2008 Annual Rally & Business Meeting
Scroller Updates
- Note from the President June/July Update
- Note from the President May Update
- Note from the President March Update
- Note from the President February Update
- Note from the President January Update
- Note from the President December Update
- Note from the President November Update
- Note from the President 9/26/2007
Note from the President: June/July Update
Alert! Alert!
Our 2008 Branson Rally is getting close! Payment in full is required by 7/1/2008 if you want to qualify for the free BOCI Early Payment Bonus. The bonus includes the Branson Belle Luncheon/Show Cruise and coach transportation. After July 1 the Cruise ticket cost is $75 per person.
Almost everyone has already paid in full and we wouldn't want to miss anyone!! Can't wait to see you all there!
Other reminders:
While you are packing don't forget your hillbilly costumes for the Hillbilly Costume Contest, your favorite recipes for our ever popular group potluck, any family background information you may have for our Family Tree Seminar, and the very important upcoming elections!
We are looking forward to seeing all of you in Branson! Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or whatever!
RV There Yet?
Jan Romero,
BOCI President
Note from the President: May Update
2008 Rally Update:
Elections:
Please keep in mind that we will electing three new Directors at the 2008 Rally.
Jack Willoughby will be our focal point for any questions, gathering of names of those wishing to run and will be leading the election during the 2008 General Meeting in Branson. Please contact Jack if you have any questions or wish to add your name to the list. jwilloughby@bigfootowners.com
Rally Attendance:
If you have not yet signed up to attend the rally click here to go to the application page.
Itinerary Changes:
Please check out the itinerary on the website. We have added additional meals and activities! You can find more detailed information in the 'Members Only Section', 2008 Rally Info section.
Reminders:
While you are packing don't forget your hillbilly costumes for the Hillbilly Costume Contest and your favorite recipes for our ever popular group potluck!
New News:
Please note that we have added a new feature to our Members Only Webpages. There is a link to a new free RV magazine. This is the first edition of the RV Adventure Magazine and they are expecting that the content will expand significantly as they add features and writers.
The publishers have requested that we pass along that they are always interested in publishing work from a broad cross section of people involved in RV travel. Their writers guidelines are published on the site, under the section entitled "About the Magazine".
We are looking forward to seeing all of your in Branson! Please do not hesitate to contact me
if you have questions, etc., etc.!
RV There Yet?
Jan Romero,
BOCI President
Note from the President: March Update
I am again going to focus on the election issue in our March Scroller update. This is a very key item that we need to pay close attention to between now and the September Rally. Please consider running. If you run, you will not only have a great time with it, will spend limited time on it, but you will also be providing a huge resource/benefit to the club!
Upcoming 2008 Elections:
One of the most important issues that will be addressed at this year’s upcoming Rally will be the election of our Board of Directors. We will have three key positions open. I would like to list the openings and urge every member to consider running.
There will be three Board of Director openings:
The Presidency will be open since my term will end at the Rally. The role of BOCI President encompasses leading the Board of Director conference call meetings, overseeing the financial and Rally plans. There are lots of volunteers in the club which definitely makes this a rewarding and fun job.
The Vice President position will be open with ending of Ric Allen’s term. The Vice President position is key to helping the Board ensure that the yearly rallies are a huge success. Of course, since Ric is our Founder he has been extremely instrumental in the rallies and has gone well beyond the requirements in this area!
The Secretary/Treasurer position will also be open since Jack Willoughby will be ending his term. This position could be split into two positions. One being the Secretary. As Secretary Jack has assisted the club with legal issues and leads the General Meeting at the Rally each year. The second being the Treasurer. We now have a professional Accounting Firm handling our bookkeeping and tax filings. This position requires that the Treasurer oversee the work being performed by the Accountants and monitoring expenses and income to watch for improprieties or protocol deviations.
In addition to the three openings we have two Board Members (John Orton and Bill Pickering) who will remain in position until the 2009 Rally. This will enable a smooth transition each time Board member term ends. You have the commitment of myself, Ric and Jack that we will be available to assist in the transition to the new Board members and will be available to answer questions along the way. I know that we will each still be strong volunteers within the club and look forward to helping wherever needed!
If you should decide to run, you will be running for a Director position. At the General Meeting we will hold an election to fill the 3 open Director spots. The 5 Directors will then elect who will assume the Presidency, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc. positions.
Jack Willoughby will be our focal point for any questions, gathering names of those wishing to run, and leading the election during the 2008 General Meeting in Branson.
2008 Rally Update:
There are 49 slots already reserved for the rally. If you are considering going, don’t wait too long to sign up. We don't want anyone to miss out! This link will take you directly to the application webpage: www.bigfootowners.com/rally/2008/
Please check out the itinerary on the website! We have added additional meals and activities! We are keeping the BOCI website updated with the latest Rally information. You can find more detailed information in the 'Members Only Section' '2008 rally info' section
If you are attending the rally and you have dietary restrictions that we should know about please contact me at jromero@bigfootowners.com. Also, don't forget your Hill Billy Costumes! There will be lots of fun and prizes!!!
Rally Volunteer Update:
We are in the process of contacting our volunteer list. If you are planning to attend and have not yet had an opportunity to add your name to the volunteer list, please let me know. Many members have told me that volunteering has been a highlight for them at the rallies! And, our volunteers have certainly added valuable assistance and a wonderful feeling of membership for all attendees. We will again be calling upon teams to assist in areas such as greeting arriving rigs, registration, meals, photography, etc. No one will be overloaded, just enough to have some fun! Please don't hesitate to contact me (jromero@bigfootowners.com) if I can answer any questions or if you have input that you would like to share with the Board!
RV There Yet?
Jan Romero,
BOCI President
Note from the President: February Update
Hello to all!
Upcoming 2008 Elections:
One of the most important issues that will be addressed at this year’s upcoming Rally will be the election of our Board of Directors. We will have three key positions open. I would like to list the openings and urge every member to consider running.
There will be three Board of Director openings:
The Presidency will be open since my term will end at the Rally. The role of BOCI President encompasses leading the Board of Director conference call meetings, overseeing the financial and Rally plans. There are lots of volunteers in the club which definitely makes this a rewarding and fun job.
The Vice President position will be open with ending of Ric Allen’s term. The Vice President position is key to helping the Board ensure that the yearly rallies are a huge success. Of course, since Ric is our Founder he has been extremely instrumental in the rallies and has gone well beyond the requirements in this area!
The Secretary/Treasurer position will also be open since Jack Willoughby will be ending his term. This position could be split into two positions. One being the Secretary. As Secretary Jack has assisted the club with legal issues and leads the General Meeting at the Rally each year. The second being the Treasurer. We now have a professional Accounting Firm handling our bookkeeping and tax filings. This position requires that the Treasurer oversee the work being performed by the Accountants and monitoring expenses and income to watch for improprieties or protocol deviations.
In addition to the three openings we have two Board Members (John Orton and Bill Pickering) that will remain in position until the 2009 Rally. This will enable a smooth transition each time Board member terms ends. You have the commitment of myself, Ric and Jack that we will be available to assist in the transition to the new Board members and will be available to answer questions along the way. I know that we will each still be strong volunteers within the club and look forward to helping wherever needed!
If you should decide to run, you will be running for a Director position. At the General Meeting we will hold an election to fill the 3 open Director spots. The 5 Directors will then elect who will assume the Presidency, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc. positions.
Jack Willoughby will be our focal point for any questions, gathering names of those wishing to run, and leading the election during the 2008 General Meeting in Branson.
Meeting Minutes and Financial Reports:
As promised during the last General Meeting in Canada, we have posted both the minutes of the General Meeting and the club financial reports.
2008 Rally Update:
There are 45 slots already reserved for the rally. If you are considering going, don’t wait too long to sign up. We don't want anyone to miss out! This link will take you directly to the application webpage: www.bigfootowners.com/rally/2008/
We are continuing to work on the planning process for the rally. Many of you that have volunteered to help have been notified of how you can help and many more will be contacted in the near future.
We are keeping the BOCI website updated with the latest Rally information. You can find more detailed information in the ‘Members Only Section’, ‘2008 rally Info’ section.
Rally Volunteer Update:
We are in the process of contacting our volunteer list. If you are planning to attend and have not yet had an opportunity to add your name to the volunteer list, please let me know. Many members have told me that volunteering has been a highlight for them at the rallies! And, our volunteers have certainly added valuable assistance and a wonderful feeling of membership for all attendees. We will again be calling upon teams to assist in areas such as greeting arriving rigs, registration, meals, photography, etc. No one will be overloaded, just enough to have some fun! Please don't hesitate to contact me (jromero@bigfootowners.com) if I can answer any questions or if you have input that you would like to share with the Board!
RV There Yet?
Jan Romero,
BOCI President
Note from the President: January Update
I hope it has been a great New Year for all of you! It is hard to believe that it is January 2008 already!
Meeting Minutes and Financial Reports:
As promised during the last General Meeting in Canada, we have posted both the minutes of the General Meeting and the club financial reports. They are now on the BOCI website. They can be found in the 'Members Only Section' under 'BOCI Business'.
2008 Rally Update:
The plans for the 2008 Branson Rally are progressing. The Board of Directors are continuing to firm up the details and I know it will be a fantastic rally! It will be very different than our previous rallies, but the Board is confident it will be memorable for all! We have already filled almost half of our available spaces. Please don't wait too long before submitting your application! We don't want anyone to miss out! This link will take you directly to the application webpage: www.bigfootowners.com/rally/2008
Rally Volunteer Update:
We will be contacting our volunteer list soon. If you are planning to attend and have not yet had an opportunity to add your name to the volunteer list, please let me know. Many members have told me that volunteering has been a highlight for them at the rallies! And, our volunteers have certainly added valuable assistance and a wonderful feeling of membership for all attendees. We will again be calling upon teams to assist in areas such as greeting arriving rigs, registration, meals, photography, etc. No one will be overloaded, just enough to have some fun!
Next month I will update you on additional itinerary updates that are in the works! Please don't hesitate to contact me (jromero@bigfootowners.com) if I can answer any questions or if you have input that you would like to share with the Board!
Happy 2008!!!
RV There Yet?
Jan Romero,
BOCI President
Note from the President: December Update
Hello again! Happy Holidays to All!!!! Throughout the year I plan to update the Scroller monthly and I will send an e-mail with the Scroller info to those that are registered for the 2008 Rally. This way you will have the latest information even if you do not sign on to the BOCI Website.
Each year, we send out one of our few blast emails to our members to remind you it is time to renew your membership for the coming calendar year. We have been so busy and excited making plans for the 2008 Annual Rally & Business Meeting, we almost missed sending this reminder.
BOCI continues to grow rapidly and our membership represents most, States, Provinces and several additional Countries. We continue to operate primarily with volunteers. We thank each Director, Officer, Committee Chairs, Volunteers and Members for your amazing support. You are truly a talented group and BOCI would not exist without your valued assistance.
We hope that you have found numerous benefits from being a member of BOCI and will continue to support the club. Our on-line Forum has close to 8,000 postings and is one of our feature benefit of club membership. 2008 membership fees are normally due by December 31st of each year. However, since this notice is arriving later than usual we have extended the due date until January 31st, 2008. You may click on this link to renew your membership.
We would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to submit your application to attend the 2008 “BOCI Goes Country” Rally & Business Meeting in Branson, Missouri in September. This link will take you directly to the Information section for this event.
Sites are limited, so to insure you’re included, sign up early. Your membership must be current to attend a BOCI event.
We have attempted to honor any previous requests for deletion from the Bigfoot mail distribution list. If you no longer wish to receive our occasional information letters, please send an e mail to membership@bigfootowners.com and enter your NAME and “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the Subject line. We apologize for this inconvenience.
Season’s Greetings and Happy Traveling,
RV There Yet?
Jan Romero
Note from the President: November Update
I am pleased to announce to you that the location for the 2008 Annual Rally has been selected. The Board of Directors took the recommendations you made at the 2007 rally and have unanimously selected Branson, Missouri. The rally dates will be September 14 thru 19, 2008.
After careful consideration, it was determined that Branson offers the club a fantastic, highly recommended RV Park, a central location for all attendees, very favorable temperatures (September average highs 76-85, lows 52-62) and the opportunity to have a completely different type of Rally! The America's Best Campground RV Park specializes in holding large Rallies and provides a dedicated Rally Coordinator. Our Coordinator will not only assist our teams while working on the preparations but will also be available for our BOCI members while we are attending the Rally. Finding RV parks that can accommodate all of us can also be a challenge. Branson, MO offers the club a location with the sites and facilities we need for our size (i.e., climate controlled meeting room with seating for 300) and loads of live music and show opportunities. The emphasis will be on entertainment, friendship building and our General Meeting, of course. After investigating Branson, I can definitely understand why so many people recommended that we look into this area. For those of you, like myself, that would like to find more information on the Branson location please go to www.abc-branson.com
During our work to find the right site this year it has become clear that we are limiting ourselves by not booking our rallies greater than a year in advance. It is my intention to have our Board Members utilize the list of locations recommended at the 2007 rally and determine the location and dates for our 2009 Rally now so that we can announce them sooner.
Now for other business: During the 2007 Business Meeting it was discussed that we were in need of accounting help. The Board of Directors met and unanimously voted to hire an accounting team. This has been completed and they are currently in the process of validating our Balance Sheet and filing our Tax documents. Once we have verified accounting documents, we will add a new section to the website and post them in the Members Only Section. It is expected that this will take place in December, 2007. We are also in the process of adding a section for our Business Meeting Minutes and you will soon see the 2007 Meeting Minutes there as well.
I will update the Scroller during the first week of each month as your Board proceeds with not only our Rally plans but other business throughout the year. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can answer any question you may have....
Many of you have asked about Cecil and he is doing much better. Still on oxygen, but we were able to travel back to Reno and it is expected that he will recover with no lasting affects. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts!!!
RV There Yet?
Jan Romero
9/26/2007 Note from the President
From all of the comments I have received it seems that those attending overwhelmingly feel that this year's rally was again a success! Cecil and I had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing good friends and meeting so many new friends.
Well, it is time again for us to start on next year's rally planning. Your Board is already at work. After a lengthy discussion at the General Meeting it was determined that we needed to investigate a different location for the 2008 Rally. It was thought that Harpers Ferry, WV would be a good location, however, due to the weather conditions, the distance required for travel for most members and the fact that only approximately 30 families have responded to the on-line survey that they would attend, it was decided that a new location should be found. Several optional locations were suggested and the Board is in the process of investigating each of them to identify possible RV parks that can accommodate us regarding sites, required facilities and that can meet our costs and time tables. I believe this investigation will take the Board approximately a month to complete. As soon as we determine the place and date for the 2008 rally I will inform you all via a new Scroller update!
As we did last year, I plan to post a new Scroller memo during approximately the first week of each month. The intent will be to keep you posted on the progress being made by the Board and to pass along information regarding the 2008 rally. We will be reformatting the BOCI Website to add a new '2008 Rally Info' section and all prior Scroller items will be maintained in the 'Scroller Updates' sub-section.
Please do not hesitate to contact me jromero@bigfootowners.com if I can answer any question you may have....
RV There Yet?
Jan Romero