Message from Stan Schwenke, Region 7, 1st VP

Don and Terrel Rogers are preparing a great rally for all of us in Thunder Bay, Ont. for the Region 7 rally, August 11 - 15. We are looking forward to fun, fellowship and adventure in that part of the country. At last report, you do not need to have a passport to return to the U.S. A pictured government card (driver’s licence or other I.D.) and a certified birth certificate will suffice. Rally-schedule Map

If you plan on coming, please send in your reservation ASAP Rally-coupon . Also, please let Don know that you will be coming so he can plan for parking, meals, etc. His email is terdon@mts.net. Your cooperation is appreciated.

The May issue of the WI Unit newsletter the Badger Bulletin is available on their website at http://wisc.wbcci.net or download now.

The April issue of the North Dakota Peace Garden Unit newsletter the Prairie Rose is available on their website at http://nodak.wbcci.net/ or download now.

The April issue of the WI Unit newsletter the Badger Bulletin is available on their website at http://wisc.wbcci.net or download now.

The February issue of the WI Unit newsletter the Badger Bulletin is available on their website at http://wisc.wbcci.net or download now.

The January issue of the WI Unit newsletter the Badger Bulletin is available on their website at http://wisc.wbcci.net or download now.

The Winter IBT Meeting/Rally was held January 14 - 18, 2008 at Gonzales, Louisiana. The open seminar was held on January 15th and the Executive Meeting and IBT Meeting was held on January 18th. Live streaming was offered on the internet and the meetings have been archived so anyone can hear exactly what transpired. This is available at www.wbcci.org and then click on the IBT link. A short summation of the highlights follows:

The reports of the Standing Committees were presented and I have noted some items.
Budget: We are running a deficit budget this year due to loss of total membership and loss of advertising income. Ewalds Airstream will be one of three dealers that will not be advertising in the Blue Beret this year. They are cutting back on expenses. The IBT instructed the budget committee to make recommendations to balance the budget.
Caravan: As of January 18th there were 16 caravans scheduled to come to the Bozeman International Rally.
Family & Youth: A website is being set up for the youth of the WBCCI to chat and get information on International Youth Activities.
The common cents child from Perry, GA is undergoing chemo and may need a lung transplant. Her progress can be followed on http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/abbywilson
The Special Committee reports highlights were:
Long Range Planning: Bill Schrader #283 was selected by this committee to be Chairman. There are currently five members on this committee and they are looking for two more. February 10th is the deadline for resumes for anyone interested in joining this committee. It will be called the 20/20 committee.
Electronic Communications: This committee has worked with Units, Regions, Intra-Clubs and National and Special Event Rallies to create free WBCCI websites that are linked to each other. To date, 41 Units, 6 Regions, 2 Intra-Club and 2 National and Special Event Rally websites have been created. The goal is to expand the WBCCI.net network to include as many of the units, regions, etc. as are interested in sites.
Motions of note:
#5 The nominating committee shall prepare a slate of officers which will include all candidates deemed suitable for each office, etc. This motion was defeated 16 - 2. (Candidates not nominated by the committee should get their resumes in the April Blue Beret, deadline of Feb. 15th. This will give the units time to review the candidates and instruct their delegates on how to vote at the June delegate’s meeting).
#8 The Units, Regions and International may use the title First Lady or First Mate on their badges as appropriate. This motion adopted.
#10 Adding a notification to the Blue Book that Units now need to file an annual 990-N form with the IRS. This motion adopted.
#13 Mississippi Unit flag - Adopted.
#14 Hudson-Mohawk New York flag - Adopted
#15 Vintage Airstream Club flag - Adopted
Other notes: Barry Heckenswiler (past President of Region 2) will be nominated by the Nominating Committee for 3rd International VP at Bozeman. During the months of November-December, The Wisconsin Unit had the third highest hits on their website with 566. The total hits on all WBCCI.net sites was 6,550.

We are making plans for the 2008 Region 7 Vintage Airstream Rally! Mark your calendars for Fri Sat Sun Sept 5, 6, 7, 2008, the place will be Osceola, Wisconsin (Map). Our Rally is at the same time as the 3 day Osceola Community Fair. Fair events include: Midway rides, Tractor Pull, live bands, Kiddies Parade, Petting Zoo, Balloon Artist, Face Painting, and a ATV Pull. Also during this weekend is the Osceola Wings and Wheels day, Sat Sept 6. These events include the 5K, 10K Run and Fun Walk, Car Show and book sale at MBI Publishing, Craft Fair, Train Rides, Polaris factory tours, Art Explosion, remote control aircraft show, Aircraft on display, Air show, and Fly-in. Free shuttle bus service runs on Saturday. This Rally offers so much to people of all ages, Make plans now to be there.

Details will be announced when plans are finalized.

Curtis Gunderson #31920, Region 7 VAC Representative curgund@aol.com