As with
MRSSKY, I've been on the board of directors of a formal organization and participated in a dealer sponsored Corvette club here in the Detroit suburbs. These types of clubs are usually social organizations that have elected officers, formal by-laws, monthly board and membership meetings at the dealership and chairpersons for different segments of the club (car show, auto cross competition, social events, cruise events, etc.). With performance cars like Vipers and Corvettes, there are usually two camps, the car show people and the racing people.
It takes
an enormous amount of dedication and volunteer time to make these types of clubs go. As with all social organizations, someone will always complain (or maybe this is just limited to 'Vette owners) about how this was run, or why did Joe and Sally win that trophy or who has the proven background to judge the car show. The election of officers becomes a popularity contest and I've seen some nice people get elected but then they couldn't get any help from others to run the time consuming activities such as treasurer and secretary.
Yes, there were annual dues, shirts, chairs and name badges to buy. Some of the ongoing cost was absorbed by the sponsoring dealership for printed materials and banners which could be written off as advertising and dealer participation was absolutely key. There had to be a benefit to the dealership owner, a very visible benefit before they would consider funding the club.
I'm also a current member of a worldwide "club" with just over a million members that is sponsored by another well know vehicle manufacturer. That one is a bit less formal (there are by-laws but the officer positions are "handed down" from the prior office holder) and it's focus is raising money for charities with organized rides. The local chapter has so many members that there are
two monthly meetings because the facility cannot hold everyone (and the beer stays colder
).
Personally and from other threads on this site it looks like people have the most fun just getting together informally with a destination in mind, get something to eat and
enjoy driving the car.
Just my :jm2c:
Actually looking back at the length of this post, it's more like a $1.00..... and all this from someone that doesn't even own a Sky yet.....
HoldHard