National Convention, Annual Meeting report

SCCA Annual Meeting Caps Opening Day of Convention

LAS VEGAS (February 10, 2011) -- Capping the opening day of the 2011 Sports Car Club of America Convention at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, more than 440 SCCA members from across the country met for the Club's Annual Meeting and Town Hall.

The formal business portion of the three-day event began with opening comments from Jerry Wannarka, Chairman of the SCCA Board of Directors.

Wannarka introduced new Area 10 Director John Walsh, and addressed the Club members in attendance. Wannarka's message was a positive one, both reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the future.

"We hear from competitors that yes, we race with the other guys once in a while, but the SCCA still does it better," Wannarka said. "We're proud of that, and we will continue to do this. Our Club is in pretty good shape going into 2011. The Regions need to continue to market their programs, the National Office needs to continue to support our members and their endeavors, and the Board of Directors needs to continue to oversee these activities. Together, we can continue to keep the Club growing and prosperous."

SCCA President and CEO Jeff Dahnert, who addressed the group during the morning kick-off session, expounded on his opening remarks, highlighting the successes of the Club in 2010. Those successes included an increase in participation in both the SCCA SafeRacer National Club Racing Series, TireRack0x00ae Solo National Tour and the RallyCross events across the county. Dahnert also mentioned his positive outlook for 2011.

Tom Campbell, Interim President and CEO of SCCA Pro Racing, reported on the state of SCCA Pro Racing. Erik Skirmants, President of SCCA Enterprises, gave a report on the business dealings of SCCA Enterprises. SCCA Foundation Chairman Jim Turley provided an overview of the Foundation's activities.

Thursday's Convention activities concluded with a Town Hall meeting, with the Board of Directors and presidents of the respective SCCA subsidiaries answering questions from members in attendance. The annual meeting followed a full day of activities that included seminars and an SCCA Leadership Luncheon.

The Leadership Luncheon began with a presentation by Matt Edmonds, Vice President of Marketing for The Tire Rack, on the Tire Rack Street Survival Program. Colan Arnold, SCCA VP of Membership and Region Services, presented the Tom Burke Award winners for Regional Growth, Region Communication Awards for web and newsletter excellence, and Region Achievement awards for overall program excellence.

For the Tom Burke and Region Achievement awards, Regions were compared to other Regions of similar size.

Especially touching was the honorable mention Region Communication award taken home by the Kansas City Region. Kansas City Region RE Charlie Clark accepted the award on behalf of the region and dedicated it to longtime Checkpoint editor Gini Ragan, who passed away in January.

Ten SCCA members, led by Gayle Jardine with 52 referrals, were recognized for their role in the Membership referral program for bringing new members to SCCA.

All members who introduced new members to SCCA through 2010 were entered into a Membership Drive Contest drawing. Matt Palombi, of the South Carolina Region, earned the Skip Barber Racing School first prize in the drawing. Seth Redlus, of New York Region, earned a $1,500 Tire Rack gift certificate, and South Jersey Region's Steven Thomas earned a $500 SCCA Gift Certificate.

Tom Burke Award for Regional Growth

Small Regions -- Southern New York Region

Medium Regions -- Chattanooga Region

Large Regions -- St. Louis Region

Jumbo Regions -- Oregon Region

Region Communication Awards (Web and Newsletter Excellence)

First Place: Finger Lakes Region

Second Place: Philadelphia Region

Third Place: San Francisco Region

Honorable Mention: Kansas City Region

Region Achievement (Overall program excellence including growth, retention and variety of program and events)

Small Regions: River Cities Region

Medium Regions: Las Vegas Region

Large Regions: St. Louis Region

Jumbo Regions: Detroit Region

The SCCA Convention continues at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning.

-source: scca