<VV> Re: Questions

[tim mahler]

This really belongs on the Chapter list - -so I cc'd that list. 
Interesting questions,  that, like politics, have no specifically correct 
answer.  Although many board members monitor VV and other forums,  queries 
like this one get missed.  I suggest sending them to the Chapter's list or 
to your board members directly.

What has the board accomplished?  Marketing? Publicity,  Membership 
Marketing?  Loaded question  mostly aimed at increasing membership, I 
presume.   Marketing is an expensive line item. We are trying to get the 
word out. The Web sites, CORSA and the Chapters, as Ned noted in the 
chapters officer meeting and the CORSA annual meeting,  are very effective 
means to get the word out.  The CORSA web site IS a good site.  Google 
CORVAIR and Corvair Society of America (CORSA) is the first item on the 
list.     the two major vendors are part of the top ten.  CORSA, and the 
Board is also trying to work with the vendors to market directly to those 
who already have an interest .   Just some of the things we have been trying 
on the national level.  Will try others; but can't buy a spot during the 
SuperBowl.  dang.

CORSA Merchandise will see a new chairperson this year.  Debbie Pleau, who 
has been a VERY GOOD chair has elected to end her tenure. Trying to satisfy 
varied tastes is tough.  Small numbers add to the cost; not good for frugal 
Corvair owners.   Some items need refreshed -- new Cars on the shirts. 
Discussed at the mearchandise table.

The CORSA website has been evolving  -- some have liked the changes, others 
have not.  More changes will be coming.   VV is hosted by CORSA.  Many 
Chapter Web sites,  my local included, are hosted on the CORSA web site.  A 
starter web site is posted to those interested -- I sent the link to the 
chapters list in the past,  suppose I will again.   Ned is working on more 
help -- proactive help.

That All said:   I could ask a few questions back.  The Chapters are CORSA, 
the members are CORSA.  It is not just the Board .  What has each 
member/chapter done to help publicize CORSA?  their local chapter?  Corvairs 
in general?   The CPF?   Tonight,  at the Illinois State fair,  a fellow 
member is leading the parade in his Corvair convertible, club banner on the 
sides.  Next saturday, during one of the busiest days of the fair,  the 
chapter will display about ten Corvairs on the fairgrounds. (CORSA provides 
the insurance to permit this to happen! )   We will distribute phamplets and 
other literature,  including some "old" Communiques (mostly 2007 editions) . 
Those near Chi-town will be steered toward CCE,  other states to what ever 
local chapter is near them.  If we are lucky, we may gain one or two new 
members.

Ideas are good.  Share them -- preferably on the Chapters list -- VV 
occansionally triggers my twitchy delete finger. <GRIN>

tim mahler
Currently wearing CORSA merchandise -- another frugal publicity stunt < like 
the caps on NASCAR >



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Smitty Smith" <vairologist at verizon.net>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 6:05 PM
Subject: <VV> Re: Questions


>
>      Smitty Says:  The below comments were part of a post I got in my 
> mailbox.  It might do some good for some the board members to see it.  Of 
> course the ones it doesn't apply to should have no problem with it.
>
>  What was accomplished by the BOD this year?
>  Marketing?
>  Membership Marketing?
>  Publicity?
>  CORSA Merchandise?
>  CORSA website improvements to the web site and improvements or assistance 
> to chapters?
>
>  Bob Helt was instrumental in Corvair Basics, and of course, that gave him 
> even more info to write his books, but he did do it for CORSA. FV and VV 
> have been around quite a while, the Phorum was started and Joe West did 
> the archives.  Am I missing something? Where are the CORSA-sponsored 
> initiatives?
>
>  Ned seems to be trying and his comments re the web site make sense...