Bob,

I can't remember the exact time, but there was a schism in our Club between the CCA and the Silver Strikers. It may have been during the Wayne Thompson administration. When I became President of the Silver Strikers, I was inundated with negative feelings as they were not supported in their area, and so they left the club and formed the Silver Strikers Club. During my 2-year tenure, I tried to change the negative feelings toward the CCA and even raised the possibility of merging the clubs. They were adamant about their decision not to do so. At the time, 4 CCA Club members served on the SS Board. I even offered them a table, and they accepted at our show to show that they were more alike together rather than apart. Their exodus, according to what I was told, was close to 100 +/- members. As far as I have heard, they are now at 325.

Looking at his election, particularly the race for Vice President, Dan Madrigrano can be a catalyst in bringing new members into his association through his association with the Set collectors. Here is an opportunity that should be jumped on. Some movement already existed as he led the leaderboard published by Mike Nawrocki. Imagine if he is elected: what are the possibilities for bringing in a large number of new members?

When I talked to Mike Spinetti before his passing, he told me there are so many small splinter clubs barely hanging on, and that they should be approached to merge with us.

We need to transition to a club of inclusion, not exclusion.

Very nice Chart

Jerry