1. What do you see as optimum participant levels at championships? Have you thought about how we will get there considering the obvious recessionary pressures we'll be under?
I liked it when we were averaging 250-260. I don't have much research behind that number other than the experience when we were there. We were able to keep 8 balanced run groups, we didn't need to go out of our way to advertise or really rush to get everyone through, we seemed to have plenty of diverse people to help out at the events and finances seemed to keep pretty well balanced.
2. How will we survive the recession? Should we be promoting ourselves?
Well, #1 is to get the numbers up. That means promoting ourselves. Motorgroups (forums), outside (newspapers/flyers) and inside (within other SCCA racing). I've actually done all three for the RallyX program at one point or another.
It's also important to take steps to reduce cost and/or increase value. This means cutting corners on our expenses (new stuff) and watching the cuts in revenue that are being implemented (points cards). Another approach that I'd bring up if things get worse is to change our $$/value structure. If we get to the point of sub 100s, we can't simply go home at 1pm since income will be going towards the floor. If we get that low I'd look plans to optionally increase runs for more $$. This is already being done with X runs, but there's other creative items to explore like splitting the day by champ/practice over lunch.
3. That Long Beach pad looks like the perfect summer playground. Will you make it a priority to make a serious attempt to secure that site?
I think I've answered this above:
http://www.forums.solo2.com/viewtopic.p ... ead#p13683" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
4. Where do you stand on the timing home project?
Timing Motorhome I assume? I'm a little steps guy. This also relates to the $$ questions above, as I'd take care to push the committee not to spend money just of the sake of it. We've had conversations in the committee meetings about some very expensive options. I think the motorhome needs to be gutted from the side door back to get all the funky stuff out. This shouldn't cost much $$ and will be a big step towards making the motorhome easier for us to use. At that point, we should re-set and decide what's worth spending money on and what’s not.
5. Where do you stand on the cordless scanner issue?
As currently presented, thumbs down, see my comments on this above (linked of shown message):
http://www.forums.solo2.com/viewtopic.p ... ead#p13600" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If more benefits were presented, or a cheaper scanner, I may be swayed. Keep in mind the Chair can’t make a unilateral decision on this, mainly just influence the club reps.
I'd like to explore the idea of a corded scanner for registration. Just off the top of my head I can see some benefit to the check-in/reg process using SCCA bar codes, and my understanding is a corded scanner is cheap.
6. What do you see as the most important issue facing our region?
Attendance. Get the numbers up and a lot of nice things fall out of it. Higher numbers means, revenues go up = either more region 'toys' or lower entry costs, more workers per group, 8 groups is the most efficient thing I've seen, bigger pool to find 'core' workers.
7. Can you lower my taxes? Never mind that one, I'm pretty sure were all screwed.
You can donate to the chariy associated with my wife's work. That will being down your taxes.
That reminds me of another resume item, I've been a core planner/worker at two autox events that donated 100% of the profits to charities. The only two I know of in the area (besides Lone Pine).
Thanks George.
Jay W
