2009 President's Letter

Having been with the club for over twenty years as a member, participant, and often leader, I have to say this has been both one of the most interesting and challenging years, especially with economic conditions. BMW ACA Portland espouses much of the essence of fun and comraderie of a car club. We have a robust, diverse, and independent membership that participates in a widespread variety of fun and memorable events throughout the year.  From HPDE schools at Portland International Raceway, interesting and informative monthly general meetings, Historics and the ACA car corral in July, dealer visits, and  tours -- the club really does reflects the interests of the members.  Just ask those members who used the club flatbed car trailer this year to transport a car!
 
The other day I checked membership records and found drivers throughout Oregon, Washington, Seattle, Boise, and a contingent in Vancouver, B.C.  That itself is quite a statement about interest and participation!
 
In 2009, we received awards and kudos for excellence from the driving and business community for outstanding management, participation, event organization, and for arguably one of the best HPDE programs in the region.  Our widespread automotive business community supports the membership with generous discounts and programs while enhancing the satisfaction of our members. I am constantly impressed by the willingness of dealers, independent shops, parts houses, and suppliers of all sorts to support the club.  This extends to  great personal relationships with members, the ACA, and other clubs including PCA and Alfa. Occasionally I am asked about CCA member participation with ACA Portland. Since 1971, we have always welcomed CCA members to our monthly events and activities, as we are the large active local BMW club presence in Portland, SW Washington, and greater Oregon.
 
We also found it necessary to make several changes in our driving tours program this year.  Changes came about as a liability response plan to decrease the participant's risk after three seperate significant incidents occured on the street.  Changing direction and rebuilding a program is never easy, especially when it involves restructuring tour leadership.  Some of the reasons we enjoy the club include the BMW marque, appreciating fine engineering, enjoying safe driving events, and social interaction. To this end, in 2010 we have scheduled six driving tours under new leadership, and look forward to the safest and most enjoyable driving tours in the 38-year history of the club!
 
I was recently asked by a new member how the ACA functions -- meetings, decsions, and finances.  We are generally a more informal group of enthusiasts that enjoy driving, motorpsorts, HPDE and driving activities, without a heavy bureacracy. Oregonians and Portlanders in particular, are unique and independent by nature. Our quarterly board meetings include the President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Chair.  Members frequently bring forth ideas and suggestions to the board.  General membership meetings are held monthly at varioius local locations.  We share our financial information monthly at the general meeting, and post to the membership annually according to our by-laws. It really is a great group of behind the scenes people and members who volunteer their very significant amount of personal time to the club and events that everyone enjoys throughout the year.
 
I want to thank each of you personally for helping make this a great year despite several challenges.  ACA Portland is a great club where everyone is welcome, and where BMW friends have gathered since 1971.  I hope to see you at the December 10 Holiday Meeting!