Winter 2012 - Chairman's Message
Now that the chapter’s executive team is set for 2012, it’s time to get to work. Our direction remains the same: We are a technical based organization with the goal of preserving the Corvette hobby. It doesn’t
matter whether you have a perfect car, driver, or no car, as long as you are interested in Corvettes.
Many of you are probably wondering: “Why did Pat decide to take on the two executive positions?”. Well, I came to this decision for a couple of reasons. The first is that the Chapter was lacking a succession plan which I believe is paramount for a first class organization like our chapter, and necessary in order to remain a Top Flight Chapter. Since 2000, I’ve been on the executive team in various capacities, most recently as Vice Chair and Judging Chairman. Becoming chapter Chairman was the natural progression and the idea of bringing newer members up through the ranks should position the chapter well for a smooth transition in the future. I had a sense that many members were
hesitant to nominate themselves because they were not sure of the amount of time it would require to
handle the position. There’s no question that there’s a time commitment, however, over the last 5 years, we’ve made great strides in keeping documentation and templates to assist with each position. Just recently, NCRS National developed a “Mass Email System” that streamlines the notification process at the chapter level.
The second reason was the judging aspect of the hobby, which I thoroughly enjoy. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know everything, but there are several members that have the experience and knowledge that I lack. The main thing is the process that I learned at the Judging Retreats and attending various meets. I encourage each of you to try and get involved in the judging process. It’s fun and a learning experience at the same time.
The Chapter is on schedule to receive our 3rd Top Flight Chapter award in a row. The last required item is a technical article, which is currently in progress. If you work on your car, take some pictures of what you are working on and write a couple of paragraphs on what you’ve done. Don’t worry that you’re not a Pulitzer Prize writer, our editor Eugene McDermott does an outstanding job of editing and will assist you in getting your story told.
Finally, I would like to extend my personal thanks to Henry Jakubiec who has served as our Chairman over the last 4 years. Henry is a very dedicated individual who always strives to be the best at what he does, and his time in office certainly reflected the accomplishments the chapter has made, ‘A WINNER’. It’s always nice to leave on a winning note. Joe Gallo – who has served the chapter in many capacities, including Chairman, Judging Chairman and Newsletter Editor – passes the torch of Vice Judging Chair to Murray Sobol. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Joe for the guidance he has given me over the last 10 years when I served as Vice Judging Chairman.
This was probably the biggest change in the executive since I’ve joined the Ontario Chapter. We have a very strong team and I look forward to working very closely to ensure we remain a Premier Chapter.
In closing, I would like to wish the best of the Holiday Season to all our members and look forward to see you at events in 2012.
Pat Heimrath
NCRS Ontario. 