Presidency Nominations

I don't think Adam really meant we don't want the club to grow.

The problem is that over the last couple of years we have grown very quickly and it has been hard to keep everything working smoothly.

The more members the better, but we need more people that are willing to put in time to help the club.  It seems like it has always been the same people (with a couple of exceptions) that clean up after the meetings and are willing to take some time to help out when asked.  Even after people are elected to serve in the presidency only 1/3 of them actually show up to presidency meetings and contribute their time.

Timothyuhl

You have some great suggestions and hopefully you can help us implement some of them to better the club.

Okay I'll do my best to address everything, but feel free to write back with whatever I miss.

Renee- I don't have a life.

Timothy- I guess there is a difference between saying we want to actively recruit members, and the idea of knowing we are going to grow anyway.  For instance, we have had 12 new people at each of the last 4 meetings.  That is unreal growth.  So I guess I miss spoke saying we didn't want to grow, what I'm saying is we don't really have to try anymore.  (at least that is how the presidency has been seeing it). 
Also, don't we use a computer and projector for just about every presentation?

Everyone- to ask questions about what the WMAS wants to do, or what our goals are really shouldn't be sent to me.  In one week, all those goals will change as we will have a new presidency.  We do have By Laws, but they are for more procedural matters, not items like "what are we going to do for the next 4 meetings" or anything like that.
The idea of a large permanent meeting place is always an issue, and trust me I'm working on it.  In fact, big meeting regarding that coming up in two weeks, ask me then.

Our marketing and public relations position will be centered around.... well whatever the presidency wants.  Obviously the Reef Tour and a Christmas charity are high up on the list.  But that marketing can be to the public hobbyists, other clubs, product manufactures, elementary schools, local stores, internet stores, who knows?  Recently the club chose to no longer make all the efforts to partner up and work with the local stores.  That decision was made because after 6 years we realized the stores just don't care.  Take a look at the stores that do support us and look how many of them are posting in our LFS section on this board.  The current stance (and this can always change) is to showcase stores on our site with an upcoming Sponsors Page that will encourage other stores to be more supportive.

And I do have to back up something Jake said.  We do get lots of ideas and suggestions, but I can already tell you who the 4 people will be sweeping the floor after the next meeting.  There are some people we just know we can count on.

I'm really glad to have all the responses so far.  I'm sure they will all be read during the next presidency meeting, and I'm sure the next presidency will be looking for lots of input on where the club should go.

Keep the ideas comin'

Adam

Tim,

I guess you are correct, no projector last meeting.  But we almost always have one.  In fact click to the left <---- on presentations and you can view a couple from last year.  Other than coral cutting seminars I'm hard pressed to think of a meeting with the powepoint.
And this next part should really be answered by Mark, but I'll try.  We tried, and tried, and tried all sorts of ideas to work with local stores. And we didn't quit, the newest idea is a Sponsor's Page, and also the LFS section of this website.  All stores were mailed form letters expressing our interest to work together and to see them become more active on our site just 2 months ago.  My point is this, take a store, I'll pick on Aquatic Dreams since everyone likes them.  They're great, we like 'em, the like us.... but they still haven't posted anything for sale here.  And last meeting they donated a bunch of stuff, but still couldn't get away from their store to come and talk about it. 
Another example.  We have offered the whole next meeting to Brine Shrimp Direct to come and promote their store, their products, their facility and to do whatever they want.  The owner is very excited to give us stuff and get his name out.  However, this is the 3rd time we've tried this and they have declined the offer to visit the club and to prepare a presentation. 

One more issue.  If our membership tripled that would suck.  This club would collapse.  We are on the verge of that anyway.  If I decline the nomination for president (which I often consider) that leaves one nominee JON FINCH!!! and he is adamant about not winning.  Some people (maybe including me, depending on the day) think we are already to big, and need to split into two clubs.  I'm not saying that is the best thing, but I will say that if anyone had stepped up and wanted to be president of a second club, we would have split months ago.

These are all the exact issues we have battled since the club began, and will always battle.  I guess the basic idea of "what is the purpose of the club" and "who are we out to serve" will always be at the heart of discussions.  My answer has always been this... "whatever the presidency decides".  I'm glad you are bringing up these questions, I like discussing them, so feel free to keep asking away.

Adam

 to Steve for that comment.

Marcus,

The position was council member.

Thanks Suzy!

I second the Carl nomination.