National Rally V

[MangoMike]

Without a doubt the techs at P4 were invaluable. But I'm sure having these guys show up 2x a year is a strain on their resources.

MIke

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Nick should correct me if I am not stating the truth, but I think he indicated these rallies are very valuable for him, not necessarily because he is able to do business at the rally, but because of the exposure and the referrals.

I still do not think we should build our organization (that erroneously suggests we are organized) around vendors. If we have good, well attended rallies the vendors will decide if it is worth it to show up.

[Denny]

I echo Jon and Jim's comments. I also like the idea of the smaller East and West rallies with a National rally. The E/W rallies would be more of a social interaction with the National one being available for converters, suppliers, etc.

Even at the regional rallies there would be a lot of learning just by talking to one another and learning from each other. It is my understanding that the service techs charge for their work. Where else can they go and find 30 or more buses in one location. I feel it is a win/win situation. At Branson we picked up one new member, Dan Parisi from Chicago, who just happened to be there. POG was exactly what he was looking for and did not know it existed.

The National rally would be on a much larger scale with 50 to 75 buses present. There aren't too many other places converters, vendors and techs, can go and find that concentration of Prevost. It is also a good situation for individuals buying or selling.

Many organizations, FMCA, Good Sam, manufacturer clubs,etc., have several chapter rallies a year and than have at least one national rally. FMCA has two national rallies a year, Country Coach club has two Family Reunions a year in addition to the individual chapter rallies, for example.

I believe we have nearly 300 members and can make a great impact on the bus market.

As for me, national rally in Sept, 08.

[Ray Davis]

Just out of curiosity, how many coaches/people ended up coming to Branson? I never did hear any figures.

[hhoppe]

Regarding Service Tech's being available we need to remember only two of them were self employed, the others work for one of the converters or Prevost. Some thank you letters need to go out to their employers for allowing them to join us with very valuable information. The techs indicated to me, they would rather come and work with our group than any other. We get into the repairs with them and want to learn. They say most groups just want it fixed and how much $.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Ray, about 21 member coaches at Branson KOA and about 50 head at the functions.

[lewpopp]

While we are on the subject of techs, what happened to Lester. I would like to look him up on the way thru Lakeland if I need some work done. I heard from a reliable source that he will not leave that area for any amount of $$$$$$$.

[JIM KELLER]

While we are on the subject of techs, what happened to Lester. I would like to look him up on the way thru Lakeland if I need some work done. I heard from a reliable source that he will not leave that area for any amount of $$$$$$$.

Lew, Lester is still there. Phone # at facility is : 800-233-7951. Lesters email is : lesterburgess@tampabay.rr.com. Hope this information is helpfull to you.

[shookie]

check out www.associationislandresort.com ...been there...quite nice....

[Gary & Peggy Stevens]

Oh WOW, when and how can we fit this campground in to our POG schedule? Looks like a winner to me.

Gary S.