Greetings, NAOC members, from your incoming president. I have been associated with NAOC since 2000 and have served two terms as an NAOC Board Member. It’s been an enjoyable experience for me to meet the many people from all over the country who are committed to preserving the name Oldsmobile. Sharing technical information, as well as parts and expertise, has also been of great value. Finding these things in common provides a catalyst for friendships that may last for many years.

Before going any further, I would like to personally thank Sky Borst and Fred Duesch for their leadership and careful management of the NAOC during these last years. During the years that I have been associated with NAOC, it has been clear that without dedicated members, such as Fred and Sky, it would be difficult to continue to function and grow as a club. Their leadership has been positive rather than heavy handed. They have encouraged us as a club and pushed us when necessary. As the reigns transfer to me and Jim Shultz, our vice-president, I hope that we can honor the example that has been set for us.

As we begin a new year, 2010, it’s appropriate that we look to the future of the NAOC. What are the values of belonging to this club? First and foremost, the club should be a place where our common interests bring us together to find fun and pleasure in our hobby. Specifically, though, the monthly publication, Runabouts to Rockets, edited by our superb editor Wendy Crosby, is a source of interesting as well as technical articles. Members’ restoration projects that have been completed, or are in the process of being completed, are both informative and motivational to others.
Classified ads up to 25 words, are free to members. Cars, parts, services and other information are always available through the classifieds. Also, each member receives a NAOC Directory—free of charge. The directory provides all members’ names and addresses, cars they own, and categorizes the cars by year and model, as well as by locations, i.e. states/countries. Recently, by using the directory, I helped a new member locate other 1961 Starfire owners who might be able to help him find stainless steel fasteners.

The NAOC National Meet each year is detailed by word and picture along with stories relating to the meet. But above all, the club provides all of us with something in common: an interest in keeping alive the spirit of Oldsmobile!
However, a club—any club—doesn’t just exist and survive on its own. We must continue to renew and re-energize our club, I’m hopeful that each of us will make a concerted effort during this next year to recruit just one new NAOC member. Personally, I have found that there are a number of Oldsmobile owners in my immediate area who are not now members but are eager to join when given information about NAOC. Just providing them with a membership application, which is always printed in the Runabouts to Rockets, is about all it takes. By recruiting someone you will help keep our club active and viable for the future.

So what are my goals for the next two years as president? First, all clubs must continue to keep our membership vital and growing. To help us accomplish this our monthly journal has become more visually oriented. Runabouts to Rockets has featured more color than ever before. And we must continue to encourage members to write articles for the journal about their cars, whether they be technical, restoration projects, or barnyard finds. Your board has wholeheartedly endorsed the addition of color as a way to make the reading of the magazine even more enjoyable for members and to help retain and attract new membership.

Second, we need to continue to encourage members to attend our national meets. One member who attended his first national meet this last year in Prescott, told me that it was one of the most enjoyable things he had done within the hobby. Third, I would like to see some interest develop at the local and/or regional level with members getting together, informally, for cruises and shows. In an article I wrote for Runabouts to Rockets last year, I encouraged members to drive and show their cars in their local areas. But I also stressed the importance of supporting the NAOC by attending our national meets. Doing this helps encourage interest in the hobby in general, helps us become acquainted with new friends and renew old friendships, and brings out our Oldsmobiles for others to see and enjoy.

This next year holds the prospect of attending our national meet in Lansing, Michigan, where Oldsmobile had its beginnings. The Return to Lansing meets, in the past, have been outstanding due to the numbers and quality of Oldsmobiles at the meets. This year’s meet, I’m sure, will not disappoint any of us. There will be interesting tours and events to attend. Start laying your plans to attend now. You won’t be disappointed.
Happy Oldsmobiling and the best to you and yours in 2010.

—Larry Reid (#5069)
NAOC President