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Phil Abrami, President
BMW Club of Canada
abrami@education.concordia.ca
514-487-4646

Today is one of the first mild and pleasant days of winter here in Quebec. And spring is only a few days away. Like many, my thoughts are finally turning to warm weather car activities and the track season which is now just upon us. Have a happy and safe season of driving events. One of the many ways to enjoy the Ultimate Driving Machine.

The new slate of eight National Directors of the BMW Club of Canada held their annual meeting via conference call on February 4, 2003. You can find the minutes of the meeting on the BMW Club of Canada website (www.bmwclub.ca) along with lots of interesting information about the national club and our eight regional chapters. Please visit and explore its many pages. While there, please register for an electronic discussion group to find other club enthusiasts with whom you can share.

Our eight national directors for 2003 are: Bluenose (Laura Arthurs); Quebec (Phil Abrami); Ottawa (Chris Pawlowicz); Trillium (Gerry Low); Southern Alberta (Kip Keylock); Northern Alberta (Tracy Deslaurier); Mainland BC (Rolf Drommer); and Vancouver Island (David Saville-Peck).

The directors elected unanimously the following executive: President (Phil Abrami); Vice-President (Chris Pawlowicz); and Secretary/Treasurer (Rolf Drommer).

There are numerous positive developments to report. Outstanding issues with chapter names and territory have been resolved happily between our two BC clubs. And matters between the Trillium chapter and National are also a thing of the past. We've truly come together as one team.

Our national insurance, important and very costly, is now firmly in the hands of a single broker and we have levels of coverage as in the past. Chapter executive members who need event insurance should contact Carrie Clermont at Jones-Brown in advance. Detailed contact information was sent previously and will also be available on the national website.

Our national finances are in excellent shape. We have a generous annual contribution from BMW Canada, and especially because the Directors did not meet in person this year, we have money in the bank. Therefore, the Directors decided to continue to suspend chapter dues payment to national through the first quarter of 2003. We will also be distributing to chapters and thus the members free window national club window decals.
There are at least two things we will be focusing on this year as national priorities. First, we want to explore ways to strengthen our links and make our partnership more active with BMW Canada. Second, we want to find ways we can support chapters in membership recruitment.

The best news is how vibrant and active we are at the local chapter level. You'll notice that all the chapters now have web sites and local newsletters. The level of club activities is at an all-time high. What are you waiting for? You'll find something on the local scene of interest at some point in time. Come out and take part.

That's it for this installment. I look forward to seeing some of you at upcoming events.

Enjoy the club.