VOA Membership Why are YOU not contributing

[Viperenvy]

Jan 18th 2020 Founders Day

Feb 8th 2020 Author Dan Carney Dodge Viper

Feb 22nd 2020 BWI Autobahn & Guinness

March 2020 Valuations with David Kinney

Mar 21st 2020 Vin 002 Lutz Viper and Karting

Apr 5th 2020 Capital Vipers Easton Airport Cruise In

Apr 11th 2020 Fluids Day 2020

May 16th 2020 Solomon's Island Cruise

Jun 13th 2020 Crabfest

Jul 4th 2020 City of Fairfax July 4TH Parade

Jul 25th 2020 Rev Up the Park with Adam Eaton

Aug 1st 2020 Vipers On the Severn

Sep 12th 2020 Capital Vipers Upper Marlboro To Annapolis Social Cruise

Oct 10th 2020 - Oct 11th 2020 Octoberfest with Viper Team Member (SOLD OUT)

Dec 5th 2020 Middleburg Christmas Parade

[braunstein82]

This post made me think about the value just in the past year for me in the Carolinas region. These are low estimates.

membership $115-$150 total for you and spouse

*viper magazine-better quality than Dupont registry ($40+ value)
*member kit badges and shipping ($10+)
yearly gift ($10+)
*annual luncheon in sub regions - free event - ($20 value per person) ($40 for wife and I)
*GYMR vehicle service event (fluid changes)- free event ($10+ lunch, $25+ dinner, service savings$$$) ($70+ for us)
*Track Day , private rental- free event- ($100+ for dragway, $100+ autocross)
*Winery tour -$25 per person- ( actually $45-club contribution $20pp) ($40 for us)
*Biltmore- $60 per- ( tour $75pp, lunch $25pp, dinner $35pp) ($150 for us)
*Holiday Party -$20 pp- (dinner $40+ pp, club contribution $20+) ($40+ for us)

Club contributed $600+ for me and the wife to do all of that.

Add in over the years where I saved by having a viper tech available to help me with things or guide me thru fixing something at no cost. The $1000s in discounts I have gotten on cars and parts for being a member. Also the extra $35 for mamba got me $150 pp ($300 for both) for NVE4.

Obviously the clubdoesn't make money appear from nowhere. We do random things to help cover cost like raffles for viper stuff, contribution cup, etc. Of course if ever member went to every event the club couldn't contribute that much.

[Bill Pemberton]

Oh, cmon , Braunstein, you only got an approximate $750 worth of benefits for $ 150, I can't see why anyone would join for that measly amount, ha,ha! Better than the stock market and you get the plus of hanging out with fellow Snakecharmers on the Forum, at Club Events , and it looks to me just going to NVE4 returned two years of Membership fees.

Thanks for posting , there are so many solid reasons why , if you own a Viper, you should belong!

[ACR-ISH]

I cant speak for the masses, but Im currently looking for my first snake and am only an enthusiast because I dont have a vin. When I contacted one of the admins last year about going to NVE she said no dice without a vin. This was slightly off putting because I would have joined immediately as I really want to go, plus VOA has so many other perks. If any of the above info is incorrect please let me know as I would love to sign up now!!

Correct. You'd need a VIN to officially join. It is the Viper OWNERS Association. You're taking the correct steps and you're here now. Once you get a Viper, I'd encourage you to join. I personally scoured the forums before buying, too. And once I bought became a paying member. Again... not about me, about what I'm supporting.

Do you give to cancer research when you have cancer or to further the cause? If no one gave till they got it... most likely we'd have ZERO cancer survivors! This is about a community. You can affect and preserve it even if it's not directly benefiting you. Another symptom of people these days: "what do I get?" It's not about you.

How about: "What can I give to the community that has been giving to me, and those before me for 25 years?"

Life is just perspective, and I'm trying to help others see that. Talk about running up an escalator.

[ACR-ISH]

This is ALMOST official, but just so you get what we are putting together for that HUGE fee, some of these will be at no cost, too. We don't look to MAKE money in NorCal, we just look to break even year over year!

2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS - Northern CA

DATE EVENT LOCATION HOST

April
Sat 4-18 Tech Event: Ceramic coating Walnut Creek Brian
Vs. Clear Bra
Wed. 4-1 to National Viper Event (NVE4) Miami, FL VOA
Sat. 5-2

May
Sun. 5-17 Tech Event: Vipers 101 TBD Maurice

June
Sat. 6-6 Horseback Ride & Winery visit Saratoga Jim
Sat. 6-27 Progressive Dinner South Bay Chakamian, Bates
Morales

July
Sun. 7-19 Drummer (the list gets cut off here but goes on thru December, and includes norther ca track days)

[Angleiron]

I keep joining because I own 2 Vipers, and that is the ONLY reason as I try to support the cause. To me the magazines are a waste of time as other than the page or two devoted to tech stuff it is all worthless fluff. If a club has a ride then post the pics on the VOA facebook site as I could careless about that in the magazines. Where are any articles about issues that we are going to face (if not already facing) about tires, parts, etc.? Where are there any articles about known problems, what to watch out for, etc.? Where are the how to articles on things that improve the car and that could avoid problems? Where are there driving tips for the track, road, etc? That would make the magazine worth saving/holding onto and I would feel I was getting something back for being a member.

[ACR-ISH]

I keep joining because I own 2 Vipers, and that is the ONLY reason as I try to support the cause. To me the magazines are a waste of time as other than the page or two devoted to tech stuff it is all worthless fluff. If a club has a ride then post the pics on the VOA facebook site as I could careless about that in the magazines. Where are any articles about issues that we are going to face (if not already facing) about tires, parts, etc.? Where are there any articles about known problems, what to watch out for, etc.? Where are the how to articles on things that improve the car and that could avoid problems? Where are there driving tips for the track, road, etc? That would make the magazine worth saving/holding onto and I would feel I was getting something back for being a member.

Most of what you said you'd like to see is in several issues, lol. Maybe try reading cover to cover. Tech tips, common problems... pretty much all in there. If they put it ALL in ONE magazine issue, why do any others? It's all about a magazine that has a little something for EVERYONE. I'm sure many of us enjoy seeing what other club members are doing, and leaving something for the next issue. I love the fluff. We do some BEAUTIFUL outings and get togethers!

My theme is still resounding: It's not about you.

I guess it takes a while for that to sink in.

[RedTanRT/10]

I have been fortunate in my 24 years of ownership to be part of the AZ and SoCal clubs. Both very active with plenty of events, although I only have time for a couple a year. When the vca collapsed I told our current president and all subsequent presidents that if they pocketed half of my dues I would not care, they all spend an enormous time dedicated to the local club activities.

Sorry for the folks who don't have a nearby region or an active club but I think it is still a value to get the magazine, support this website, get discounts, etc. Many, many great people here to help Viper owners.

Without the VOA we would be left with those god awful facebook sites.

[COI]

Most of what you said you'd like to see is in several issues, lol. Maybe try reading cover to cover. Tech tips, common problems... pretty much all in there. If they put it ALL in ONE magazine issue, why do any others? It's all about a magazine that has a little something for EVERYONE. I'm sure many of us enjoy seeing what other club members are doing, and leaving something for the next issue. I love the fluff. We do some BEAUTIFUL outings and get togethers!

My theme is still resounding: It's not about you.

I guess it takes a while for that to sink in.

I think it has already sunk in. The membership numbers and trends speak pretty clearly.

[Viperenvy]

For those not paying members, all I can tell you is my experience.

I started searching in December of 2016. Found great information here and met Steve-Indy (we talk often and I consider a life mentor) who answered every question I had and then some. Plus, he introduced me to Tom Sessions.

Steve referred me to JonB in August of 2017. A relationship that is one of the most valuable I have.

Bought a Viper in September 2017 knowing very little.

Realized in December of 2017 that no chapter existed in the Metro DC area.

With others, held an interest meeting in January of 2018.

Formally created the Capital Vipers on May 1st, 2018 with four people willing to lend a hand. More hands, less work.

What has been the value? Met and became friends with the Viper Team (Roy, Herb, Dick, Kenny, Bill, Chris, Tom, Jeff, Bryan, Joe (RIP), etc). Something that is really emotional for me. Dream come true....

Helped the Viper team with Amelia, Hilton Head, 30th Team Reunion, and item to be announced.

Talked with 20+ Viper Team members on the GT2 creation.

Found an unbelievable Viper.

Around passionate people who are passionate like me.

What have I received in value? Friendships that are priceless.

What have I given? Probably 250 hours of my time in the last 2 years. Every second more than worth it. I've helped half dozen folks buy their dream. Do you know how great that feels when you hear it in their voice?

I have met Regional presidents like Byan and Wes who are becoming good friends.

I have met this crazy guy, David, who has a sickness for Gen II ACRs on the other side of the country. We talk weekly.

I have met under the radar collectors that consider the Viper pure art.

I have met people who track and track and track....

I have met people who own tracks.

I have been introduced to people at events who I never imagined I would ever know.

If your measure of value is what you receive, then maybe try a different perception. The value is in what you give.

Most of you blow more money in a week than this costs. The challenge in life and in every organization is wanting before giving.

Join and go give - create an event. Feel how good it feels for others to enjoy your hard work - they'll be appreciative and return the favor. But only, if you start working at your passion.

Remember, success only comes before work in the dictionary.

Call me anytime (248) 705-1245

[capevettes]

Personally, I can't put a price on the long term relationships/friendships that I have developed as a direct result of this membership. That's priceless. I get alot of pleasure out of hanging with like minded people. This very special car has a way of bringing great people together.

[PatrickB]

Personally, I can't put a price on the long term relationships/friendships that I have developed as a direct result of this membership. That's priceless. I get alot of pleasure out of hanging with like minded people. This very special car has a way of bringing great people together.

This x100. My wife and I joined in 2013 and have met nothing but AWESOME people as a result of attending events. Without the club, these are people I would have never met. These are people who aren't members, they are friends; we may only see some folks once a year, but they are friends and when we are together it's a special time. We have attended, contributed to and helped with events when we could, but with 4 children sometimes its tough. We are sad when there are events we can't attend, but life does get in the way sometimes. But we always come back and it's typically like we never left.

[thetalonguy]

Personally, I can't put a price on the long term relationships/friendships that I have developed as a direct result of this membership. That's priceless. I get alot of pleasure out of hanging with like minded people. This very special car has a way of bringing great people together.

This is about as true as it gets for me. Viper ownership and continued club involvement has complimented my life in an invaluable way. The benefits and relationships extend past the Viper world.

[Herrsss]

I've been a member of one or both clubs since 1996 until this year. I haven't been active in the club in years but still contributed to maintain the legacy of the legend. The club has lost its focus in my opinion and I no longer feel my membership $'s have anything to do with preserving the legacy. I still love the car (I own multiple Vipers) and believe it to be the best American muscle car ever built.

Could you please explain what you mean by the club has lost its focus? I would love to hear what needs to be resurrected to entice you to rejoin.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

......... the extra $35 for mamba got me $150 pp ($300 for both) for NVE4.

YIKES !! Alert the Treasurer! That can't be good business......

It apparently gets subsidized by member dues of non-attendees.

2018 NVE3 INCOME 382,793.
NVE3 EXPENSES 527,293.

.................NET LOSS $144, 500.

Now, divide that NVE loss by ALL PAID MEMBERS = every paid member subsidized NVE by approximately $80 that year ?!? Great for attendees, but not so much for Treasury.

If so, dues could be lower if they were'nt having to subsidize NVE.....

[2018 Figures published in VQ-22 P67. NOTE 'some expenses will be moved to 2019']

[Herrsss]

1,353 members....where is everybody? We used to be over 1,800+.

Tony, we ended 2019 with almost 1900 members. The counter starts over on January 1 so you are seeing renewals to date. This happens every year as a lot of members don’t renew until the spring thaw and they start thinking about getting their cars out of hibernation. Also some people mistakenly think they can pay the partial year rate but that is only available to nerve members who join during the year.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Personally, I can't put a price on the long term relationships/friendships that I have developed as a direct result of this membership. That's priceless. I get alot of pleasure out of hanging with like minded people. This very special car has a way of bringing great people together.

This is about as true as it gets for me. Viper ownership and continued club involvement has complimented my life in an invaluable way. The benefits and relationships extend past the Viper world.

This x100. My wife and I joined in 2013 and have met nothing but AWESOME people as a result of attending events. Without the club, these are people I would have never met. These are people who aren't members, they are friends; we may only see some folks once a year, but they are friends and when we are together it's a special time........ We are sad when there are events we can't attend.....But we always come back and it's typically like we never left.

Also TRUE for ME since 1993..... Members who have a "Home" club probably agree......

[SmoknTires]

YIKES !! Alert the Treasurer! That can't be good business......

It apparently gets subsidized by member dues of non-attendees.

I guess it goes without saying, you could just write to the Treasurer Jon... rather than posting on a public forum that he may not necessarily see the message on. But to respond to your "alert" quickly, so as not to spread mis-information...

* I would assume it has to do with their reporting, as expense & revenue spans 3 years on these events. The budget shows in/outflows for only 1 year. That could have been explained better in the mag.
* NVE3 did not lose money, it in fact made money (a lot of it).
* None of the money it made was even through it's own cost of entry (100% of entry fees went to the event and back to the attendees). The revenue was all generated through merchandise, live auction, silent auction, etc...
* It was not subsidized by member dues in any way (on the contrary, it FUNDS other things by subsidizing things the dues don't completely cover)
* And, it IS good for business...

Hope that helps the concern.

[TaxKingNJ]

The Treasurer is here Jon.

That is CASH Basis Accounting meaning when the income was actually received and when the expenses were actually paid.

2018 NVE3 income was received during November 2017- March 2018.

2018 NVE3 Expenses were all paid in 2018 when the event occurred.

We actually had a surplus from NVE3 which we are using for NVE4.

[Herrsss]

Does National simply keep 100% of any regional dues from homeless members, as with the 15-state owners with no designated home club. Hint: Since they have NO HOME Reqion, maybe they would join/respond to some other offer? If National now keeps, maybe even escrows some of 15+ State's dues? ie No club to give it to. perhaps offer something?

Sure, a guy in ID, NM, ND, etc etc can select the closest club as 'home', but will that really provide annual worth/value to that non-metro member? [It Makes VQ benefit $28 per issue.]


Jon, in 2019 there were 9 non-region affiliated members out of almost 1900. Most of those purposely requested to be general members even though they live in areas with active regions. So far this year we have 3 non-region affiliated members.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

I guess it goes without saying, you could just write to the Treasurer Jon... rather than posting on a public forum that he may not necessarily see the message on. But to respond to your "alert" quickly, so as not to spread mis-information....

Smok: The 2018 figures were made public in VQ last month, in a 1/4 page "P&L" of sorts, page 67 :

2018
NVE3 INCOME 382,793. --
NVE3 EXPENSES 527,293. --


Why would giving $300 off NVE for +35$ Mamba dues be good business? Could result in above. Cant make that up on volume

....But to respond to your "alert" quickly, so as not to spread mis-information...

* ....... The budget shows in/outflows for only 1 year. That could have been explained better in the mag..
Hope that helps the concern.....

True.... it was a big black/white $144K loss as shown.

As far as my "Alert The Treasurer" we were poking fun at MBraunstein's windfall post #27 above...all in fun.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

The Treasurer is here Jon.

That is CASH Basis Accounting meaning when the income was actually received and when the expenses were actually paid.

2018 NVE3 income was received during November 2017- March 2018.

2018 NVE3 Expenses were all paid in 2018 when the event occurred.

We actually had a surplus from NVE3 which we are using for NVE4.

Thanks JB.

I guess a 1/4 page "P&L" leaves a lot of info undeclared / misunderstood by at least me.

JB

[Herrsss]

Thanks JB.

I guess a 1/4 page "P&L" leaves a lot of info undeclared / misunderstood by at least me.

JB

Noted and we will be sure to add footnotes as necessary going forward.

[SmoknTires]

[/B]Why would giving $300 off NVE for +35$ Mamba dues be good business? Could result in above. Cant make that up on volume

It makes business sense Jon because the club isn't a profit center - the goal isn't to make money. Some investments are strategic and tied to help participation, grow the club, provide value, etc... The discount isn't tied to a $ ROI, but has 2 significant returns that are quite tangible:

1) The event has better participation, as those who want to pursue the discount are incentivized because it's made more affordable. More people = more fun.

2) When someone asks "why would I ever pay $35 for Mamba membership", you (Jon Brobst) can now say QUITE ENTHUSIATICALLY "because the club wants to provide you value through hundreds of $$'s in discounts for attending fantastic events like NVE and supporting the club as a Mamba member".

And for your next question... "How does the event then manage to break even because it's losing money on those who got the discounts because they are Mamba members". And the answer takes us full circle - because of all those wonderful NVE merchandise, auctions, etc... that get reinvested right back into the event itself to bring down the cost both for the main entrance fee and also to cover those who are mamba members and deserving a good discount for their support. And then the final access revenue funds things outside of NVE, bringing value even to those who didn't attend the event and making the club better (like that magazine, future events, the call center, giveaways, this forum, etc...) which member dues don't actually completely cover.

And THAT makes good business sense.

[braunstein82]

Money aside. When I first bought a viper I only planned to keep it a short time then move to a different kind of car and repeat that. I sold the first viper and my wife said she wanted me to get another viper because she loved the club and the close friendships we have made. Ones that I would retain even if I left viper. So it wasn't hard for me to agree with her. Now on viper #3. Most people who know me will tell you I always say I'm gonna sell this one and get a different type of car, but in all reality they and I know I'll be in a viper for life.

As for the misdirected expense stuff, that definitely wasn't the point I was trying to make. Obviously if ever members and spouse went to every meet and 1500 members went to nve there would be no possibility of having the savings I did. But that's not the way it works. This is a non-profit club so we can't leave a bunch of money left over obviously. Beinga NFP an expense reports should be available. May want to start putting a summarized report in the magazine and offer a full report online or by email to members. This goes even more so for regions. I know of 2 regions (not Carolinas) that have decent size membership that have no idea where their money goes and don't host many if any events each year. Some don't even know when elections take place and never got a chance to vote for officers or have discussion on events. (confirmed thru multiple members of those regions)

PS. Working and typing these at same time so please ignore my bad gammer and punctuation