Corvette Club members?

[Rich Z]

1) Isn't one Expected to do club things, whether it's functions or meetings. Otherwise, you'd be a # on a roster with no name (dead weight) IMO.

Expected? Well what does the club's charter say? I don't see how anyone could FORCE you to do anything you don't want to do. The benefit is the opportunity to meet up with local Corvette owners. I just recently signed up with the Cruisin Corvettes here in Tallahassee, even though my initial attempts got off to a real rocky road. But after meeting the people in the club, come to find out that Connie and I actually LIKE the people there, so we decided to give it another chance. I seriously doubt anyone is going to call me on the phone and tell me I am REQUIRED to appear somewhere. Certainly if that happens, I will tell them that I have several hundred snakes to clean and feed beforehand, and they are welcome to stop by to give me a hand so I will be able to break free for that event... :lmao:

2) Wouldn't I have the responsibility of "representing" my club whenever i'm at a function? Like...Wearing Their "colors", Which may be:ack2:

Not that I am aware of. When I attend shows, I am STILL going to be representing CorvetteFlorida. But even so, I can't see any reason why someone couldn't be representing multiple clubs anyway. And I am certainly not requiring any members here to be exclusively representatives of THIS club.

3) I don't wanna have to make up crap, to explain why I couldn't make it to a function.:shrug01:

Then don't. Do clubs REALLY call people up and badger them about attending functions?

Not to mention... I hate the idea of being geographically stuck, giving me limited choices, with having to be a member of the "local" club(s).
And if we were to join a club further away, how often would we be able to attend...their weekly or monthly cruises, meetings etc..thus we'd be strangers (step children) whenever we would show up. :nopity:

I guess I'm too much of a newbie at this Florida Corvette Club thing, because I don't understand what you are saying... I might join a club because I want to, not because I was drafted. Which implies free choice on my part. If there is something going on with the club that I would like to attend, I will, time willing. Matter of fact, I expect that if there were something special going on with the club down in Naples that I wanted to attend, I seriously doubt that they would kick me out the door if I showed up there and NOT a member of the club. From what I have seen, it doesn't work that way at all. Connie and I recently went to one of Cruisin Corvette's monthly informal meetings at the local Whataburger, and not ONCE did anyone ask us if we were officially members. I don't think it really mattered to anyone. All that mattered was that we were Corvette enthusiasts and were THERE.

So if the club has a dozen meetings per year and you may show up to only one or two of them that interest you, so what? The way I look at it, then that is really the club's fault for not providing YOU something of enough interest to get you motivated to attend. Certainly requiring you to be there as a condition of membership would NOT be the way to do it. From what I have seen of Corvette owners, they are pretty damned independent, and that CERTAINLY would be an excellent way to drive them away from a club.

I've visited all of the local club websites and to be honest, the clubs in this area look to be BORING (their pg's have little or no "curb appeal" to draw me in. Yup.. "I judged the book by its cover".
I know...These are pretty much LAME excuses. and
one day i'll get over my insecurities and take the plunge. Until then...this is my club and these are my friends.:thumbsup:
Sorry for straying off topic a bit there.

Nothing but respect,

~Ray:thumbsup:

Well I agree. Most of the club websites I went to looked pretty weak in the "come hither" department. No offense, but they just weren't anything to write home about. They thing they lacked the most was any sort of interactive nature. Which was one of the incentives for creating THIS site.

But as for joining a local club, it's not the website you would be joining for. It's the people in the club. Granted, the club COULD be composed of a bunch of people you would not want to associate with, but that's a chance with any group of people. Certainly the benefit of a local club is having contacts. Who nearby is best to repaint your hood for you? Who close by can be trusted to replace that timing chain without screwing something else up? Certainly it would be nice if all that info could be gotten right HERE on this site, and in time that could happen, but the numbers aren't here yet for that to happen. Maybe eventually. Heck, for that matter, maybe someone living just a street or two down from you would be willing to come over to lend a hand when you want to do your own work on your vette.

That being said, yes, THIS is your club for as long as you want it to be, and we are all your friends for as long as you want us. But I don't think we need to be EXCLUSIVELY so. I had really hoped that this site would BRING more people together, rather than give them an excuse to exclude others from their interest and participation. I think this site gives us all the opportunity to have friends all over the state of Florida that we will know by name and perhaps even feel like family. Imagine what it would feel like to casually drop a line here saying that you were planning to be in Panama City on a certain day and hope to meet up with some members here and have 50 vettes waiting for you when you got there! I don't know about you, but such a thing would be one hell of a thrill for me. And I think this site gives us the opportunity for such things to happen. But certainly not if the local clubs aren't a part of this and WE aren't a part of the local clubs as well.

Well, anyway, I hope this all makes sense....... (I'll proof read it later when I have more time..... :lmao: )

 

[ynkedad]

Trying to clear things up. Blah Blah Blah.....

:wavey: "Expect" is a far cry from "Force"...Why wouldn't anyone who started a club, and is collecting dues, Expect (await, anticipate or look forward to) those who've sought out a club, then paid their dues, to participate? Otherwise, it's money tossed out the window.
But, like you said...if there's a Corvette gathering somewhere, what's to stop me from just hooking up with them as a non member (free spirit).? Seems like there's less bureaucracy involved this way IMO.
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Events hosted by a club....If you're a member of the host club, you're not required to wear their colors? There was a post on here a while ago from one of these guys who couldn't stand the "GAY" looking shirts the club members were wearing. But if it's not required, cool. I still couldn't imagine any club appreciating one of it's members promoting or supporting another clubs logo (not counting on line forums).
Maybe it's just me, but I would feel compelled to wear my clubs colors just to fit in, to show my support, otherwise what's the point of being there?

**********
No, I didn't think they would call and badger their members. I just figured that maybe, in conversation someone may ask "hey man where were you last weekend"? then, as not to hurt feelings...
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First Impressions and presentation:
The more members a club has... the bigger the bragging rights, the more peeps turning out to the shows, events or gatherings, the more trophies for the club with most in attendance etc...
I know it's not the website i'd be joining for. But some clubs rely on websites more so than word of mouth to encourage people to join them.
*I'm like some I suppose. I like to window shop...But If there's nothing in the window that impresses enough to draw me in, I won't set foot in the door.:shrug01:

*************
Geographically stuck... By this I meant, if I dont like what the local clubs have to offer, and decided to venture out, I may not be able to attend as many meetings, events/functions as I would have liked to. Not to mention I wouldn't want to do a club like that.
Like what's been said here before, It's about hooking up with other like minded people who share the same passion as you, information gathering etc..I get it. But if I can't attend my clubs events, I'm obviously not going to be able to get information or make connections with others etc.
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When I said this is my club, I was figuratively speaking...Simply put, I get to do everything I want (attend shows, events or gatherings) and pretty much gather all the information I need from this forum right here
At this point in my life and with the Job we have, I am Content with what I have, I need not look beyond the realm of this forum to find things to do, in regards to the Corvette world. Sure, being a member of a club would have vast benefits, but until I find one that catches my eye... like I said, I'm content for now.
Sorry RichZ, I don't know how to do all of them separate quotes like you.

This is all just my point of view and opinion.

~Ray:thumbsup:

 

[ynkedad]

After reading the last post.....maybe some confusion still exists.

THIS is your club for as long as you want it to be, and we are all your friends for as long as you want us. But I don't think we need to be EXCLUSIVELY so. I had really hoped that this site would BRING more people together, rather than give them an excuse to exclude others from their interest and participation. I think this site gives us all the opportunity to have friends all over the state of Florida that we will know by name and perhaps even feel like family. But certainly not if the local clubs aren't a part of this and WE aren't a part of the local clubs as well.

We have chosen not to be members of a local club, because there aren't any "local" clubs to be had. We aren't old enough to be part of the VILLAGES CLUB which is obviously the closest. What would be the point of joining a club that is 45 - 60 minutes away? Then it isn't "local"......as for the forum site being designed with the purpose of bringing people together, this has obviously worked. We enjoy getting on the site, reading up on the latest news, etc. and getting together with other members at the events that may come up in the State, which are usually brought to the site by Club members. Why would we want to exclude anyone from joining this forum? It was not my intent to imply such a thing.....we just don't have the same opportunities for clubs where we are at. And in the event you are under the impression that this forum is keeping me from venturing out to other clubs, that was not my intent either. As I have stated there are no local clubs to be had........we have only had bad info relayed to us about the nearest (not the Villages)Club....and hence we CHOSE not to join.

 

[SteveK]

A good reason to belong to a club is if the club is associated with NCCC (National Council of Corvette Clubs). Take a look at the benefits pages. That alone makes it worth while. Heaven for bid that anything would happen at a club event. http://www.corvettesnccc.org/BenefitsNCCC.html

 

[2Vettes]

Here's my

. We've been members of our local club for over 15 years. Over the years I've been the membership person, secretary and even president. Now, I'm content to sit back and let others be in charge and I get to enjoy the ride. Our membership had grown to over 100 a few years ago, but now we stay around 70 or so. But, like in most clubs, there is a "core" group that go to the meetings, attend the events and basically "represent" the club. Our club has evolved over time and it's once again a fun group to be with. We have a pretty busy calendar and then we are involved with the other clubs in our area, Corvettes on the Gulf and Corvettes of Naples. So, if one were looking for something to do every weekend, it would not be hard to find it.
I've also been a member of online corvette forums since the early 1990's. I've enjoyed the 24/7 availability of information and opinions and the occasional times when we get to actually meet one another face to face. I find the online experience fun and look forward logging on each night after work.
Armando, Dom and I are trying to get our membership more involved with the online corvette folks. Armando does a great job with our club section on this forum to try to get our members online and talking with other florida vette owners. We have done local events with the Florida Misfits from CF and of course some of the events with Corvetteflorida. It's always a good time to meet new folks and share the corvette experience.
Oh, as far the the shirts go, we can wear what we want. Usually, if we are the host club or go to an event as a club we wear our club shirts. If we go to an event on our own, we usually wear one of our many other corvette shirts.
Well, I think I'm off on a tangent now, but my point is that being a member of a club is not necessary but it can be the beginning of long friendships and the opportunity to enjoy your vette with others who share the same interests. :yesnod:

 

[road pilot]

Just curious to know how many of you all are actually members of a local Corvette Club here in Florida?

Central Florida Corvette Asso. come to a meeting
Road Pilot

 

[MMC5]

First let me say that I have not read this entire thread, but this statement by Rich, our leader, clearly states his philosophy for CorvetteFlorida.

…..THIS is your club for as long as you want it to be, and we are all your friends for as long as you want us. But I don't think we need to be EXCLUSIVELY so.

I had really hoped that this site would BRING more people together, rather than give them an excuse to exclude others from their interest and participation.

I think this site gives us all the opportunity to have friends all over the state of Florida that we will know by name and perhaps even feel like family.

Imagine what it would feel like to casually drop a line here saying that you were planning to be in Panama City on a certain day and hope to meet up with some members here and have 50 Vettes waiting for you when you got there!

I don't know about you, but such a thing would be one hell of a thrill for me.

And I think this site gives us the opportunity for such things to happen. But certainly not if the local clubs aren't a part of this and WE aren't a part of the local clubs as well.

Well without either of us knowing it, Rich also nailed the philosophy of Corvettes Anonymous.

We are NOT a club, but an Association that includes both Club Members as well as Independents.

We were born of the philosophy that it would be cool to run into someone in East Where The Heck Am I? who also happened to be a member.

We have no rules and no requirement to either carry the flag or even show up. People reach out as they desire and are embraced when ever or where ever they do.

Since our launch late last November, we have nearly 150 members in 23 states and 3 countries….and we owe our success to the support we have received from Rich and members of this forum as well as a couple of others.

Am I a member of a club? Yes! I am a proud member of SunCoast Corvette Association.

Tom :wavey:

 

[Shadow]

In the words of Lewis Black...IIIIII Couldn't real ALLL that JJJibberishHHHH, My head was about to F**kin' EXPLODE!!!:rofl1:

Seriously though. I am on the roster of one club in the area and hardly ever go to meetings. Why? Because they hold the damed things all the way across the county from me!!!:thumbsdown:

It's just inconvenient When I can I go, but they're also pretty boring:yesnod: Minutes, treasury, blah blah blah....sounds like our old Blue Knights meeting:lmao:

Anyway, I know it's necessary, but I just can't handle it.

I try to make a function when I can, but again, all thier rides start on the EAST SIDE of the county. I live NW. There's never a change in location.

Can't really do Sunday omrning rides at the moment so I'm pretty much out of the loop

Did look at I think it was Suncoast Corvettes out of St. Pete. Even though it's in another county, it's easier for me to get to and the ride is prettier (over the HFB across the water:thumbsup: :dancer01: )

I just don't do meetings in general mainly because I'm workning most the time.

No reason not to join though:thumbsup:

 

[sglfladad]

Seriously though. I am on the roster of one club in the area and hardly ever go to meetings. Why? Because they hold the damed things all the way across the county from me!!!:thumbsdown:

....... all thier rides start on the EAST SIDE of the county. I live NW. There's never a change in location.

Ditto ..I'm in NW Hillsborough, single parent...As much as I like to drive my Z and share the love with my sons, (my 15 yr old just got his permit yesterday...uh oh) TBV is in Brandon...45 minute one way minimum drive, means 90 minutes driving to and from..plus time spent at meeting/cruise, it's not for me right now.

I think I'll just show up at the informal car show on Saturday:
WE HAVE AN IN-FORMAL CAR SHOW EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT ...FROM ABOUT 6:00pm TO 8:00pm AT ANDREH'S INSTY-LUBE ON NORTH DALE MABRY IN TAMPA

Check the calendar for more info.

 

[Shadow]

Ditto ..I'm in NW Hillsborough, single parent...As much as I like to drive my Z and share the love with my sons, (my 15 yr old just got his permit yesterday...uh oh) TBV is in Brandon...45 minute one way minimum drive, means 90 minutes driving to and from..plus time spent at meeting/cruise, it's not for me right now.

I think I'll just show up at the informal car show on Saturday:
WE HAVE AN IN-FORMAL CAR SHOW EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT ...FROM ABOUT 6:00pm TO 8:00pm AT ANDREH'S INSTY-LUBE ON NORTH DALE MABRY IN TAMPA

Check the calendar for more info.

Yeah, thats about the extent of my happenings right now I try to make some shows and dinner when I can.
If I ever get the danged hood open, if you want to do a meeting or event and take both the boys, just give me a shout. I'll put one in my vette and you can take the other in yours. We can switch them off at the end so no one feels shorted:rofl1:

I'm right off Ehrlich and the Vets so look me up or catch me at Andrehs:thumbsup:

Gordon

 

[sglfladad]

Yeah, thats about the extent of my happenings right now I try to make some shows and dinner when I can.
If I ever get the danged hood open, if you want to do a meeting or event and take both the boys, just give me a shout. I'll put one in my vette and you can take the other in yours. We can switch them off at the end so no one feels shorted:rofl1:

I'm right off Ehrlich and the Vets so look me up or catch me at Andrehs:thumbsup:

Gordon

Thanks for the offer neighbor. I'm sure that my guys would like that. They aren't always the happiest when with "mean old Dad" ...:shrug01:

 

[76-94]

The Vette Set

Yes, I just joined he The Vette Set club in Gainesville last month.

Jim

 

[Shadow]

Thanks for the offer neighbor. I'm sure that my guys would like that. They aren't always the happiest when with "mean old Dad" ...:shrug01:

Trust me, I know what you mean:yesnod:

 

[KevsC5]

local clubs ?

are there any corvette clubs in the lake mary/sanford area, or at least in north orlando? I haven't had much luck in finding them so far. thax Kevin

 

[MMC5]

are there any corvette clubs in the lake mary/sanford area, or at least in north orlando? I haven't had much luck in finding them so far. thax Kevin

You might try Central Florida Corvette Association. This is from their website:

Join us for our next meeting!
1st & 3rd Thursdays each month, 7:30 p.m.
We usually meet at Classic Chevrolet SR434 at Maitland Blvd (west of I-4)
except for the last meeting every other month (Feb, Apr, Jun, etc) when
we have a dinner meeting at 7 p.m. at a selected Orlando restaurant.
See the maps, below, for driving directions.

You might also check out Corvettes Anonymous and join us at the Lakeridge Winery on 6/17. Good luck with CFCA. They are a :thumbsup: group.

Tom :wavey:

 

[repodude43]

Yup Emrald Coast Corvette Club

 

[JCswm]

Well, I TRIED to join the local club here in Tallahassee, but first they lost my application (but cashed the check) then when the president of the club finally got that straightened out and was supposed to send me the club newsletter or whatever, she just dropped the ball on that as well. I originally applied at the end of November and it wasn't until MARCH they figured out I really had applied for membership. I just got fed up with them and told them to send my money back. Then just recently I tried another shot at it and it looks like that just isn't going to fly. Not when they want me to pay for a 12 month membership and only get 7 months out of it.

I dunno, I might have to start a separate thread about this whole thing.

But I REALLY would have liked to have met a bunch of local vette enthusiasts through the club, but that certainly isn't going to happen now. So I guess I am kind of jealous of you guys that do have a real nice local club to interface with......

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: I Just saw this..... Looks like you got snubbed too!!:rofl1:

 

[JCswm]

I'll be joining the Tampa Bay Vettes as soon as I get setteled in!!!

 

[Pres712]

BACC?

I'll be joining the Tampa Bay Vettes as soon as I get setteled in!!!

If you live in St. Pete why not give us a try? I would hate to see you drive all the way to Tampa for meetings, etc. We meet at Dimmitt Chevrolet the second Thurs of every month and host two of the biggest shows in the area! Check us out at www.baccvette.us for more info....

Jim H.
NCCC Governor
BACC

 

[JCswm]

If you live in St. Pete why not give us a try? I would hate to see you drive all the way to Tampa for meetings, etc. We meet at Dimmitt Chevrolet the second Thurs of every month and host two of the biggest shows in the area! Check us out at www.baccvette.us for more info....

Jim H.
NCCC Governor
BACC

I'm sure I'll be joining more than one Club. Thanks for the Link:thumbsup: