Comments on: And the Winner Is…… Which Guy? Uh, that guy?

By: Tom Magno

Tom Magno — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:57:13 +0000

This brings up several good points. I never understood why we hold “opening” ceremonies on the final day and before the final match. To me, it sounds more like “closing” ceremonies. For Nationals, the opening ceremonies should be held before the first major company competition, either on Saturday morning prior to Carbine, or on Friday. Granted, the majority of units/members will be there on Saturday – so I think that’s better for ‘opening’ the competition.
Funding not available? I don’t recall what the latest accounting status for all line items was for the Association. Funding for range improvements has a line item. If we fence monies for an awards podium or similar activities focal point, with a 2 or 3 year goal to complete, it will happen. Without a specific approved budget and timeline, it won’t happen. Someone has to forward a plan to the BOD. As with all major expenditures, it will have to be studied, committeed, restudied, amended, then disapproved. I say this tongue in cheek – but that’s how most view the process.
I think the sound problem should, with today’s technology, be easily fixed. We are relying upon and old podium, a small (indoor style) amp and a couple of speakers. The barn dance is so loud you can hear it in area 4. Why not get something like that? Surely there is enough budget available for a decent sound system for the pentultimate awards ceremony following our national competitition, no?

By: Phil Spaugy

Phil Spaugy — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:26:35 +0000

As with most thing, it comes down to funding. For a number of years we have had plans to build a event pavilion in the area to the east of memorial park. This type of building would be used for a number of things, including awards ceremonies. The simple fact of the matter is that we just don’t have the funds available for such a project at this time.

I know that you can appreciate that fact, given the cost of your great websites and the need to for you to try and generate revenue by advertising and sponsorships.

Mike, you mentioned we have sponsors. Yes, we do. For one Nationals we did have sponsors. That said, we have much work to do to keep the sponsorship program fresh and give it some longevity. I never have been an advocate of spending money until its in our pocket. So while the sponsorship program is great, I want to see it better established before we count on it as an consistent source of funding. I know that you can appreicate that fact, given the cost of your great websites and the need to generate revenue to help you offset that expense.

All that said, in my view the biggest single challenge of involving more or our members in our musket / artillery awards ceremony is simply when it happens. Most of the people are well on their way home by 4:00 PM on a Sunday afternoon. Distant units leave a few representatives to pickup their awards, or have members from other units in their regions pick them up.

And yes, we just recently changed the order of awards, simply to insure that their would be more of a crowd to give the proper recognition to our musket champions in all classes. Before the change the only folks left when the first place awards were given out were the families and members of the winning units.

Phil

By: Mike Kendra

Mike Kendra — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:11:45 +0000

Mark,

This is a good point, I’ve always wished the PA system could be improved, but turning the volume up isn’t the solution. I agree with what you agreed with, um, if that makes sense, put the people in a place where they can hear the person at the podium speaking!