I can’t believe it’s been two years since I wrote my first article for the newsletter. Who the hell is this guy and how come he’s our new president? I had just moved to the area from Red Deer and had always admired the CRUFC as an organization I wanted to be part of. I had met members at Red Deer fly-ins and other fly-ins around Central Alberta and thought that is a great bunch of guys that I would like to be part of. When I am new in an area I tend to jump in with both feet and do what I can to be an active part of the association. For me the club has been extremely rewarding and by jumping in I have met many new pilots that I am proud to call friends.

As my term comes to an end there are still some things that I want to work on as an active member of the executive as past president. I do think that we should have a member of the executive that is devoted to arranging guest speakers. The president has a lot to handle at the meetings including prizes, setup and general flow and the responsibility of finding speakers should be part of a new executive position. This would be perfect for someone who is not interested in standing in front of the members monthly but has the same passion for aviation as we all do and wants to share guests that he has knowledge of. One of the most critical areas of a good meeting is the stories that some of the guest speakers can provide. We have had some great guest speakers from the “Boy I’ve been lucky” presentation of Butch Foster, to the “Adventures of Jim Hyrmack” from Bassano to “Chatty Cathy with the Global Helicopter”. Some speakers were suggested by members of the club while other speakers came from previous contacts I have made over the years. We have had an exciting couple of years.

I also think a person to welcome new members is critical. We would call it new member recruitment and retention. So often we see prospective new members come to a meeting and because it is difficult to break into a new group the prospective member only comes to one or two meetings. A recruitment and retention person that can meet and greet new people and direct them to club members that share their areas of interest will ensure the long life of CRUFC. If new members are not encouraged, be prepared to watch your club die.

This brings me to my final point. I want you to consider what you can do for your club (sounds like JFK’s “Ask not” speech). As my term ends and Stu has given notice that he wants to move on from his executive position we need you to take up the flag and carry on the charge. I do not expect anyone to run the meetings the exact same way I did, nor do any of the things the same way that Stu did. It would be a pretty boring life if we were all carbon copies. But it is time for some different styles to bring the club to the next level. I want to thank the entire executive for all the help in keeping things interesting and at the risk of missing someone: A huge thank you to Ken Beanlands our newsletter editor. I don’t know if you realize the truly first-class publication Ken puts together monthly. Thanks Ken.

Thanks to Stu Simpson, director at large, for all the help in keeping things together. The little quips at the meetings, though not rehearsed, add a fun element for all to enjoy, keep things interesting and are always meant in fun. Also, he takes the barbs as easily as he delivers them. Stu also chaired the meetings when I was absent and is still the chief trip planner. Thanks Stu.

Thanks to Guy Christie for standing as vice president and then Garrett Kohm for stepping up when Guy moved to Drayton Valley.

Thanks to Ken Taylor for your skills as treasurer and thanks to Carl Foreman the position of secretary. Thanks to the many members that provided feedback that the meetings were moving in the direction they were looking for. There were many I would lean on for advice as I was not only new to the area but had only been to one or two meetings before taking over as president. A big thank you to Ed D’Antoni for all the advice to keep me on track and all the Knights of the coffee table at MM. Even past presidents would provide advice when needed.

Thanks to Bob Kirkby for making his hanger available for the summer burger fly-in.

Thanks to Glen Bishell and the Carstairs guys for giving my plane a home and making me feel welcome.

Thanks to Jim Corner for the help when my Avid was in need.

Thanks to Wayne Winters for being the rock for ultralight activity in the area and the only reliable trainer for ultralights in this area.

There are others that have helped me with as little as a kind comment and I knew that starting to mention names would be dangerous, but I want you to know I appreciate your help.

Thanks to all the members of CRUFC for accepting me as president and making me feel welcome and part of the group.

So, while I was the one that would stand up at the front of the meeting every month there are many that stand with you to keep the club moving forward.

Now it’s your turn to stand up if you want the club to continue.