were  ready to pay $3.50 each for dash plaques in 3 colors, printed 
on aluminum, because the run was only going to be 100 plaques. I have a 
local guy who does it with computer and magnetic plaques for $.80 each 
Worked out to be a significant savings. He also does awards for several 
events I am involved in and has saved clubs a lot of money.
One club I was involved with always went with the same vendor. One member 
always "handled" it, so no one else wanted to. I questioned the cost and 
provided the club with a very good alternative. Later found out the member 
who handled it got a kickback for the business..............at club's 
expense. Shopping always helps.

Sorry, I rambled for a bit.
Just thought I would mention some other ideas.

Gary Swiatowy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Goodman" <rearengine.steve at worldnet.att.net>
To: <Yenko119 at aol.com>; <gswiatowy at rochester.rr.com>; <chapters at corvair.org>
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008 7:08 PM
Subject: Re: <CORSA Chapters> Another Q or two

> Hello Bill, haven't heard from you in a while.  Also Gary and I know each
> other
> and the only reason I say this is to make sure no one is offended by
> comments
> that any of us make.
>
> The idea of commercial outside advertising has been suggested many times 
> in
> the past.  I wish I could figure out what kind of advertiser would feel 
> that
> the
> dollars were worth the 'bang' in a magazine that caters to a very distinct
> group
> of owners.  Possibly collector car insurance or tire/wheel builders and
> maybe
> some suspension shops that still have Corvair parts like ADDCO.  When you
> look at magazines like Grassroot Motorsport they have every business in
> the country advertising but they cater to anything that can be put on a
> track.
> They also have a separate 'sales' office and I am sure those folks work on
> commision, something that Harry/Mike may not be able to fit into their
> already busy day.
>
> Don't misunderstand, I am not trying to give negative vibes here.  Through
> all of the years of CORSA ideas have brandished over getting more money
> into the club.  I have never seen that many ever work out but it isn't
> because
> folks aren't trying.
>
> Gary I understand the 'misguided' logic of saying only a few more dollars,
> it
> is a commonly used phrase.   Sadly everything keeps going up in price and
> there probably isn't an end in sight, at least in the near future.  I feel
> lucky
> that I have still have a viable business and realize that many are on 
> fixed
> incomes or out of work and believe me I feel badly for all of them.
>
> One quick comment on mandatory membership:  RMC built it into the
> constitution the first time around in the 70s and has stayed with it 
> since.
> I
> don't recall anyone saying that they wouldn't join because of the 
> mandatory
> rule.  PPCC built it into their constitution several years ago that new
> members
> must also join CORSA, it hasn't stopped new members from joining.  'Nuff
> said, we can beat this to death as has been done in the past many times.
>
> Most everyone reading this knows that the Corvair and CORSA have been
> my life since the 60s.  I will do anything possible to ensure that
> everything
> keeps going strong.
>
> Happy holidays to all,
> Sincere regards, Steve
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <Yenko119 at aol.com>
> To: <gswiatowy at rochester.rr.com>; <chapters at corvair.org>
> Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:41 AM
> Subject: Re: <CORSA Chapters> Another Q or two
>
>
>> An excellent suggestion...!
>>
>> I have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for someone to come with a
>> suggestion that covered all the bases. I think Gary has hit the nail on
> the  head.
>>
>> Bill Hadley
>> Pres, New Orleans Corvair Enthusiasts
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