During the past year the Antique Automobile Club of America has studied the feasibility of filing with the Internal Revenue Service a request for a private letter ruling approving a proposed change of the AACA's status from a social club, exempt under section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code, to a charitable organization, exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Code, or in the alternative to a social welfare (civic) organization, exempt under section 501(c)(4) of the Code.

The AACA as a 501(c)(7) social club has only a limited tax exemption. It is exempt from paying taxes on its member dues but pays taxes on interest and other investment income (e.g., revenues from the MBNA credit card) of the Club. As either a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) the club would be exempt from paying taxes on its investment income as many organizations that are in historic preservations and education areas. It would still be subject to tax on revenues in excess of expenses from its magazines. Presently we do not pay taxes on our advertising revenues because the expenses exceed the revenues.

Our founding fathers of the organization originally applied to be come a charitable 501(c)(3) 50 years ago; however, the activities of the organization did not present a strong enough case to receive a favorable ruling of Charitable 501(c)(3). At that time the club was small, centered in Pennsylvania and the Northeast, and focused on meeting as a group of hobbyists and holding social gatherings to promote the collection of antique cars. However, as we reviewed the last 50 years of the AACA, we noted that as an organization we have undertaken major activities in preservation and education directly related to the automobile and its history. AACA focuses now on supporting the preservation of the automobile and its history, through its many programs such as:

• The formation of the Historic Preservation of Original Features (HPOF) program which encourages individuals to keep their car original.

• The very documented and structured judges training program educating the membership on how to judge or restore a car back to the way it left the factory.

• The regularly scheduled restoration and history seminar programs in Philadelphia and in June at a national meet, The numerous youth education programs which we have started over the past several years.

These programs are more in keeping with the activities of a section 501(c)(3) organization than those of a social club. It starts to become clear that the AACA should apply and hopefully be approved to be either a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) tax exempt organization.

This action will not be done without holding several informational meetings for our membership to learn about this possible tax status change. Our objective is to enhance the economic viability of the organization and to provide its members with an organization that fully supports their goal to preserve the history and promote the restoration of antique automobiles.

We will be holding informational meetings at each Roundtable over the next 7 months. We held two informational sessions at the February 2003 annual meeting. We will include a write-up in the AACA magazine, the Region and Chapter Rummage Box and the website. To avoid making any changes to Club's structure before the IRS has indicated its approval of a change, our Board of Directors has authorized seeking a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS. We will also seek membership approval as required by law (the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law). This membership approval is accomplished by holding a meeting and receiving a vote in favor approving the proposed change by more than 50% of the membership attending, provided there is a quorum of the entire membership (this means around 30,000 +/- members present). Since it is impossible to have 30,000 +/- members at a meeting, the law provides a process to schedule a second voting meeting. If the first meeting does not obtain a sufficient quorum of 50% of the membership, then at the second meeting the majority of those present to vote are authorized by law to give the membership's approval or disapproval of the change. Written notice to all members must be given of both meetings.

As part of the approval process, the vote of membership will include a vote on revised articles of incorporation and bylaws to meet the requirements for a section 501(c)(3) or (4) organization and to update the provisions.

Your Board of Directors feels this is a very beneficial move for the AACA; however, we want to meet with our membership to inform them and answer their questions.

We will hold the first voting meeting at the AACA Grand National Meet in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Friday August 15, 2003 The second voting meeting will be at the Southeastern Fall meet in Tallahassee Florida, on November 7, 2003.

We will be providing members an opportunity to ask questions at each of the membership roundtables held at each meet during the next 5 months or if for additional information please write AACA Headquarters with your questions or send an e-mail to reorganizationcommittee@AACA.ORG.

In a future issue of the AACA magazine we will send you a copy of the proposed Articles of Incorporation and the club by-laws as required for a 501(c)(3) or (4) organization.

Joe Vicini, AACA President
Douglas Drake, Restructuring Committee Chairperson
AACA Board of Directors
February 7, 2003

i got a member program

by Sharon M. Lee
Vice President - Membership

The “I Got A Member (IGAM) Program” has proven to be very successful, with thousands of our members participating since it began in 1991. This year, 2003, we are beginning the 13th year and are going to restructure a little. I just wanted to make you aware of the changes.

You are no longer required to sponsor members in consecutive years, but you still get credit for only one member per year. The difference is, the years will be cumulative. We will be going back to the cloisonné lapel IGAM pins for the first year. After sponsoring members for five years (one member in 5 different years) you are eligible to order a blue and white 5-year badge. After sponsoring ten members in ten different years you will be eligible to wear the red and white 10-year badge. The 15-year badge will be Platinum. Anyone having already earned the platinum badge for sponsoring members for the past eleven consecutive years will still wear these, but when reaching the 15th year, they may send their badge in and have it engraved as the 15-year badge.

We want you to continue sponsoring as many members as possible and this data is on record. However, for the program, we give you credit for one new member per year.

Once again, we appreciate your help with the membership growth and hope you will continue to sponsor and encourage others to recruit new members. Only with a growing membership will we ensure the long existence of AACA.

I will be happy to answer any questions concerning this personally or at the Round Table Discussions scheduled at the National Meets.

ramblings from enzo the cat

Hello folks:

My name is Enzo. I am a cat. Handsome too! I wanted my picture up at the top but that strict Mr. Berg guy told me to forget it. He said that I was lucky my article was getting published. Anyway just so you know, I have been around antique cars all of my life. My adopted Mom and Dad are way crazy about the cars. Personally, I think they should seek out some professional help.

We live in rural Pennsylvania where it is really cold and really snowy. I hate the snow, it makes my paws all wet, then I track on the rug and get yelled at! You know when it gets cold, we have the enemy (mice) looking for places to hide and stay warm. They sneak into the garage and that really upsets Mom and Dad. There is also a concern because they like to get into the cars. Chewing unusual designs in the mohair interior seems to be a popular winter sport for them. So after quite awhile I finally convinced Mom and Dad to try to find ways to control this problem.

Sure they did the traps and those foul smelling mothballs. I tried to tell them it is mice not moths! Finally after consulting some of the smartest cats in the neighborhood, I sent Mom and Dad to Wal-Mart for some cedar blocks. Cedar blocks come in various sizes but I told them to get 3” X 4” rectangles and place one in the front seat, back seat, under the hood and in the trunk. It seems these little pests don’t like the cedar smell. Well this is our test year for them and so far it appears to be a big success. Hey, what can I say, I’m just a car cat helping my Mom and Dad out.

I’ll be back from time to time in this publication to offer my helpful hints. Oops, I hear Friskies falling into plastic, I have to run for now.

Sincerely,

Enzo the Cat

Antique automobile club of america, inc
seeking to fill executive director position

The AACA, a Non-Profit Organization, is the nations largest antique automobile club dedicated to the preservation of all automobiles 25 years and older, seeks replacement for retiring Executive Director position. The Executive Director is responsible for daily Management and Fiscal Operations of headquarters, activities, programs, handling of special projects, and manage a multimillion-dollar budget. Candidate must have experience in supervising multi-faceted staff with a strong back ground in finance, communication, public relations, computer literacy, and possess good organizational skills. The Executive Director reports to an elected board of directors and must be able to work with volunteers and interface with over 60,000 members. Relocation to the Hershey/Harrisburg, PA area is required. Educational requirements are a BS or BA Degree in Business Management, Finance, Marketing, or related field. Five years minimum experience in management and leadership involvement in the antique automobile hobby.

To apply go to WWW.AACA.ORG click on “AACA Executive Director position open” and down load application, Job description and application process.

so you want to buy a car ... the power of words

At my age, thumbing through the Car Trader, Hemmings or scouting E-Bay Motors gives more excitement that Playboy magazine. Over the last few weeks I collected verbatim a few classified ads. They are all REAL! I didn’t correct the spelling or syntax!

Ned Jordan’s writing skills sold his cars. I don’t think any of these folks would ever work for him!

1. Did the owner use hair grease or just need a bath!
   
   “Driver seat shows some "patina" on left bolster”

2. The English scholars. What grade did these guys finish?
   
   “This is a 80 year old womans car from newburg indiana”
   “The car has no rust that I can see under”

3. Is this a new finishing product? Certainly they were classmates of the #2 guys.
   
   “ther is no bondo paint work”

4. Hey, I’m even afraid to ride in it!
   
   “with no warranties expressed or implied”
   “I cannot gaurantee that all the parts you need are there” (Another great speller!)

5. Is this a West Virginia or Kentucky form of black rust like soot?
   
   “has miner rust on the bottom”

6. But what happens to the suitcases?!!
   
   “”The trunk is pretty rusted out, With some carpeting you will never know.”

7. Anyone for a polka dot paintjob?
   
   “Some painters doing housework spattered a light blue paint over the front fenders of the car.”

8. I’d hate to see what he considers a good car!
   
   “Very solid! Car has no engine, No hood”
   “front fender behind drivers wheel was rusted away and filled with body filler”

9. BAD opening lines!
   
   “They came with the farm. Gotta make room for the tractor.”
   “The vehicle has been off the road for some time.”
   “I don't know anything for sure. The '59 was said to have a good engine.”
   “the car has spent most of it's life in Illinois.” I could not posibly list all the things that are needed” (can’t spell either!)
   “I wouldn't plan on driving it home”
   “Its been sitting for Years and the gas doesn't even smell like gas anymore”

10. And how do you define “relatively?” Is he a classmate of the guys who wrote #2?
    
    “The rest of the car doesn't have dents or much rust (relativily).”

11. Are they serious? “9999999 Miles”

12. Yeah, but how many will it take to MAKE a whole car???
    
    “These two cars will definitely give you a great start “

13. I hope you live on a hill!
    
    “Engine is locked up and trans cond. is unknown. It does steer and roll well.”

14. Does he want sympathy cards?
    
    “I have listed this car twice now becouse of dead bidders”

15. Is this a pedal car?
    
    “A lady bought new in 1950 and still ten miles from orig home”

16. Cars you expect to see in the concours shows
    
    “Spray cans of Blue metallic paint included, to repaint the car.”

17. Do they come with hubcap glassses?
    
    “Nice Ralleye wheels”

18. These folks also sell bridges in Brooklyn.
    
    “There are really no leaks on the engine, oil was spilled when filling”
    “The motor turns over, and you can feel the compression, but there is a hole in the side of the block.” – (This should be with the guy who says, “Don’t plan on driving it home!”)

19. And the The Honesty Award for a few sellers
    
    “1955 Buick 2 Door Hardtop is "as is" condition, which means it is a parts car.” “This is a true restoration project!”

See you next month!
Bob

has your region or chapter been crying the blues?

By Earl D. Beauchamp, Jr.
Executive Vice President

I’ve run into so many Region and Chapter leaders recently who have lamented that they plan tours, shows, picnics, garage tours, etc., and very few members participate. Because of this, several have told me they simply dropped from the organization, or have withdrawn from leadership. One former Region Vice President of a Florida Region told me that he and his wife were never even thanked for their efforts and planning. Gosh, that is hard to hear, but not necessarily a surprise. It happened to Judy and I once when she provided refreshments for a meeting and I gave a presentation, and we too were never thanked. Folks, it takes something, sometimes large and sometimes very small, to make friendships work, and it’s just as easy to make them fail. It reminds me of a saying my late father-in-law used to say. He said, “It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation and only one mistake to ruin it.” Your Region or Chapter can be like that. You can work years to build it, and with just a little bit of bad manners or complacency you can destroy it.

Membership in a Region or Chapter brings about friendships, and friendship is precious. To make an organization work, to prosper, and be enjoyable, everybody must take some responsibility. Every member must consider taking his or her turn at a position of leadership, and every member must go to the post to support the person who does. Life is like that. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. When your best leaders give up, then everybody is the loser. Even though I’ve moved on from my position as Vice President – Regions, you in the Regions and Chapters remain really important to me. Let me encourage each of our members to take part in events anytime they can, take an active role from time to time, and support, encourage and thank those other members who will take an active role, large or small. The cost of a dinner out with the Region or Chapter, or the cost of a motel room during a tour, or a registration fee, or a few hours of donated time will only make your Region or Chapter stronger, and serve to give you back in friendship, satisfaction and camaraderie what you can’t get from watching CNN, a football game or a NASCAR race.

Come on, we only live once. Let’s all step up and step out to enjoy more friendship, more activity, and keep our old cars on the road of happiness. They say, “nothing is forever”, but we don’t have to work to make that statement come true, do we? We need each other, and we need for each of us to take a part, be it large or small. This will keep that wolf away from the door so future generations as well as ourselves can enjoy our old automobiles.

AACA offers so many good things. They range from insurance for your events, opportunities to acquire low cost insurance on your vehicles, to a library for your members to use, and on to National events of unequaled quality. Who would want to lose out by simply not taking part? AACA goes all the way back to 1935 when America’s love affair with the automobile was still young. Without AACA, automobiles may be remembered as no more memorable than the hula-hoop. Yet, because of AACA, a whole hobby of automotive enthusiasts driven by nostalgia and the enjoyment of old automobiles has been built. Old automobiles have survived because of you and me and collectors who went before us. A man once wrote that many old automobiles were simply no more memorable then being as “utilitarian” as a “bathtub”. He inspired me to prove him wrong and I did. Long live the members of AACA, each of whom in their own way has written into the history books that, instead, the automobile in all its past forms represents a centerpiece of Twentieth Century history that will be remembered for as long as the World lasts.

At a January Region event during lunch, Bob Blake and I started talking with a new member and the conversation about “Stupid Mistakes” came up. It got to be so hilarious with people telling the dumbest things that they had done working on old cars — at least those that they would admit to — that Bob said, “We should have an article or series of articles on this!” Bob, if you’re reading this, how about starting such a collection for our newsletter?

Just so you don’t wonder, mine, or should I say one of my dumbest bloopers, was not too long ago when I didn’t look close enough to where my floor jack was making contact with the underside of my ‘57 Dodge Lancer. I “thought” it was under the differential, but after too many pumps on the handle and thinking that “this sucker should be in liftoff mode by now” I took another look under the rear end and noticed that I was crushing the gas tank upward! So now I find that all that crud that formed for years on the inside of the gas tank is loose and now clogging up my fuel filter. A though lesson, but that’s life!

This is just one idea, “stupid mistakes”, that would be something to include in your newsletters as material presents itself. A warning, be sure the “event” happened long enough ago to become laughable! Some wounds take longer to heal than others.

Other ideas for material that I have either seen and/or used are pictures of your members from high school or in their youth and asking “Do you know who this member is?” Along that same line, I like to use car related photographs from the past and try to guess what car is pictured. Don’t forget to have a “Parts and Cars for Sale” section, and I would encourage the use of pictures in your newsletters. They are inexpensive to process for reprinting, or if you run your newsletter directly from a printer connected to your computer, you can get good quality reproduction with the use of an inexpensive scanner. The world wide web (www) is also a great source for pictures and car logos by doing a search in Yahoo or Google.

At any rate, we are starting a new year so enter the AACA Contest and see how you do!

Just a reminder: Be sure to return your registration form for the 2003 Region and Chapter Newsletter Contest. And be sure to read the back side of the letter which outlines the nine points that make for a great newsletter. Maybe the pay isn’t so good, but you couldn’t have a more enjoyable job in your Region or Chapter. It’s all in what YOU make it.