From the desk of the REGION "E" Director,
 



Last Updated:12/12/2008

News from National that we all need. Last year the IRS introduced the new means in which to file the IRS 990 form. In fact they made it mandatory and at the same time made it very easy to be in compliance by introducing the IRS 990N you can go to …. http://epostcard.form990.org/default.asp
By following the steps you can again file on line with ease and within about five minutes using the user name and pass word that you created last year. Now here is the exception – you knew there would be. If your chapter has changed Directors this year you need to first file the IRS 8822 – the Change of address. Once this form has been filed, and according to National filing this form “cleans the slate” so to speak, the new Director can now create his new user name and pass word.



Last Updated:09/04/2008

Region E Rally 2008 is now a memory for about 350 Region E GWRRA Members. The Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center and the Community of Okoboji, Iowa opened their arms and hearts to the Wingers.

This year the event was visited by some VIP’s. Most visible to all of us was the current International Couple of the Year – Ken & Rita Moffitt. Gwen and I had the pleasure of meeting this couple in Greenville, SC at Wing Ding this year. Our contact with Ken and Rita then was very positive and having now spent the weekend with these folks we are confident that this couple is truly an International Couple. Every time I saw Ken and Rita at the rally they were stopped and talking to a Region E member. These folks are always smiling, warm and true reflections of GWRRA.

Also with us on that International note was Bob & Juanne Barrington the 2005-06 International Couple from Mississippi and the 1995-96 International Couple Harland and Shirley Thillen. If you want to know what GWRRA is all about you need not look any further than these three outstanding couples.

Region E was also visited by another VIP, Mark Zingery – National Rider Education. Mark was with us on Saturday and for him it was a whirlwind visit. Mark drove in from Michigan on Friday night and left Saturday afternoon. Mark brought three Rider Education awards for our members that Michael and Lynne Mischker present on Sunday evening. Mark also took the time to talk to Charlie Mallett, our Region E Motorist Awareness Coordinator. And, as a result of that conversation National now has a new National Director for the Motorist Awareness – Charles and Nancy Mallett …. Congratulations Charlie and Nancy!!!

However, before or as we made that announcement Charlie announced that He and Region E had been successful in applying for and receiving a Federal Grant from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The grant application had been submitted several months ago. With the pending rally date and the desire to make the announcement at the rally, Charlie contacted MSF two days before and was advised that the grant had been approved – they just had not formalized their paper work yet. This grant will be used in such a manner as that the funds will be used for product sales that will continue to generate new funds and the ability to purchase electronic equipment, such as lap top computers and projectors, for every District in the Region.

As they say, as one door closes another opens. Charlie and Nancy will be staying with Region E in an advisory roll to our new Motorist Awareness Coordinators Toney & Carol Buzick. Toney and Carol are the current MAD coordinators for Illinois. Welcome Toney & Carol to the Region Staff – you thought Schlager made you work, just wait. The new direction of MAD will keep you very busy.
Of course the main event at all Region Rallies is the selection of the new Region Couple of the Year. This year the event was hosted by the current Region E Couple – Clayton and Lynda Alcorn. In about one and half hours the District Directors of Region E selected the new Couple of the Year … Jim and Eta Chapman. Jim and Eta are from Albia, Iowa and participate with Iowa Chapter H. Although Jim frequently reminded the judges that they were the ‘new kids’ on the block in comparison to the other Couples, the judges were obviously impressed with their enthusiasm and response to the questions posed by Clayton and Lynda. Jim & Eta, welcome to the Region Staff your work has just began.

At the Sunday banquet the tickets for Grand Prizes were drawn. This year there were two Grand Prizes; a Weber Genesis BBQ Grill and a 32” LCD Television. The grill was donated by the Weber-Stephen Corporation and the television was donated by Green Back Street, our Internet Buying Club. Dave Raila, the Chapter Director of Chapter Il-M will be trying some new treats on his BBQ and Tom Weltzer, Region E Treasure, will be able to view his favorite programs in HD. Congratulations to our winners.

Speaking of winners, the door prizes and raffle prizes that were donated by the Districts, Chapters and Individuals were outstanding. I think it might have been possible for everyone in attendance to have received a gift – there were that many donated items. Thank you one and all.

Games, rides, factory tours, great food, and community involvement – we had it all. How can we improve on all of that? Well we will try and with this great staff I’m sure we will succeed. Many folks asked where and when will next year’s rally be? Well, frankly, I cannot say positively. I am talking to Arrowwood and the finer points of next year’s contract. Gwen and I and the staff are also looking at the center of our population as apposed to the center of the Regional Map. Stay tuned, as soon as we know, you will know.


Updated 4/11/2008

Region E Rally News

This month’s newsletter article from the Region Director is all about the Region E Rally 2008 and what you would like to know.


The Region E Rally 2008 returns to
Okoboji, Iowa.
Iowa’s Great Lakes Region.

For more than 100 years Okoboji has been the ideal destination for family vacations. Truly a recreational haven, the Iowa Great Lakes are rich in heritage and abundant in leisure activities. Visitors of all ages are drawn to the blue lakes, the sunshine and the fun times of Okoboji.

Denim & Lace, this year’s theme for the Region E Rally. Relax, enjoy, easy going fun for Gold Wing Guys and Gals. Whether you are a food connoisseur, scenic ride junkie, shop-a-holic, golf pro, sun worshiper, gaming specialist or a conversation enthusiast the Region E Rally in Okoboji will have something for everyone.

See ya there,

Dave & Gwen


Weber-Stephen, Inc. has made it possible for Region E to have an outstanding Grand Prize. From April 1 thru Aug 31 Grand Prize tickets are on sale - $1.00 each. During April every Chapter Director in Region E will receive Raffle tickets for sale. Every member in Region E can sell Raffle Tickets. A $50.00 cash prize to the member who sells the most tickets. A $100 cash prize to the Chapter who sells the most tickets. That’s three ways you can win a Grand Prize. Winner need not be present & the prize will be shipped to the winner’s home.

www.Greenbackstreet.com has made it possible for another outstanding Grand Prize. Between January 1, 2008 and August 31, 2008 if you have joined the Region E Internet Buying Club from the Region E Web site you will become eligible and part of the drawing on August 31 at closing ceremonies. Remember, becoming a member of the buying club is FREE.. This makes four ways that you can be a winner. Winner need not be present & the prize will be shipped to the winner’s home.

 
Last Updated:04/11/2008
 
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Last Updated:12/12/2008