[Harp-L] RE: Harp-L Digest, Vol 86, Issue 8

["Tom Stryker" <tstryker1@xxxxxxxxx>]

" This is circular logic--you're not serving customers, you're attracting
participants, and it's up to them to make the show a success.  I don't
agree.  Among other things, that eliminates any responsibility SPAH has for
actual leadership. Leaders, above all, create change for the better. Nothing
has changed at SPAH in a decade or more. If I'm wrong about that, please
provide a list of the innovations in the last ten years.  I'd like to see
it."

You know Richard, here is where the balloon pops.  Ideas and criticism, but
no participation.  I suggest that anyone who wants to make a better SPAH,
step up to the table and run for office or volunteer.  I have not seen many
who have volunteered anything but comments & criticism during my term as
president.  

All the criticism apparently has blocked the view of what has been done in
the past 10 years.  Here are a few things, all voluntary done with no
compensations:
1. Expansion of the directors from 2 to 9 while reducing the expenses
2. Addition of a professional magazine person for Harmonica happenings (yes,
the lower case h is proper)
3. Regular Board meetings via teleconference at no cost.  As many as 12
attend
4. Addition of a professional architect for hotel layout and exhibition
space
5. Addition of professional Public Relations Person
6. Individual responsibilities for entertainment, PR, convention duties,
membership
7. Moved into a contemporary accounting system
8. Purchased Convention & Director Insurance
9. Preparing for movement of our business into "Cloud Computing" since all
staff live in different locations of the U.S.
10. Creation of a Corporate Sponsor Program
11. Financial accountability increased
12. Creation of Harmonicas & Health with dialog to the medical world
14. Increased focus on pro participation  
15. Increased focus on diatonic players and marrying the harmonica community
as one
16. Creating a SPAH Manual to allow others to carry the business on when the
current staff leaves.
17. Kept SPAH in the black so it will be here for others
18. Addition of a recognized harmonica expert for the entertainment
committee
19. Addition of an expert Convention Director.

That's just for starters of what has been done in the last 10 years and we
have provide more for less.  Yes, I said "Less!"  My many years of business
experience, as well as those of the staff, have made this a better and
accountable SPAH. All may not have been "innovative" but some are, don't you
think?

In conclusion, I challenge you all to join SPAH, bring your ideas and
expertise to further improve it.  My term ends in 2012.  We need to hit the
ground running because our 50th anniversary is in 2013.  We need dedicated
volunteers for:
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Treasurer
4. Membership Director
5. Convention Director
6. Convention layout and vendor relation

Yes, all of that is needed an no one volunteers.  I have asked repeatedly
for volunteers at our annual meeting during the convention, where only a
handful of the same people show up, and in my President's letter in Hh.
Come on people, if you can't join or help, at least take a look at what you
are saying.  You can bet I listen to all the chatter bad and good, from
members and non members, and react where needed.  Remember, SPAH belongs to
the members.... make it what you like.

I am proud of what has been accomplished in the last 10 years. I certainly
do not shirk my "responsibility for leadership" and that statement in itself
is irresponsible.

Respectfully,

Tom Stryker