1990 COUNCIL OF COUNCILS MEETING

Sheraton Grand Hotel

Dallas, Texas

February 17, 1990

Charlotte opened the meeting at 10:00 A.M. Jim McCleaf had the council reps stand up and introduce themselves.

Minutes of the 1989 meeting were read and approved.

In response to a question from the floor, it was noted that we are not officially boycotting Truck-In magazine. The scheduled agenda consisted of a discussion of the topics that had been sent in response to Charlotte's request for topics. She indicated that only a few councils had responded.

The first topic of discussion was whether to consider the new APV's (Chevy, Olds, Pontiac, etc.) as vans. After the usual discussion about what the state registration says, whether or not a panel version is available, etc. Tri City noted that we all know the difference between a pickup and a van. The general consensus was that the APV's fit in the van classification.

The second topic considered was that vanning is down. Some reps said it's down but it's better since the rowdies left. Others noted that the only thing that ever stays the same is change. We can't stay the way we were 15 years ago. New Jersey noted that they organized VATT (Vans And Trucks Together). By getting the two groups together some of the "other side" might decide to switch over to vanning.

Midwest noted that we need to reach out to the 19-year old set and the general public. They have been successful in recruiting new members with a windshield flier. Texas uses the same approach, but with a business card. OFV noted that there might be some problem with the local litter laws if the person removes the flier and tosses it on the ground. Joe mentioned that the only national magazine outlet left up to us is Jeff's column in Truck-In. He noted that Jeff hasn't been to an event in 3 years so it's up to us to provide him with the necessary material to put in his column. Otherwise the column won't reflect us. HOAVC noted that they had gotten members based on Jeff's articles. FVC had gotten members through the local newspaper "events" column. It was also suggested that we use the Nashville Network. They always need material. It doesn't take that long to video your van.

It was noted that we have to make it happen. If we just leave the meeting and come back next year nothing will change. If we don't get off our duff then membership will stay down.

Jim McCleaf read the bids for hosting the 1991 Council of Councils meeting. There were bids from Wisconsin Van Council, Southern Ohio Van Congress, Hoosier Van Congress and Northern Illinois Van Council. Joe requested that a member of the board reiterate the requirements for hosting the meeting. Brian obliged. Northern California Van Council stated that they were also representing the Southern California Van Council at this meeting. Wisconsin won the ballot and the 1991 Council of Councils meeting will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 16, 1991.

When the topic of a national newsletter came up it was noted that we actually had that already, when you consider Brian's newsletter and the OFV newsletter. Brian said he had a circulation of 160,

OFV noted that their circulation was 180.

Northern California Van Council noted that there had been a "Vanner's Day at Disneyland" in the past. There are some inherent problems with the Disney logo(s) but the consensus of the group was that they would go if it were held in conjunction with a future Council of Councils meeting in southern California.

The next topic of discussion centered on using Low Power FM for communications at events. A number of reps were surprised by the topic, as they had been doing that for years. Approximate cost would be in the $60 to $160 range and there are some FCC restrictions: the unit must not put out more than 3 watts of power, the unit must be portable (no permanent transmitters), and the usual requirements regarding the language one must use on the radio. It was noted that any club or council seeking more information should contact their local electronics shop or satellite dish distributor.

The next topic centered on our public image. It was noted that we have to be careful with our language in public places. It was also noted that we could have a much better public image. A lot of people seem to think we are like bikers. It was concluded that we should get more mileage out of the good things we do. We all donate to charity, etc. but we should make a more concentrated effort to see that the media is aware of this and we get credit for it. One rep noted that he made up a bunch of pins and would give people who asked about vanning (waitresses, etc.) a pin. That is something tangible and impresses folks. The last point regarding image was that it is something we can control, after all, a police officer on a Harley is a biker.

Joe Madonia gave a recap of the meetings going on during the weekend regarding the nationals committee. Changes have been made and Rocky Mountain Vans will no longer have the final say on which nationals bid will be accepted. The decision will be made by the 9 representatives throughout the country. Each of the nine reps will have one vote on which bid wins the nationals. Joe also pointed out that vanners should not be confused about the duties of a nationals rep. The nationals rep is NOT a council rep. He is not an information clearinghouse; his job is to provide contracts for bid submittals to the councils/clubs in his area. He will verify that a given site in his area, or a nearby area, is suitable for the national truck-in. He will assist the vanners in his area by answering questions about the requirements of a bid, etc., provide bid contracts for the nationals, but he is not a council rep.

In response to a question from the floor it was noted that the replacement of any of the nine members of the nationals board is done by the remainder of the board. They will certainly take input from other vanners, but they will ultimately make the final decision. It was also noted that a rep who is doing his job properly will not be replaced just because he is unpopular.

It was noted that the location of the 1991 nationals will not be announced until this summer at the 1990 nationals. The board didn't want this years' host to have competition from next years' event. One vanner expressed concern that he had to schedule his 1991 vacation prior to the 1990 nationals and wanted to at least know the date of the event.

Bob Rowland asked for the reps to provide him with an update on the latest addresses for the Council of Councils and the meeting was adjourned.