2013 BMW CCA Elections

Below you will find statements of interest written by some of your fellow BMW CCA members. Reading these statements will help you understand why they are interested in becoming elected leaders of the Club—but whatever their reasons, we applaud their dedication and spirit of volunteerism. Without our volunteer leadership, we would not be the Club we are today!

 

In order to give all candidates the opportunity to freely express their positions, we neither edit nor correct these statements; unless they are clearly libelous or defamatory, they appear as submitted. Only the candidates vouch for the accuracy of any facts or allegations contained herein. Nothing presented in these statements reflects any official position of either Roundel or the BMW CCA, and we cannot be held responsible for any errors of fact.

 

North Atlantic Region members may vote by using the paper ballot cards mailed with their January Roundel; additional paper ballots may be obtained from the National Office. Primary and associate members will find a mailing label affixed to the election notice included with Roundel. Individual ballots may only be returned by mail and must have the member’s mailing label affixed to it, or it will not be counted.

 

In accordance with Article 5, Section 7 of the BMW Car Club of America by-laws, ballots will not be submitted for the position of Treasurer and Pacific Region Vice-President as those positions are unopposed.*

 

Remember, you must be a member in good standing as of December 15, 2012, to vote in this election. Voting will open on Wednesday, January 2, 2013, and close Thursday, February 28, 2013, at noon Eastern Standard Time. Results will be posted on the Club website that same day by 5:00 p.m. EST.

 

 

Sometimes the best-intended plan turns out not to be the best thing to do.

When I ran for reelection to the office of Treasurer in 2009 my candidate statement mentioned an audit by the IRS the Club was undergoing. The IRS audit started in 2008. My intent in running for reelection in 2009 was, in addition to performing the normal duties of the treasurer, to help see us through the IRS audit and finish-out my service as Club Treasurer. Little did I know that three years later we would still be dealing with the IRS audit.

 

The IRS finished its field audit work and issued a report that took exception to our interpretation of some provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) and IRS regulations. The IRS report is currently undergoing review within the IRS. However, if the IRS does not change its position it could have a serious financial impact on the Club. If that happens, we may have no choice but to file suit against the IRS in the United States Tax Court. The difficulty comes from the fact that, although the IRC & regulations governing social and recreation organizations were last changed in 1976, there have been no court cases that addressed the proper interpretation of the issues in dispute in our case.

 

I decided to again run for reelection because my 12 years as a government auditor and 32 years in public accounting included testifying in court as an expert witness in matters being litigated. I retired from the largest CPA firm in the world, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as Partner and National Chairman of a group within the firm that provided litigation support services. I believe that my background will be just what the Club needs if we have to file a lawsuit against the IRS.

 

 

 

 

It’s been a quick three years, and once again I find myself reaching out to the members of the North Atlantic Region asking for your support and vote in the upcoming election! During this time, I have transitioned from being the treasurer and membership chair of the Patroon Chapter to becoming the President of our very active group. I have also served on the National Membership Committee, restored an E24 Euro and attended my first Sharkfest and Vintage in the Vineyard, and helped establish Vintage @ Saratoga as one of the premier shows of its type. My reasons for wanting to serve our region as Vice President have not changed, although my experiences during the past few years have helped me better understand the importance of what I wish to accomplish. I still believe the Regional Vice President must serve as an ambassador to potential members, a resource to the North Atlantic membership, and a representative voice for our chapters at the National level. I believe we need to create more events where chapters share associated resources, risks and rewards, allowing members from multiple groups to enjoy an experience which smaller chapters may not be able to carry out on their own. I believe it is important that the North Atlantic Vice President attend individual chapter meetings as well as events to truly understand the issues and challenges some of our chapters are facing, and to better know the individuals who are working hard to keep the momentum going. There are many great ideas to be found in our chapters, and I will be that leader who makes sure all have the opportunity to benefit from them. Please cast your vote for me and allow me to serve as your Vice President for the next three years. I thank you!

 

 

 

As the incumbent RVP, my dedication is always to represent the interests and needs of the NA Region Chapters and the continued improvement and growth of the National Club. BMW CCA has been an integral part of my life since 1986. For 23 years, I served as Chapter President, Vice President and as a Director on the Boston Chapter Board, and also 6 years as BMW CCA National Membership Coordinator. This is combined with 26 years of managerial experience with a national telecommunications company.

 

I had been tracking my 1988 635 CSi since the early ‘90's, but have retired it from track duty as it has 252K miles, but continue to enjoy my track time with my 1988 325 iX.

 

I was responsible for establishing the NA Region Events Forum, hosted on National’s website. To ensure there are no overlapping of similar events in the future, I plan to enhance the Forum reporting of all DE events from all Chapters in the Region, to include HPDE's, AutoX’s, Safety Schools, Street Survival Schools, Rallies/Tours.

 

I will continue to host the Regional Conference Calls, which have proven to be beneficial in targeting specific areas of concern, e.g. troubleshooting individual chapter concerns, membership retention, and methods of encouraging members to run for a Chapter Officer position.

 

Future plans include, encouragement of the Chapters to create a chapter presence on social media sites to attract a younger member demographic, the future of the Club. With my continued commitment to the BMW Foundation’s Street Survival Schools, I am encouraging all the Chapters in the Region to participate.

 

As the North Atlantic Region VP, I have dedicated a substantial amount of time to the Chapters and Club. I would be honored to continue to represent the Region in this role, and I ask for your vote.

 

 

 

 

To all BMWCCA Members:

 

My name is Nick Owen and I am running for the position of Pacific Regional Vice President for 2013. For the past two years I have been President of the San Diego Chapter and the Pacific Region representative for the National Membership Committee. During my term as President, I tasked myself with ensuring the structural integrity of the chapter and collaborated with members on our image and direction. While on the Membership Committee, I routinely communicated and strategized with Membership Chairs in multiple regions on various topics and situations regarding membership. Aside from my day job as a Professional BMW aficionado, I have contributed time and energy into discussing situations and solutions and nullifying chapter issues with the National Board and other chapter representatives nationwide. I feel that with my youth and ambition, I can not only represent the upcoming generation of BMW enthusiasts but I can be effective at contributing new ideas and concepts to help our club grow and prosper. If elected Pacific Region Vice President, I intend on working with the Pacific chapters in an attempt to strategically improve on the synergy of the BMW club presence in their area, while helping them with any questions or issues that may occur. I will bring diligence and professionalism to the responsibilities I perform as well as ensure the congruent longevity of our club. I believe that with everyone working together we can take our club to a new level and over deliver to our members, the Ultimate Car Club experience!