President’s Article January 2020

As I have discussed in this column during the last several years, our Club is in a state of flux with several changes coming down the pipe. Over the years, change has been necessary for our Club to remain viable, which has allowed the Club to grow and attract new members. After all, if a club or group does not change to meet the demands of the membership, it will wither and die.

Therefore, several new changes have been announced and discussed at the annual Chapter Congress recently held in Dallas. I will briefly try to summarize each of these changes here.

Due to declining advertising revenue from Roundel, because advertisers wish to advertise in electronic publications, dues will increase January 1, 2020 to $58 a year. You can renew for one year or multiple years prior to January 1.

BimmerLife will be a new publication from the National office. It will be a regional publication released two times a year with articles from each Chapter within a region. This action replaces the requirement that each Chapter publish a newsletter. Our chapter is still debating the future of NewsWerks and how it will look and be published.

Roundel will be reduced from 12 issues a year to 10 issues a year because of reduced advertising revenue. All print magazines and newspapers are experiencing this problem, so the BMW CCA is not immune.

Oktoberfest will change in some way, especially the name. The BMW CCA will continue to offer a national event annually that will be closely related to the past 50 Oktoberfests, but the final format is still in discussion. Possible changes are a shorter event with more ala carte choices for meals and events. These changes have been discussed for several years now, but as our forefathers said, “let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater.

BMW Informal Social at 6:30 PM – Tumea and Sons, Des Moines – Nov. 12

Old-fashioned, family-oriented red-sauce Italian parlor with a full bar & bocce ball court.

Movie Night #2 for Iowa Chapter BMWCCA at 8:30 pm – Nov 16

On Saturday evening, November 16th, interested Iowa Chapter members will gather at the Flix Brewhouse theater at Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines for the 8:30pm showing of the new movie, “Ford vs Ferrari”.  It tells the story of the 1966 battle when Henry Ford had car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles challenge Ferrari for the win at LeMans, France.  The movie features Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles.  You can view some previews here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAkCqox_MhE. and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3h9Z89U9ZA.

Seating at the theater is on a reserved basis and can be purchased on-line here:  https://www.flixbrewhouse.com/des-moines/film-info/ford-v-ferrari.  Note:  While the movie begins at 8:30pm, you’ll need to plan to arrive 20-20 minutes prior for seating and for the staff to take  & deliver any food or beverage orders.

Hope to see you there!

Annual Planning Meeting at Alison and Chris’ House in Johnston at 11:30 am – Nov. 17

The Iowa Chapter is again looking for folks to help plan and chair events in 2020! Have you ever thought of an idea for an event, but weren’t sure how to make it a reality? Did we host something that you enjoyed in the past, but we don’t do it anymore? Come out to Alison and Chris’ house for some Pizza on Sunday November 17 at 11:30 am and help us plan the 2020 calendar of events. As an extra incentive there will be Pizza and Brown Pop (translation BEER!).  Hope to see you there.  Look for the Club Banners out front.

Alison and Chris’ house, 6090 Nottingham Dr., Jonhnston, IA 50131

BMW Informal Social at 6:30 PM – Winestyles-Johnston, Dec. 9

It’s in a small retail center just north of I-80 and east of 86th Street behind the Burger King.    Those participating will taste 5-6 wines (Allan & Gina’s selection of white and red) and have the opportunity to complement those wines with perhaps a cheese plate or personal pizzette should you decide to purchase those food items.   The store also has a large selection craft beers, chocolates and gift items..perhaps something there as a holiday gift item?  Come enjoy a bit of pre-holiday fun with fellow club members!