Thursday 17th November 2011 saw the first meeting of the newly activated Area Council. We had our first meeting via Skype. The AC consists of the area Governor and Presidents, VPE and VPM from each club. At our first meeting were representatives from three clubs.
What is the AC for? AC responsibilities include the use of Area available funds for example area contests and trainings. Interclub activites is another important role for the Area Council. And another important responsibility is the selction of the Area Governor. This includes selecting an assistent who would be the designate governor for the following TM year.
We discussed club attendence. Mosquito Hill has the slight problem of not having enough seats at the tables and those not coming late have to sit on the sofas. Zurich wants to encourage its members to proceed with the advanced manuals after completion of their CC and CL. Neither of these two clubs have an diffidulty finding new members.
Zug Club, although remaining strong, could use new members and appreciates the support from visiting members from other clubs.
Inter-club activites were discussed although nothing was decided. Past activites have been a combined boat cruise on Lake Zurich and a combined effort at the Expat Expo in Zurich. Other PR suggestions are welcome.
The question was raised, after Geneva claimed victory at the recent Division contests, what is Geneva doing to prepare their contestants? The answer is they are being coached by advanced members. Clint's recent proposal to form an area advanced club would be the place for contestants to practice and get expert feedback. The proposed advanced club would be open to all members with CC achievement. Details are still being worked out so keep a watch here or at your club meetings for announcements.
As a result of our meeting a number of names were submitted as nominees for Assistent Area Govermor. This would have been an interesting race to see who would be selected. However all but one declined. Most feel the need for more club activity before taking on such a position of responsibility. The one remaining will be presented to the council for approval and announced shortly.
The Area Council is part of the organ of support for our members. If you have any suggestions how we can best serve you then you can add your comments here or write to one of us directly.
I wish all our members and all four clubs a successful and enjoyable year.
Jim Murdoch
Area E1 Governor 2011-2012