2012
Des Moines, Iowa

Minutes

Toronado and Aurora Chapter Meeting

OCA Nationals, Des Moines, Iowa – July 6, 2012

The annual membership meeting of The Toronado and Aurora Chapter convened at 4:10 PM in Room 311 of the Events Center, after our meeting room was belatedly unlocked. There were a total of 25 attendees, which is a record high for recent years.

As usual, the meeting was very informal, starting with brief introductions by all in attendance.

The only actual business item was a review of the Chapter’s finances. Last year’s balance was $2036.09, prior to an approximate deduction of $300 to cover the (then) current printing and mailing of a double issue of Toronado and Aurora Times. The current balance is $1816.91, but this amount will be reduced by payment for 2 award plaques, and 2 checks to Trent Plungas to pay for (past due) March-April and current May-June issues of Toro Times. These adjustments will total approximately $500, which will reduce the treasury to the $1300 range.

This significant reduction in our treasury prompted me to inform the group that we are still working on the possibility of reducing our operating costs, mostly for newsletter printing and mailing, by use of internet distribution. Unfortunately, this idea was first discussed 2 years ago, and we are still trying to work out all the details. Until this is resolved, a membership fee increase may be necessary, but that is also under discussion at the present time.

After that little bit of business, the floor was opened for any and all to pose questions, share information, etc. To the question of availability of narrow white-wall TFD-type tires, I was only able to recall that some years ago someone had such tires custom made by a Canadian company. Bill Wilson, a former Oldsmobile rep, offered some advice to an owner who had experienced some runaway cruise control problems.

Other issues were talked about, with the meeting adjourning shortly before 5:00 PM.

All in all, the entire show was another OCA success story, with lots of gorgeous Oldsmobiles and a fantastic (air conditioned) venue. From some upper story windows that overlooked the main show floor, it looked like a Barrett-Jackson exhibit hall filled with only Oldsmobiles. And topping things off, our Chapter also had the awards for Bill Wilson and Ralph Braun. What a great show in Des Moines, to be followed by Springfield, IL, next July 23-27. See you there.

Respectfully submitted,

Paul Andreas, Secretary-Treasurer