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IDEAS, ADVICE, ON NEW TRACTOR CLUB

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8e3k0

03-03-2005 11:36:47




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We are starting up a new Antique Tractor /Machinery Club and am in need of some do's and don'ts in how we set this up. It is in the East Edmonton, Alberta area and we have had a very high interest that will likely result in an immediate membership of 100 plus. We have invited all ages of members with all makes of tractors and machinery that is of the Antique vintage. Would appreciate some ideas, experiences, events that go over well and ones that are not that popular. Thanks Ellis

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8e3k0

03-04-2005 21:19:36




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 Re: IDEAS, ADVICE, ON NEW TRACTOR CLUB in reply to 8e3k0, 03-03-2005 11:36:47  
I really appreciate the feedback that has been forwarded already. Our next meeting is this coming Wed evening and the interest is high.
I will be taking all of your ideas forward to the members for review and then for comment at a later meeting.
Again thanks; there's nothing that can replace that GOOD OLD EXPERIENCE! Ellis



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David Norton

03-04-2005 13:04:28




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 Re: IDEAS, ADVICE, ON NEW TRACTOR CLUB in reply to 8e3k0, 03-03-2005 11:36:47  
My club (Hudson Mills Old Power Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan) just recently decided to have some of the meetings at different member's farm, with Talks, Demo's, or whatever the Host is good at, and to see his Shop.

We did this to rejuvenate interest, and to provide some variety.

The first such meeting was a GREAT hit. At the second, tomorrow afternoon, the Host will be demonstrating Carburator Refurbishment.

We also agreed to make these Field Trip meetings Pot Luck to keep the Host expenses down.

I can think of two other issues that will make your new club more successful: 1) devote time at each meeting to allow a discussion on a member's pressing question (my transmission whines, why?), and 2)devote time to allow members to share their expertise (one 'presentation' per meeting).

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ShepFL

03-04-2005 10:36:09




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 Re: IDEAS, ADVICE, ON NEW TRACTOR CLUB in reply to 8e3k0, 03-03-2005 11:36:47  
Going thru the same thing here in my neck of the woods.

1. Have a steady place to meet and ensure you are sensitive to planting and harvest times. We meet twice a month, once for breakfast and 2nd mtg. at a members house. For second mtg. we bring our tools to help work on the rigs.

2. Get some land to play on. Right now I am struggling with this. No place to show off our rigs, no place for demos etc.

3. Get some youngsters involved. I have my Scout Troop earning farm mechanic merit badges with my Tractor Club.

4. Insurance, insurance insurance. I am currently formalizing this. For the past 6 months we were just a bunch of old iron lovers (20 of us).

5. Get some activities going or arrange trips to other shows. No activities and membership drops fast so does interest.

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Weirsdale George

03-03-2005 21:50:54




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 Re: IDEAS, ADVICE, ON NEW TRACTOR CLUB in reply to 8e3k0, 03-03-2005 11:36:47  
If I had my druthers, I'd limit the size of the club to, say, 100 members -- once you reach that number, the only way you can get in is to have someone else drop out. I have been involved in the early days of a couple organizations and when the membership got past 300, it stopped being a tight-knit group out to have fun and share a common interest to a business trying to make money!



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Nebraska Cowman

03-03-2005 18:41:43




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 Re: IDEAS, ADVICE, ON NEW TRACTOR CLUB in reply to 8e3k0, 03-03-2005 11:36:47  
I don't know. A bunch of guys started getting together at hershey over 10 years ago. we meet once a month and try to out bullsh*t eachother. Now we have a plowing day and pick corn in the fall along with a yearly tractor pull. we never charge no money but just get together and have fun. Always free food too. Hershey Club



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big jt

03-03-2005 16:04:26




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 Re: IDEAS, ADVICE, ON NEW TRACTOR CLUB in reply to 8e3k0, 03-03-2005 11:36:47  
Where to start!!!!

If you get set up with some permenant grounds one thing to be real careful of is accepting donated machinery. A lot of people will think you are the perfect place to dispose of grandpas Plow, corn Sheller, Fanning mill, etc. But after a while these things become a real albotross around your neck. Need to be moved to mow etc and no one really cares for them like the grand child thinks they should. Makes for some unhappy donors better to tell them no in the begining than have them disapointed later.

Another is storing other peoples tractors etc. Set a policy in the begining that if you don't come and run it in the course of 2 years it becomes the property of the show to do with as they please. Sell these items ASAP they will be better cared for in private hands.

Make sure all donations except CASH are without strings (like you have to run or can never sell)!!!! You may have to turn some nice things away but every one will be happier in the long run.

Ladies seem to like crafts and the like.

Try to avoid any backbiting. Best way I can think to do this is have all greivances aired in the open and settled in a calm manner (very dificult to do sometimes).

MOST IMPORTANT COVER YOURSELVES ON LIABILITY. THIS MEANS TALK TO A ATTORNEY. I AM NOT KIDDING HERE THIS OLD MACHINERY WE LOVE CAN BE DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY FOR SPECTATORS THAT DON'T REALIZE WHERE THE DANGERS ARE. WE LIVE IN A LITIGOUS SOCIETY AND SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SUE FOR A HANGNAIL. IT IS A LOT CHEAPER TO HAVE A LAWYER KEEP YOU FROM FALLING IN TO A HOLE THAN TO HAVE HIM DIG YOU OUT.
TALK TO A ATTORNEY
TALK TO A ATTORNEY
TALK TO A ATTORNEY

I do have some experience in this area have served on the board of my local show that normally draws 10,000 to 14,000 for 6 years and am VP of another tractor club that puts on a small show.

MOST IMPORTANT REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN!!!

jt

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RustyFarmall

03-03-2005 12:11:35




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 Re: IDEAS, ADVICE, ON NEW TRACTOR CLUB in reply to 8e3k0, 03-03-2005 11:36:47  
All it takes is to schedule that first meeting. Just like the movie, If you build it, they will come. The events, activities, etc, will all fall into place. Don't forget to include the wives, girlfriends, etc. in at least some of the events.



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