WCC members,
I come to you for a third year to ask your support for another term as WCC president. It has been an honor to serve our thriving club. Membership is at an all-time high. Our finances have never been better. Our social gatherings are drawing big crowds. The Golden Apple has run like clockwork and attracted riders from throughout the region. We are on the brink of winning state approval of our new bylaws, which will make it possible for a club-wide vote on becoming a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the federal tax code.
As you decide on who to back for president in 2008, consider the following issues that have been important to me over the past two years as I’ve dedicated long hours to helping WCC thrive.
Membership growth
WCC membership has shot up 21 percent to 936 families since you supported me for president in 2005. We've grown through an expanded rides schedule, and the good feelings among members that are fueled by our monthly multi-level rides with sumptuous lunches at the end of the rides. This year, we had events from April through November. It's fun to bring our members together.
New Multi-level rides
This year I conceived and ran new multi-level rides. In April, we had the Ride for the Daffodils bike 'n brunch in Purchase at the Hilltop. In October, we drew 60 riders to the Singles bike n' brunch. That event was so popular that we had another singles ride in November.
Incentives
In 2008, I'm going to seek board support for a plan to award a club jersey to ride leaders who sign up and lead four rides. It's my plan to boost volunteerism and spread our name in the community with more of our jerseys on the road.
Good governance
I run our monthly board meetings with an eye on resolving issues and working cooperatively as a team. I'm known for supporting the work of our board and getting behind ideas they suggest. We are, after all, just a club of recreational cyclists.
Keeping in touch
I've led the club through its transition to one in which communication comes more and more over the Internet. The ride board now lets ride leaders post rides just a few days ahead of time instead of the deadlines that govern the newsletter. I also moderate the Yahoo groups with a very light touch. I like the friendly exchanges and digressions, and feel like WCCRides has given our members another way to find each other to do what we like to do together.
Pedals for Progress
For the past two years, I've led the effort to collect used bikes and send them to Nicaragua through our collaboration with the NJ-based nonprofit, Pedals for Progress. In two years, we've collected almost 700 bikes and 30 sewing machines while raising more than $8,000 from donors to ship the containers to our friends in Latin America.
Giving back
Under my leadership, community donations have doubled to $10,000. The board backed my plan to support the NY Bicycle Coalition, which lobbies for funding for cycling-related projects in Albany, and this year, we’ll donate $3,000 for those statewide efforts. We'll also give $6,000 to Friends of Karen. In November, the board set aside $1,000 for the WCC Helmet Project, which will provide helmets to low-income youngsters.
Holiday party
I suggested we get a keg of Capt Lawrence Liquid Gold ale for the 2006 holiday party. It was tasty. This year, we'll have two smaller kegs, so WCC members can sample our county's delicious micro-brewed ale. I also worked with Shelly Mozlin to recruit WCC member Darren Wallis' jazz trio for this year's party.
Yours in the saddle,
Dave Wilson
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry