NCFC-SDC December 2003 Minutes

The December meeting of the NCFCSDC was held in conjunction with the annual Christmas party and gift exchange at Catfish Johnny's Restaurant in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on December 6, 2003 by President Edith Fifer.

Twenty-nine members were present. Eight Studebakers were driven to the meeting. These included a 1952 Pickup, a 1957 Silver Hawk, a 1964 Daytona, a 1963 GT Hawk, a 1963 Avanti, a 1964 GT, a 1961 Hawk SHSC, and a 1953 Hard Top. Later in the meeting, Jeff Rice arrived with his Coupe Express all decked out in Christmas lights. It was a great sight and quite an electrical feat to completely outline the truck in miniature white lights.

President Fifer started the meeting by finalizing the election of officers for 2004. The offices of President, Vice-president, Treasurer, Secretary, and Membership Director were filled at the November meeting and reaffirmed by a unanimous voice vote at the December meeting. The offices that remain open are tour master and funds raiser. The floor was opened for any nominations. Sue Tucker was nominated for funds raiser and Stephen Cade was nominated for tour master. Both were elected by an unanimous voice vote.

President Fifer also reported that at the Turkey Run at the Daytona Speedway in November, there were 65 Studebakers. From the feedback from spectators at the Turkey Run, President Fifer learned that a lot of people do not know what a Studebaker is. She, personally, is very glad to be associated with Studebakers and Studebaker owners.

The next business was to discuss having a joint meeting with the Northeast Florida Chapter. Nalley Hinton, Northeast Chapter, has invited the North Central Florida Chapter SDC and one other Florida SDC Chapter (to be determined) and a Georgia Chapter to come to his business in Callahan FL to see the display of cars and then to caravan to his home for a cookout. He wanted to do this in February but there is a conflict with the Rainbow River meeting that has been planned for months and reservations made. President Fifer stated that she would turn the problem over to the new President, Derwood Thompson, for resolution. Stephen Cade asked if the visit would be a regular meeting or a special event. As Tour master, Stephen Cade will handle the arrangements.

President Fifer announced that she had received a letter from Edward Burris, Southeast Representative on the SDC Board of Directors. Edward is being challenged by Sam Dixon, also a member of the NCFCSDC. Edward would like to continue as a member of the SDC Board of Directors and has asked for the support from the NCFCSDC. She stated that Edwards letter would be printed in the next Hogtown Headlights. Sam Dixon who was present at the meeting was offered the opportunity to present his qualifications for the Board of Directors as well.

Sam Dixon provided the following information: He has been in Florida since 1996. Before that, he lived in Maryland and was a member of the Keystone Chapter SDC. He has a long history with Studebakers, including being brought home from the hospital as a newborn in one. While others liked Chevys and Fords, he liked Studebakers. He grew up with a Studebaker Hawk in his front yard. His purpose in running for the Board is to bring the club up to date so that it reflects the current market. One concern he has is the Turning Wheels magazine he receives every month. He enjoys the magazine, but it takes too long to get a Studebaker advertised in the Turning Wheels. More and more, other sources such as eBay are being used to sell our Studebakers. A key issue, if he is elected, will be how the Studebaker Drivers Club will be presented on the Internet. People will sit down and search the Internet. Last year, there were 13,000 inquiries on the internet about Studebaker parts. He stated that he believes there is a void in this market and there are no particular systems available for parts. He believes that studebaker.com should do a better job of pulling all of this information together and help people find parts vendors. That is what he would like to work towards if he is elected.

A question was raised as to why Mr. Dixon left the Orlando Chapter SDC. He stated that it was the distance. He now lives in Daytona Beach and the drive was too far. It was stated that there was rumor that Mr. Dixon left because the club did not do anything. Mr. Dixon was asked if that is true and why didn't he stay and try to make the club better? Mr. Dixon stated that he tried to make suggestions but he did not succeed. He also stated that there were only about four people in the Orlando Chapter that work really hard and he wanted in a bigger club.

President Fifer ended the dialogue with a recommendation that no matter which candidate you support, get out and vote. Everyone should check the Turning Wheels for information about voting.

The issue about club hats was raised by Sam Dixon. It was clarified that the only issue was shirts, not hats. The Club already has hats. Sam Dixon will bring samples of shifts.

It was determined that the arrangements for the January meeting were not made. Stephen Cade will make arrangements and everyone will be notified either in the newsletter or by telephone call.

President Fifer concluded the meeting by thanking Derwood for making arrangements for the meeting.