Into The Driver's Seat
by Fred BeckWhen I signed on for the Vice President and Activities Director position last October, I told Mike Webb and the Directors that "I'm doing this to help out, but don't count on me becoming President of the Chapter, as my career is in flux and I may not be in the area long." They nodded their heads and said "Yep, uh-huh... of course, we understand." Well, it's been 10 months since then, and due to Mike's untimely departure to the West Coast, I find myself in the role of President!
Fred BeckBut, really this is OK. I had decided to stay in the area just a month or so before Mike broke the news, and with the help of our excellent board and staff I feel I am up to the job. I would like to give a big thanks to Mike Webb for his dedication and significant contributions to our Chapter as Advertising Manager, Vice President and Activities Director during 1996-1999, and as President from 1998 to May 31, 1999. Way to go, Mike! You will be missed.
As VP, one of my campaign promises was to keep the Chapter Hotline updated in an accurate and timely manner. I have been able to do that so far, and will continue to do so for the rest of the year, or until a new candidate for the VP/Activities Director position steps forward. This is both an exciting and demanding position. If you are interested in stepping up to the plate, please contact me or one of the other Board members.
Now, as President, the first task I want to tackle is the revision of our Chapter Bylaws. While the Bylaws probably don't matter much to the average member, they are somewhat out of date, and the Board has been discussing their revision since last November. The next task on my list is the creation of a Boston Chapter Operations Manual, similar to the BMW CCA Operations Manual. Mike Webb initiated this project last year. This manual will gather our operating procedures and policies in one place, and will give comprehensive descriptions of the duties and resources of each of the Boston Chapter Board and Staff positions. This should be a big help to new people coming onto the Board or Staff, and should also serve to help us identify and resolve any outstanding operational issues.
I hope to use this column to let you know a bit about what is going on in the BMW CCA at the National level, as well as to what is up with BMW NA and AG. I recently had the opportunity to attend the opening of the new M Center at BMW of Peabody. It was quite a gala affair! I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Vic Doolan, President of BMW NA, which was a pleasure. Mr. Doolan unveiled the new M5 and X5 Sport Activity Vehicle, and a number of beautiful antique cars were displayed by Bud Lyons. The new M5 is gorgeous (as expected!), and the X5 is not too bad, either.
Well, I've used up my column space for this month. I look forward to serving all of you as President of the Boston Chapter to the best of my ability in the coming months. Please feel free to contact me with your questions, suggestions, and ruminations about the Chapter or its activities. See you at an event soon!
- July/August 1999 BIMMER
- Favorite Road:: Framingham/Sudbury Loop
- Behind the Wheel: Into The Driver's Seat
- Under the Hood: Do you have a Favorite Road?
- Crushing The Cones: Great Weather for Autocross 2
- July/August 1999 New Members
- What Next?: Greetings
- 1999 Second Quarter General Meeting: Model of Excellence
- 1999 Second Quarter General Meeting: Photo Gallery
- May 1999 Boston Chapter Driving School: Back To School
- May 1999 Boston Chapter Driving School: Back To School Photo Gallery
- May Event Report
- Police Chase 2002tii
- 2000 National Elections
- More Boston Bimmer articles by Fred Beck
- President's Page: Mr. Beck Goes To Washington November/December 2000 Bimmer
- President's Page: Calling All Members October 2000 Bimmer
- President's Page: Bonjour, Chapitre de Boston! September 2000 Bimmer
- President's Page July/August 2000 Bimmer
- President's Page June 2000 Bimmer
- There are 51 more Boston Bimmer articles by Fred Beck
