A Note From the BBC President

25 January 2024

The new BBC Board had its first meeting in early January to tackle several pending agenda items. For the sake of transparency, I intend to periodically inform the membership of developments that could be of interest to most. This will consist of a) what has been accomplished, b) what is in the works, and c) what are your needs, in other words, an ongoing process of “needs assessment.”

What has been accomplished:

        Financial

• Our treasurer, David Schallich has published under “Club Documents” the “Financial Disclosures” for 2023 linked on our website.
• The Board decided to move our invested reserves from the volatile market to secure certificates of deposit.
• It was decided to terminate the rental on NCR Porta-Potty that was only a mile away from another one that is permanently in place.

        Advocacy

• The Board has approved the creation of “Advocacy Committee” under the leadership of Nigel Samaroo who also serves on the Board of Bike Maryland, and has had extensive experience working with the Maryland legislature on bike safety and “Vulnerable Road User” laws. He will enhance our collaborative advocacy efforts with Bike Maryland and the legislature. Please direct your interest in this work to Nigel as he would welcome your input and assistance.

        Volunteers

• BBC major volunteers will be recognized with personalized “thank you” letters as well as a nominal monetary gift (for 2024 activities), its form and amount to be determined.

        Membership

• To promote membership, efforts will be made to publicize certain club events to non-members. The Season Opener and the Picnic Ride events were selected for this trial. A fee will be charged to non-members that could also be applied to register for membership in the club.
• Because of lack of interest in “Stop, Swap and Save” at Westminster, it was decided not to participate in this annual event this year.
• Ellen Hochman has been appointed to collaborate with Gene Bayer on Membership.

        Scheduling Rides

• The road Captain, Gloria Epstein, will have the authority to enforce the Club’s overlapping rides policy by engaging with offenders.

What is in the works:

        Some of the Pending actions

• Website improvements remain as work-in-progress.
• Cleaning up our membership lists.
• Road Captain and Ride Coordinators work and responsibilities.
• Position of webpage articles editor.
• Promoting Instructional Cycling Series activities.
• Collaboration with other area Clubs (e.g. Mid Maryland Triathlon Club), with inclusion in our membership.
• Insurance carrier savings.

What are your needs:

The Club is a function of its members, and without their continued input the Board might end up like a bunch of sailors paddling a tiny dinghy aimlessly in the middle of rough seas. So, please let us know what you think you need to see our Club sustain itself and even grow in these tough times.

Thank you, friends!

Nabil Ali