Archive for month: May, 2025

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2025-03 Board Meeting Minutes

March 12, 2025

In attendance: Glenn Champagne, Jeff Croteau, Dan Gramm, Mark Shane, Robert

Jacobsen, Andrea Smith, Kevin Moran, Av Silverman, BettyMae Mosley

Not in Attendance: Peter Palermo

 

Meeting began at 6:35

 

President’s Update:

Bi-Annual President’s Meeting: Glenn will attend the bi-annual president’s meeting in Albany, NY from March 28-30th. A key topic for discussion will be the dissolution of Zone 1, as our region will be the last to undergo this process. Despite becoming unincorporated, we will continue to be recognized as Zone 1. Other discussions will include the Clash At The Glen and the Board Walk Reunion in New Jersey, which will proceed with some management changes. If no region assumes control of these events, they may be discontinued. However, other regions have expressed interest in taking over or assisting with these events.

Teams Update: Kevin shared progress on the Teams product. The primary question revolves around the number of people we need to consider for full access, as usage is based on the total number of users. Teams offers notable features such as file sharing and access management, which can be tailored based on the number of board users. Additional licenses can be added over time if needed. The chosen option will likely include features for photos, videos, PowerPoint, and OneDrive access, with safety measures for editing/viewing and case-by-case permissions.

Regarding cost, it is important to note that NER/PCA does not qualify for non-profit discounts. Questions were raised about fund allocation, and the board agreed to incorporate the budget into the VP of Admin’s budget, as the product will be used for NER/PCA administrative duties.

Glovebox Usage: Jeff inquired about the necessity of glovebox. The President, VP Admin, and Secretary confirmed its usage as directed by the Policy Chair.

Membership and Credentials: Dan raised questions about having a one-stop-shop for credentials, moving away from personal emails for NER/PCA business. The Communications and Secretary teams will explore options within Microsoft 365 via the Outlook feature. Questions were also raised about email account management, including the creation of separate email addresses, universal addresses, and maintaining consistency during board transitions.

Password Management: Dan inquired about password usage, control, and audit trails. The board acknowledged these questions and tabled them for further discussion.

Email Address Usage: Mark and Dan suggested obtaining more insight into the use of porschenet.com email addresses. The board agreed to seek a simple solution for now and revisit the topic later. Discussions included subscription options (annual vs. monthly) and final pricing, which will be determined by the Treasurer and Communications teams.

Motion to Approve:

  • Motion: Mark
  • Second: BettyMae
  • Outcome: All approved

 

Website Refresh Update:

Theme Selection: Ryan has identified several themes for staging, including some autorelated options that could serve as a starting point.

Membership Feedback: Dan reviewed three themes and shared his thoughts. The team expressed interest in exploring additional options beyond those already presented. Dan also reviewed websites from 5-6 other regions for further insights. The team has not met since, so more updates will follow.

Options and Opportunities: Mark mentioned a web designer colleague who is interested in assisting NER/PCA with this project. The board decided to table this option until membership can connect with the webmaster for a follow-up discussion.

Project Scope: Questions arose about whether the board is considering a theme update or a full website refresh. Glenn indicated that the board is interested in both. He also spoke with the Kansas City region president, who uses WordPress with limited plug-ins for event registration and other functions. She offered to share insights on how her team created their themes.

Board Vision: The board discussed their vision for the website, emphasizing the need to benefit the membership audience by making information readily available, readable, and enjoyable. Key site requirements include:

Considerations: A few other regions built their own sites, and the president shared some of those specific sites for the board to review. Glenn also stated when he attends the President’s meeting, he will ensure to connect with other presidents during that time and try to get a vibe around their process and have a conversation. 

 

Treasurer’s Update:

 

CD Maturity: Andrea reminded the club that two CDs are maturing. Anticipating a drop in rates, Andrea presented two options: an 8-month CD at 4% and a 5-month CD at 4.25%. The board agreed to proceed with the 8-month CDs.

P&L Update: Andrea provided an update on the club’s profit and loss statement. Due to securing venues for the year, there have been significant payments for various event contracts.

Ramble Costs: The board discussed the costs associated with the Ramble and emphasized the importance of providing the treasurer with accurate information to settle all outstanding payments promptly.

Treasurer Address Change: The address change form for the state of Massachusetts has been updated, completed, and mailed on March 10th. Andrea will follow up with a call on March 14th to confirm receipt of the information.

Motion to Approve the 8-Month CDs:

  • Motion: Dan
  • Second: BettyMae
  • Outcome: All approved

 

VP of Driving/Treasurer: Ramble Update

2025 Ramble Budget: The treasurer and VP of Driving attempted to meet with Doreen for an updated budget meeting but were unable to connect. Consequently, Jeff and Kristin, the previous VP of Driving, met and reviewed the previous year’s budget for the Ramble.

Using historical data, Jeff and the treasurer developed a budget sheet. Andrea expressed confidence that she could incorporate this information into her master spreadsheet.

Clarification: Glenn inquired with Robert about whether a budget had ever been submitted for the previous Ramble. Neither Glenn nor the previous Ramble chair recalled submitting one. The board will collaborate with the Ramble committee and use the 2025 expenses to plan for the 2026 Ramble.

Motion to Approve the Ramble Budget:

  • Motion: Kevin
  • Second: Mark
  • Outcome: All approved

 

Membership 

Newcomers Meeting Update:

Dan shared that the newcomers meeting is scheduled for March 23, 2025, just two weeks away. It is essential to ensure representatives from each discipline, including DE, AX, Social, and the entire group, are present to introduce themselves and their areas. This meeting is a key opportunity for our newest members to meet club leaders, learn about available activities, and understand how to get involved.

Event Preparations: Questions were raised about items to bring to the event and their current holders. Mark confirmed he has the PCA photo stock, flags, and tablecloths, which should be present at the newcomers meeting.

Mailchimp Billing: Mailchimp is still being billed to Anker. Andrea shared that she paid the February bill on March 2nd and Anker has been reimbursed.

 

VP Admin Update:

New Members Meeting: The goal is to encourage attendance at the March 23rd event. The

Newcomers Meeting is fully subscribed! Board members presenting include Av, Dan, Glenn, Kevin, and Peter. Jeff will confirm attendance with the DE, AX, Ramble, and other chairs.

Upcoming Events:

  • Tech Session: KMC will host a tech session in April with a DE focus. The event is live on the website.
  • Porsches & Coffee: A NER member has offered to sponsor a Porsches & Coffee event in the Boston area. Mark contacted the venue, which requested that the sponsor purchase food and coffee from local vendors. Additionally, the member expressed interest in sponsoring an Autocross-oriented Porsches & Coffee event on a date to be determined.
  • South Shore Autoworks: Our partners at South Shore Autoworks will host a Tech Session and a Pizza & Coffee event this year. The SOBO events are now posted online.

Annual Gala Discussion: A longer discussion focused on the future format of the annual Gala. Some members prefer a holiday/celebration format. There is also consideration for holding the event later in January to avoid competition with December and early January holiday events. Feedback from previous attendees indicated a preference for less focus on DE awards and more opportunities for attendees to feel welcomed.

Robert inquired about other NER awards presented at separate events, besides Autocross. The board noted that Concours presents awards at their onsite event. Further discussion is needed, as the Gala also serves as the annual business meeting where the incoming board is introduced to the membership.

Summer Party Location: The location for the summer party has yet to be decided, with a return to Wachusett under consideration.

 

VP of Driving Update:

Monthly Newsletter: Jeff will share his detailed report for the monthly newsletter.

Rally: No updates to report on Ramble or Concours.

AutoX: Chris Ryan announced that the annual kick-off will take place in the next few weeks. The team has ordered AutoX t-shirts designed by Alan Davis, which were approved at the February budget meeting.

Justin Becker has been confirmed as a sponsor for an upcoming AutoX event, and Porsche Norwell will sponsor a separate event. The AutoX team will obtain which event they will sponsor and share them with the club.

Driver Education: Paul Skinner reported that motorsports registrations are coming in slowly, but we expect them to pick up for Calabogie. To break even, we need thirty registrants. If we cannot secure thirty registrants, the team will attempt to renegotiate for twenty-five. Paul is confident that the management team at Calabogie will collaborate with us.

The board discussed the need for a deposit if they decide to proceed with Paul’s plan. Robert emphasized the urgency of cutting a check if there is agreement. The board expressed support and requested updates.

Ground School: Attendance was encouraging, with a notable number of women participating. 

 

Innovative Programs:

  • HPDE Primer: Scheduled for Friday, May 23rd, this event offers two driving sessions with an instructor in the passenger seat after riding along for one session. It provides a guided introduction at a lower cost, shorter day, and fewer sessions, similar to a novice DE experience and parade lap.
  • Track Experience: Scheduled for Saturday, May 24th or Sunday, May 25th, this event allows members to ride on the track at speed with a National PCA Instructor. The instructor will explain track driving and the HPDE experience.

 

Communications Update:

Project Support and New Initiatives: The team has supported various projects, including Microsoft Teams, and is working to finalize payment. Communications and their interns successfully supported the Winter Warmer signature event in Boston, MA, and are bringing the same vision to the upcoming Newcomers Meeting.

Collaborative Efforts: The media team (interns) will continue to find new ways to integrate with membership and collaborate with Larry on NER’s social media presence. They will also support the upcoming Ramble in April, with a focus on conducting on-the-spot member interviews.

F1 Track Day Viewing Party: In collaboration with the VP Admin, the NER/PCA club will host an F1 Track Day – Miami viewing party at Kings Bowling in Burlington, MA, on Sunday, May 5th from 4-6pm. Kevin emphasized the importance of creating impactful events and providing a space for members to gather. This event, along with others like the Summer Party, Tech Sessions, Gala, and various social events, will enhance member interaction throughout the year.

Additional Viewing Party: Justin Becker has expressed interest in hosting a viewing party. The board asked Pete and Kevin to connect with Mark to plan accordingly.

Meeting Minutes: The board agreed to approve Jeff’s updates.

Motion to Approve:

  • Motion: Dan
  • Second: Mark
  • Outcome: All approved

Meeting Adjourned: 8:17pm

 

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2025-02 Board Meeting Minutes

February 12, 2025

 

Glenn Champagne

Andrea Smith

Dan Gramm

Mark Shane

Kevin Moran

Avril Silverman

Jeff Croteau

BettyMae Mosley

Peter Palermo

Robert Jacobsen

Attendees

Kristin Larsen

Bill Seymour

 

Meeting began 6:34pm

 

Glenn

Glovebox – hold financial records, Redbook, teams’ status reports (Kevin shared we can go into detail via files privacy/filters and edits/shares, videos, and shared reports with Teams. Kevin take lead via action item)

 

Status reports: Dan/Av

Moving the company address for the board to remove from Kristin Larsen and looking at a PO Box via Needham, MA. Andrea / Glenn billing side via address around how quickly to make changes and connect with Andrea separately.

Kristin: Try to use an online earth mail via the board and prevent to one person to go to a PO Box

 

Dan / Av

New members meeting connecting with comms and design/copies of last yrs event page and once on the website and add to the newsletter and perhaps send in 2 weeks perhaps. Mark shared he did lasts year’s event March 23rd Dan to work with Porsche Burlington – asking Mark if he wants to be involved and plans to connect this upcoming week (take offline).

Registration link is not working and move all to motorsports Reg and having trouble on Porsche net is required to register first… Mark shared he only uses the website for the winter event and does not really matter only needs a rough number.

Some instances can use motorsports reg and we can share with Porsche Burlington (Glenn said turn off bookings and we should not have issues). Dan would like to cap the number of attendees (work with Mark).

Volunteer Data Base: shared how to get started Av will begin via Facebook, post (Glenn asked Peter/Kevin to work with Ryan to assist). Mark shared it may be able to be driven through the website via admin level etc… may not have to create a separate data base (Peter will use several avenues to feed into the site and add for a staple via newsletter/volunteer). Judges Concourse, tease, promote and push keep feeding the volunteer database site. (meet with Ryan next Monday at 6:30pm).

 

Mark

 Three updates winter warmer got pushed back from Sunday. we have added ’l people registering for the event and no concerns from the dealership via a set limit and has been updated around 50+ and a couple of people shared they may not be able to attend and posted KMC to pick a day in March for an event.

Summer Party Chair (Peter) w/in the next month to get the ball rolling to canvas places to hold. Andrea asked around lake pearl, march shared to go to new places/new places etc. and run around and the group and open to thoughts.

Dan would like a new place and a bit too large and more concentrated (peter agrees and too big) and do on the beach/concept. One of the issues that arose we need enough room for cars to park and that is a concern for 50/60 cars and that is the tough part to review.

Av shared Nashoba mountain includes the winery. Mark shared we have a big community we need to ensure we keep everyone coordinated (Andrea offered as well).

All Cars & Coffee set for the year

Gala – Chair needed.


Andrea

YOY % changed and a difference is looking good, a lot of scrubbing via the visual (condensed) and minimized and not as busy. Jan 2024 over Jan 2025 Watkin Glens has not been paid yet once we formalize our budget at the end of the month, we will begin to move items over.

Jeff shared the invoice for the deposit for Palmer is ready to be paid, Andrea shared she has not received/paid and asked Glenn what was paid (she will circle back on payments and has paused on purpose for the budget meeting)

Andrea wanted to make a quick note regarding A/R and was not showing on the balance sheet, and after some long hours/diving into this it was on cash basis (incorrectly) so once she clicked on the Accrual et. in hopes to move forward, Andrea will work through the financials/accrual (she can share the aging list et). Comms has asked some questions and working with the cpas/accounts and she and Glenn will work together to ensure we are signed via the agreement to get their invoice paid for $1,600.00 and there are two things to connect on:

 

1st Anker needs to be reimbursed Mailchimp owe quite a bit of $$ and never got reimbursed $3,900.00 (do we want to pay back to him via out of pocket), can go into Mailchimp to pull statements and wants the board to reimbursed 4yrs. Motion to pay back the 4yrs.

  • Motion to approve – Peter.
  • Mark 2nd
  • All board approves.

 

Glenn, we need a policy to pay not over 6 months (peter reimburse 100% and paid back)

2nd Debit card and change the subscription.

3rd Received some checks in the mail, and one got bounced back (EPE event) and one person received 2 (David ?) and then another person at the end and no one bid on the sheet and sold and not written down and now we only have the payer information and call for a wash ($150.00) and all I got.

Square Devices: Purchased the two and needs the debit card/business address and it needs that one associated with the IRS and will trickle down via events and will come w/in 3-5 business days.

December treasurer report (Peter Motion/ Dan 2nd / all board members

January Treasurer report Peter, Mark/ all board members

 

Peter / Kevin – Comms

Met with Mark on social events and working on cars/coffee new members and audience and the winter warmer and getting content and people being there to be the brand ambassador for the club to create a lot more interest.

Met with Tim Canfield regarding track experience and how the club can support, website, enthusiast, and the NER space.

Website refresh comm and proper information and other avenues and everything is cohesive and flows and work with Ryan to see a refresh for new/current for 2025.

Mark wants attendance at the winter warmer and all leaders should help.

 

Jeff

Dave Melchars resigned and Rob Hinrichs was taking over. Jeff emailed board for approval, Glenn seconded, and we board approved. 7 ayes and no nays.

Rally – nothing to report

Spoke with Doreen on a few occasions and felt she was building from scratch, challenges, posting to the site via participants and we worked as a team and helped her. Ramble was published to the website, hotel was full, and it sold out in 4hrs.

Peter shared around communication and on point and fifty people on the waitlist.

DE Events are posted and three of the tracks require deposits – Thompson, Palmer, and Watkins Glenn.

Jeff made motion to pay deposits, BettyMae/Andrea 2nd / all board approved.

The DE budget was submitted to Andrea, Charlie is sending her the invoices. Jeff will work with him to send to [email protected]. DE high points are net profit for 2025 is projected to be $12k. It is using the 2023 registration numbers to be conservative.

2025 track/race car rentals and an invoice were sent to MDM for $3K for a platform sponsor for this week. Charlie confirmed that spite changes in Calabogie management, and we have the same flexibility  as 2024 in terms of later commitment/deposit and can cancel in a timely manner.

Paul skinner is the next track chair for 2026, and the change will be made at the end of 2025 and happen over the next 11 months.

PCA national has changed the tech requirements to be very broad, a tech inspection within the last 120 days. The current NER requirement is to have the car tech inspected before each event. The track committee has decided on a hybrid approach – details are being worked out now and will be posted to website. Current thinking is likely going to be a 60 day tech inspection for black and red run groups for up to 3 events. Green, yellow, blue, and white will have to get a tech inspection for each event.  Those details will follow and will update via next month.

The 2024 fee model for instructors will be used for advanced driver days (no green/yellow drivers) – that is the instructors pay full price – this was done in 2024 and was helpful in making DE profitable.

AutoCross – Jeff spoke with Chris Ryan and discussed increasing the sponsor fee from 2024 to 2025. It has been $450 per event for the last three years, and suggest increasing to $500 per event for 2025. (Dan motion to approve / Andrea seconded / All approved)

Chris hopes to get the same sponsors for 2025, they are: Conway Autoworks, Kachel Motor Company, Porsche Norwell, Herb Chambers – Burlington, Autobahn Performance. Chris wanted me to check with Justin at SSA to see of he’d sponsor an event.Chris forwarded Jeff and Andrea his analysis of the 2024 actual to budget report. Jeff and Andrea are working on a 2025 budget. According to Chris’ numbers, the net income for 2024 would be approximately $2,650. That is after an NER contribution of $3,750 to their charity and $1,250 collected from donations during registration. The charity is Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Devens. Chris is asking for the $5,000 donation to be approved by the BOD. I should note that Chris said this amount is consistent with past contributions.  Andres indicated that was included as part of the December meeting and was already approved. Andrea shared she will get payment approved ASAP.

 

Glenn/Board: Ramble – begin to consider members only and are PCA members and we need to have priority around membership, and we need to have consideration. We should have a meeting, and have we selected next year’s event, and Dan shared it needs to be bigger and not enough space and not easy to execute on and not make too big and not have enough participation and prioritize and NER first and wait/see and if we get maximum capacity and open up to outside the region.

Jeff asked about the distribution of non-members vs members – Dan shared we will / should discuss around the need to vet the registration first and current member and lookout (we have insurance to cover for the Ramble).

Glenn – conversations with Ryan and (web designer different from a webmaster) we have one person who can do a mockup and Mark shared he has someone as well. Mark, let’s have a vague example and we need to do more due diligence, conversations and Peter shared frame in and polish the site/refresh (Peter/Dan) functionality, and what looks good/seamless and not a volunteer role and start to get the ball rolling and pay (peter asked if we need to pay outside service) Glenn shared we can bring to the board and see..

Av asked if we need compliance for the website around design. Mark shared around what the size s/b for the organization and try to comply with compliance standards. Dan asked around a template, Glenn shared yes, we have a template and there is a website and imply via the website. And create if we do not.

 

Glenn: Bylaws to give to Amber,

Kristin had a conversation with Mike Brian – so I called Mike B around the mid-January call and the board call, and I did not know what was going on in the background and the suggestions Glenn made and wanted to get a summary around Glenn’s conversation with Mike. The parliamentary committee felt the board was not being transparent in their conversations. Secretary moved this discussion offline to the topic of discussion was part of an Executive Closed Session (Board Director’s only Meeting). Kristin shared the Past President, Robert shared the details, which sparked concerns from the committee which prompted her to contact the Zone 1 rep for clarification. The board’s members shared dissatisfaction and emphasized it was a president directed session and the President (Glenn) has the authority to call a meeting at his discretion. The board members agreed, (conversation taken offline).

Conversations resume with the secretary/VP Comms asking how a detailed conversation was shared outside of a closed meeting. The parliamentary committee shared, they were simply trying to get a handle on the Bylaws and wanted to submit directly to National to ensure we move towards being in compliance since we have not updated Bylaws since 2014, last official submission to national and the current 2017, which were only sent to the NER members and were not submitted in a formal process to the PCA Policy Committee.. (more discussion offline).

The board agreed, essentially restating the existing 2017 NER Bylaws which state the boards concerns around leapfrogging over the VOTED Members of the NER/PCA Board of Directors and asked what directive the Parliamentary committee has to bypass the board.

Kristin shared, they are considered the Advisors to the board, more discussion around the Bylaws and the Parliamentary’ s interpretation is not correct; based on what the process of engagement states. (offline discussions cont’d).

Resumed: Much discussion around understanding the importance of reading/clarifying current Bylaws to move into a space where the board/parliamentary committee can work together. The meeting concluded with all agreeing to work together, pass a version to the board and there will be an opportunity to collaborate. Kristin (guest) agreed to share the work which has been developed and share out. Members agreed that was the best way forward.

 

Motion to conclude – Dan

Mark -Second

Av

BettyMae

Glenn

Mark

Jeff

Meeting concluded 8:40pm

 

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2025 RAMBLE WRAP UP

The 39th Annual PCA Northeast Region Ramble took place April 25–27, 2025, at the stunning Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, NH. It was a weekend filled with beautiful cars, winding roads, delicious food—and most importantly, community.

The rain tried, but couldn’t dull the beauty of the 3.5-hour drive. A total of 158 Porsches—everything from a brand-new 2025 911, a few GT3s to a classic 1970 911T—cruised north through sweeping curves, dipped into Vermont for a scenic ride along Route 102, then headed east through the breathtaking Dixville Notch before winding down south to Jackson for lunch.

As a wave of drivers arrived at the charming, ski-lodge-style Shovel Handle Pub, the scene was lively. With three floors of seating, the venue burst with Rambler’s sharing their ride stories—at one point, the buffet line spilled onto the half-paved parking lot (the result of a land dispute that delayed full paving!). With full bellies and high spirits, drivers departed Jackson via a covered bridge, continuing their journey along the scenic roads of the White Mountain National Forest.

For first-time Ramblemeisterin Doreen Manning, the most nerve-wracking part was speaking through a feedback-prone microphone—first at Friday’s cocktail hour and again at Saturday morning’s packed drivers’ meeting. But by Saturday night’s three-course dinner, her nerves had eased, thanks to the kind words and positive feedback shared by a multitude of Ramble participants throughout the day. “I still can’t believe how incredibly nice and positive the entire group was throughout the event!” she says.

This year’s Ramble sold out in a record-breaking 7 hours and 20 minutes, a testament to the strength and enthusiasm of the Ramble community. Over 284 participants met or reconnected over Friday night cocktails, laughed over breakfast, shared road stories at lunch, and filled the Mountain View Grand ballroom with joy on Saturday night. With 23% first-time attendees mingling with veterans of 20+ Rambles, this year was a testament to the enduring spirit of the PCA North East Region’s Porsche-loving community.

The Ramble team is already working on the 40th Annual Ramble, which will be held April 24-26, 2026 at the Sagamore Hotel in Lake George, NY. Although a slightly bigger venue (20 more rooms!) than our 2025 hotel, the popularity of this community event cannot be overstated, so save the date for Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 5am when registration opens!! 

 

Until then, see you next year! 

 

Special thanks to our sponsors:

  • Overall Event Sponsor: European Performance Engineering – www.epe.com
  • Friday Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Porsche of Warwick, RI
  • Drivers’ Breakfast Meeting Sponsor: Seacoast Specialist Cars – www.sscarsnh.com
  • Car Wash Station Sponsor: Griot’s Garage – www.griotsgarage.com

 

2025 Ramble Carousel

 Photos: Nicholas Reynolds

BONUS: Check out these Ramble photos, taken by our own Ramble Registrar Larry Levin! 

OFFICIAL RAMBLE FULL LENGTH RECAP COMING SOON 



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