Nominations For 1998

1. Review and confirm or revise the Club’s strategies. Our last comprehensive review of Club programs and direction was in 1993. Our Club is unmatched in the breadth and ambition of our programs but is at a critical stage of its development. Are we still on track or do we need to make adjustments? Our finances are relatively stable, our profile in the community is good, our membership benefits clear. We have weathered recent storms and emerged in good shape. I’d like to make sure we agree we’re heading in the right direction. This exercise will begin as soon as the new officers take office with completion targeted for the start of the ’98 season.
2. Increase integration of the Club’s programs. Our program leaders have always done a great job. As president, I would like to help them look outside their defined areas of responsibility to find common themes or synergies, so that each? in pursuing his/her program goal, reinforces the goals of other programs and the Club as a whole.
3. Grow membership and revenues. We have remained at 650-750 members for the last five years or so. Regardless of the outcome of the strategy review, we must grow or we will die. Among the areas to be addressed: increasing the diversity of our programs and partnering with other community institutions to add members. We need to change our mindset regarding revenue: we need revenue not merely to preserve the programs we have but to increase opportunities to celebrate and have fun, which in turn will increase membership and keep the cycle going.

“I appreciate your support.”

“Goals for 1998 as VP of Education: first and foremost, I want to develop a working committee that represents the many facets of our club, including touring, racing, commuting, awareness, safety and others as the committee and club would desire. A few of my dreams are: (1) to strengthen the Monday Night Bike Handling classes to include skills practice. The purpose would be to help us act safely and responsibly in a city in which traffic is quickly growing, even in outlying areas. (2) to grow the bike maintenance program by adding a session for those who would like to develop their skills by working on old bikes and making them available to children and youths who do not have a bike. (3) to develop a list of individuals who would be available to speak to schools, scouts and other organizations about cycling. The focus would be to help people be aware of the opportunity and responsibility of all to provide a safe environment for cycling.

“My professional background I believe adds to my ability to be the VP of Education. I have a bachelors and masters in Education. In my present line of work, I am the Training Specialist for Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. This involves me in preparing curriculum, resourcing materials and training others throughout Kentucky. In previous positions I have been involved in training administration and coordinating volunteer services. As a member of several state and local professional organizations, I have served in the capacity of chairperson and/or committee member. I have spoken to groups as few as two and as many as 1000.”

“Secondly, two squads — road and off-road — now coexist and thrive within our team. Among other highlights, a mission statement was developed and adhered to, several new sponsors were brought on board, our numbers grew from 17 last winter to 50 at the time of this writing, a new junior program is in the making — not to mention that our team’s racing results were unprecedented! I would be remiss to believe that any one of these accomplishments were of my doing only — many, many people were involved, and most would not have happened without the team’s association with the strength and good name of the LBC.

“There is still work that I need to finish with your help in 1998. I intend to work with the V.P. of Education on developing new skills-enhancement and cross-training seminars and other educational programs. I would also like to work with the V.P. of Communications on marketing and in improving membership numbers through club visibility. I also will focus on obtaining new sponsors and keeping our present supporters by working closely with them so that the team may fulfill their needs. To ensure that the team will continue to prosper into the millennium and beyond, I will endeavor to recruit new coaches to assist in the future development of the racing program who will work with present team members as well as new riders wanting to try racing for the first time. I also will strive to find a successor for my position who is knowledgeable and committed to the sport, our racing program and the club. Please do not hesitate to come forward if you would like to pitch in on any of these activities.

“Words cannot describe how much I have enjoyed working with the dedicated, energetic members of the 1997 Executive Committee, nor can I adequately thank the LBC for its unfettered support of me and its racing team. I hope that I can continue to give back to the sport and the club I love in the years to come.”

“Therein lies the challenge for the VP Touring and the Touring Committee — to develop a touring program for all seasons and all riders. I think we made a good start in 1997, and I want to continue to provide a diverse program in 1998. I recognize the importance of the touring program to the club’s growth and overall health. We must focus on the touring program as a front door for many new cyclists, and members. I will remember that the volunteer ride captains and members, not the VP Touring, make the touring program work. I’m responsible for the choreography.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the Louisville Bicycle Club in this important way. With your help, 1998 will be a year of great riding, many miles and even more smiles!”

“I am committed to serving the Louisville Bicycle Club, the Louisville Community, and the Bicycle Community worldwide. I stand for expanding club participation among the members, generating enthusiasm for cycling and cyclists’ rights throughout the Louisville community, increasing awareness of safety issues through press engagements and youth activities, and challenging city leaders to participate in the conversation of the future of cycling throughout the Metro area. To that end I am available to members and non-members at all times for public speaking engagements and private conversation.

“I enjoy interacting with the Louisville Community, the Louisville Police Department, the Jefferson County Police Department, bicycle clubs nationwide, and various citizens’ groups. I will speak to all public organizations whenever the opportunity arises, serve as safety instructor to children whenever possible, pass along the passion I have for cycling to future generations, and serve those who have passed that passion along to ours. I am honored to serve you as Vice President of Communications, and if elected, my promise to you is that I will make a difference in the lives of people who ride bikes in the Louisville Bicycle Club and the citizens of Greater Louisville.”

“Anyway, on to the future. I believe that community service is an important part of well being. When I lived in West Virginia I was a part of great organizations like Leadership WV, Rotary and the Junior Women’s Club. I miss the service part of my life and was really excited when the Executive Committee asked me to run for Secretary of the LBC. I hope to exceed the club’s expectations while fulfilling all the duties required of the Club Secretary. I hope to meet many of the new faces we see on rides and say hello, learn some names and encourage people to join the club (and continue riding of course). I think I am a good listener and I can work with just about anybody, so vote for me, give me a chance and let’s see where it takes us. Thanks.”