Josey Wales has suggested that an Annual Meeting of our NY instructors is in order, so that we can discuss our current position, our goals, and our plans for dealing with continued growth. We have reached a stage in our development where we need to begin treating NY Appleseed as a business. As is the case with any successful business, we need a plan and we need to communicate.
The initial idea is to hold a weekend meeting somewhere within the state, similar to an IBC. Call it a MBC (Management Boot Camp). Maybe I'll hit up National for rockers ;D
I'd like everyone to provide input on this topic. We will need to consider the following:
--> Date(s) and time(s) - slower winter season may be best; this year or next?
--> A location for the meeting - food, lodging, meeting space, etc.
--> A COF - what subjects need to be addressed as we move forward?
--> Nominations/selection of coordinators for several important areas.
Ideally we will continue these meetings at least once per year, possibly more often if there is a need to do so. The goal is to prepare for our future and growth, so that we can be proactive rather than reactive as the NY program becomes more successful.
Please don't be bashful - let us all know what you're thinking.
MJA
I think this is a GREAT idea!! This is the third time I am writing this as the last two the Appleseed site :bomb: :bomb: on me.
I have some thoughts and would be happy to work with you on this project. Give me a buzz and we will work out a time to talk.
Sue
Great Idea!!
I know JW and KDAN are busy right now with the subway seed to get into this, this week but here go my thoughts:
Date(s) Fall during a weekend= that way we have planning time for spring/ or all set for spring planting: this year
--> A location for the meeting Near ALBANY: as that is the Capitol of the state-
--> A COF - Appleseed Mission
Are we accomplishing the mission in NY State?
How/where are we succeding?
How can we improve: location, recruiting, numbers of students, advertising, instructor quality, KD, history programs,
Resource the requirements to improve
Go shoot, eat and be happy:)
Good idea.
Im thinking it needs to be this year, around the late September to early December timeframe, and somewhere from the Central NY area to Capital district around Albany.
Topics should include assessments of current locations and possible new ones, promotions of shoots, increasing attendance, cross-polination of instructors, and certainly KD since there are still lots of locations not firing KD. In regard to assessing current locations we need to look at either increasing or decreasing the number of events at current locations and determine next years tentative schedule of events.
Great idea! O0
We are getting bigger both in staff and locations. To be more efficient we do need to be more business wise.
Where: As mentioned, possibly in either Central NY or Albany area - someplace that is half way for all to lessen the drive. If all or most NY instructors show, we will need a large conference room for probably Saturday and Sunday, as well as a place for out-of-town instructors can stay. I'm not sure if most ranges we visit could handle that many people, or give up their clubhouse for a weekend. Most business facilities that cater to meetings of this size are located in well populated areas. To make it easier on all and free parking, preferably in a suburban area (i.e. Colonie instead of downtown Albany). And a good place to eat afterwards! **)
When: I suggest 4th quarter of this year during our slow time. Yet early enough to set plans for next year, and to avoid snowy road conditions.
Topics: Ranges, proper staffing at AS events, carpooling, paid advertising to reach more people (i.e. PennySaver, Clipper Magazine, newspapers) (have we picked most of the "low hanging fruit" and now need to go higher up on the tree to reach more people?), training of IITs and up, blue hats, history reprints to handout, New York specific AS bumper or window stickers, NYSRPA alliance, forming alliance with regional organizations (i.e. various regions of NY sportsman alliances, Friends of History Fulton NY), informational tables at shopping malls, short surveys for attendees to fill out (was mentioned at the AIBC with Fred), email addresses from attendees for follow-up emails and announcements, keeping costs down, coordinators and committees to share duties, and of course the students.
Who: Hopefully all NY instructors and blue hats. Maybe invite Riflemen (those who earned the Rifleman patch but decided not to accept an Orange hat for now) to get feedback from them?
I'm sure there are many other topics. We should have an agenda of the topics to follow to keep the meeting flowing.
If we have this at a business facility, would corporate pick up the cost, or will there be a nominal fee for the instructors that attend?
Gary
Hi Team,
Been talk, maybe time to open the door all the way on Library seeds also.
We got a good thing going...
mark
I'm curious to see what Josey Wales comes up with for this. I talked a bit with him last two days, but we were kinda busy with the Manhattan crowd. He set up a Long Island IIT meeting last winter that really helped get the team together for the spring and summer season.
Nick, why don't you consider some of these ideas and come up with an agenda.
Burlington Flats is pretty central as well, especially since we need to concentrate on the western half of the state a bit. There's a clubhouse, a nice range, and they love us. Plus it's cheap and nobody can sleep past 5 am.
Go up there in the fall and maybe you and Rich can shoot a deer just like last year. I don't know who's gonna wanna carpool with either one of you though. (http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/crateslinger/road_rage-28.gif)
Maybe charliehotel.
Even though I have been M.I.A. lately, my heart is with Appleseed and I would love to see an Annual Meeting established......
B-Flats gets my vote if it's central enough. NYS is pretty friggin big, I don't know how far apart the rest of you guys are.
Let's do it before the winter, I'd like to see that place before it gets it's winter coat.
Maybe we can get a bike ride going O0
Dakota, Ill bring my Specialized Epic MTB, that's the kind of bikeride you had in mind right:)
I guess I can drag out my old Diamond-Back, but that's not what I meant. :cool2:
I was thinking more about Charlie Hotel, kDan and I riding up on bikes we don't have to pedal, as long as I can get someone to cart my rifles up, the M1A sticks out of the saddlebags.
In the 60's they did studies in europe that showed shortly after cycling most shooters scored higher in their off hand scores,,as a result of the balance exercise. i guess it would would work for riding a motorcycle too. :)) There, you have more reasons to ride now.
Quote from: Dakota on July 18, 2011, 04:16:33 PM
I guess I can drag out my old Diamond-Back, but that's not what I meant. :cool2:
I was thinking more about Charlie Hotel, kDan and I riding up on bikes we don't have to pedal, as long as I can get someone to cart my rifles up, the M1A sticks out of the saddlebags.
O, I thought you meant my Trek 8000! Okay, I'll ride with you guys, but we let Charliehotel lead into the corners just to make sure it's safe. :sos:
I also think this is a great idea.
Time to (once again) put our NY heads together and brain storm.
As Team NY grows so can our plan of action.
Lets do this.
I also would like to see it done before winter sets in. Makes travel alot easier.
September, early October?
Quote from: kDan on July 18, 2011, 05:13:30 PM
Quote from: Dakota on July 18, 2011, 04:16:33 PM
I guess I can drag out my old Diamond-Back, but that's not what I meant. :cool2:
I was thinking more about Charlie Hotel, kDan and I riding up on bikes we don't have to pedal, as long as I can get someone to cart my rifles up, the M1A sticks out of the saddlebags.
O, I thought you meant my Trek 8000! Okay, I'll ride with you guys, but we let Charliehotel lead into the corners just to make sure it's safe. :sos:
:slap:
..I am sorry for my delay but on the homefront I have been busy, busy, busy... I have ideas, I have read your suggestions and will be on it soon..
Early Oct would be great.
Quote from: Another D.O.M. on July 15, 2011, 04:38:00 PM
I'd like everyone to provide input on this topic. We will need to consider the following:
--> Date(s) and time(s) - slower winter season may be best; this year or next?
Plan it and I'll see what's going on - probably won't know until about 2 weeks out....
--> A location for the meeting - food, lodging, meeting space, etc.
My vote goes to B-Flats, assuming the club is ok with accommodating. The location seemed to work well for the AIBC when we had everyone there last Dec. It's large enough, has good meeting space, and is fairly centrally located in the state.
--> A COF - what subjects need to be addressed as we move forward?
Just off the top of my head - goals for 2011, generalized AAR (ie, what were the highs/lows overall... recurring patterns, etc. We don't need to get hung up on "OMG I had a muzzle sweep!" "Me too!" :wall: :wb: ... but were there any serious improvements from other ranges that should be discussed/shared? Or anything that we need to be aware of that caused a serious problem. Since it's a bullseye for long drawn out discussions on nothing and/or dead horses, I would strongly advise that topics for discussion here be submitted prior to kicking off the meeting). I agree with boltgun's idea of re-assessing each range.
Rattlehead those are some great comments!!
I heard a bit about Burlington Flats this past weekend from kDan, Josey Wales, Charlie Hotel, Big Matt, SunnyAM and VietVet at the NYC AS. Although I'm unfamiliar with the town name, I did spend quite a few vacations in Oneonta when I was a kid and even remember going to the Otsego County Fair multiple times. Why am I telling you this? LOL, only to say it seems central enough that free2scour and I can certainly make the trip.
As for timing, sooner is better. Would be great to do it Oct-Nov, before the holidays get in the way. AND before it gets snowbound up there...
Lakeside
B-Flats is more than willing, ( From my stand point) I will give the club a heads up that it MIGHT be decided to be here, please don't assume until we have a set of dates that I can bring up to the club at our meetings, We have our meetings every 3rd (third) Thursday of the month,,, Other than that I am in,,,, Our club schedule is online for who ever wants to look at it, I haven't seen it in a while but it should be pretty much up to date,,,, I just checked, the 2ND of October is our annual Hog Roast, it is not on the events calender so that day is out, other than that, a lot of weekends are open in Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec
Here the link; http://www.bffgc.com/
A good list of topics or COF will need to be in place for this work, we don't need a smoke and joke session,,, Stay on mission, Stay on message
sgtrock
The Club has been given a heads up, if and when you guys decide, as to where it will be,,,
Thanks Stoner. We don't have a date yet - awaiting word on a possible indoor event at Hudson Falls in early Oct. Nick and I will be talking about this over the weekend.
Suggested agenda item to include. How to use social media to get into contact with people. Yup, there is Twitter and Facebook, and that all has been done. But how do we drive traffic to it, get interest going in it. These are the very people we want to reach...we need to find a way to get their attention on our non-exitant budget!! Not complaining, just saying we have to be creative rather than spend money.
Just having accounts and sites on social networks isn't enough. Each of us must promote those sites in our own postings. For example when I update my status telling my friends that I am going to an Appleseed, I add a link to Appleseed's facebook page or website to my posting. This is the electronic equivalent of word of mount.
- ShadowMan
Who is that man? I like the cut of his Jib...
Quote from: Spartan on July 18, 2011, 04:28:51 PM
In the 60's they did studies in europe that showed shortly after cycling most shooters scored higher in their off hand scores,,as a result of the balance exercise. i guess it would would work for riding a motorcycle too. :)) There, you have more reasons to ride now.
Quote from: CharlieHotel on July 27, 2011, 02:57:51 PM
Who is that man? I like the cut of his Jib...
Quote from: Spartan on July 18, 2011, 04:28:51 PM
In the 60's they did studies in europe that showed shortly after cycling most shooters scored higher in their off hand scores,,as a result of the balance exercise. i guess it would would work for riding a motorcycle too. :)) There, you have more reasons to ride now.
Did the study say anything about whether shooting a 221 at KD after a five hour ride and three sighters might induce an elevated sense of invincibility in a Marine?
like... say... while cornering a motorcycle through cow pies on the way to calzone?
Wait... the "sense" of invincibility in a Marine is an oxymoron; there's no "sense".
The reality is invincibility!!!
Quote from: kDan on July 28, 2011, 05:06:28 PM
Quote from: CharlieHotel on July 27, 2011, 02:57:51 PM
Who is that man? I like the cut of his Jib...
Quote from: Spartan on July 18, 2011, 04:28:51 PM
In the 60's they did studies in europe that showed shortly after cycling most shooters scored higher in their off hand scores,,as a result of the balance exercise. i guess it would would work for riding a motorcycle too. :)) There, you have more reasons to ride now.
Did the study say anything about whether shooting a 221 at KD after a five hour ride and three sighters might induce an elevated sense of invincibility in a Marine?
like... say... while cornering a motorcycle through cow pies on the way to calzone?
Wait... the "sense" of invincibility in a Marine is an oxymoron; there's no "sense".
The reality is invincibility!!!
HA Ha... You're killing me!
Marine: "Machine like humanoid creature know to charge machine gun nests with little more that a bayonet or entrenching tool" Ooh-Rah!
CH
Could we please try to keep this discussion on topic?
Will do, Sorry...
CH
Quote from: Another D.O.M. on July 29, 2011, 12:44:38 PM
Could we please try to keep this discussion on topic?
I like the idea of doing it at BFlat's - it's about centrally located as we can get (technically Cortland is the center of the state, but we really don't have a WNY presence.)
I would suggest against taking too long to pick a date and I would suggest making sure it isn't during hunting season.
We should consider how we plan shoots - a problem I see is that we have a couple of shoots on the same weekend fairly close together geographically, and that creates resource (staff) and attendance (splitting crowds between venues.)
Just out of curiosity - have we made any progress on confirming a date for this? I tap dance around a bunch of different schedules here, but the further out I know a date, the better the odds of me making it....
Not my dept, but I'm guessing this has been back burnered. JW started a new fourth job; ADOM is recuperating with blessings love and encouragement from all of us.
It's a good idea, and I'm for it, although at this point I probably wouldn't make it before February, and I'm thinking about going to Ramseur RBC then(as should all of you).
If somebody wants to jump on this, please do, and get what you can together. For my par, I think maybe we can all communicte here on the forum for the time being, maybe all report on our districts whatnot. Of course anybody waiting for me to go will be waiting until at least after somebody else does. Otherwise we'll none of us ever see this thread again.
Good lookin out Ryan.
First of all, I apologize for the delay in getting this info out to you all. I've been a bit busy.
Second, I apologize for the short notice.
Here's the game plan:
Dates - November 5 & 6 2011
Place - Regional Food Bank of NENY 965 Albany Shaker Rd, Latham NY 12110
Attendees - NY RWVA IITs and Instructors of level IIT4 and above; and NY Coordinators
Tentative COF - Proactive planning for the growth and success of Project Appleseed in NY. We will discuss event promotions, instructor mentoring & development, event staffing, LibertySeeds, development of additional ranges & venues, and other topics. The intent is for this to me a management meeting.
RFB has several fast food places and a fantastic diner within walking distance. The meeting room can hold well over 50 bodies and there are snack & drink vending machines. It is located five minutes from Albany International Airport and ten minutes from I-87 The Adirondack Northway. Lots of shopping/eating/lodging/entertainment in the immediate area.
There are two items that still need to be hammered out: the final COF and lodging accommodations.
As always, your thoughts and comments are welcomed and appreciated. Please let us all know what's on your minds. Or send a PM.
MJA
Thanks Mark.
I should be able to make that.
-d-
Thanks Mark.
Huge thank you to Regional Food bank to allow us to meet there! :bow:
What time to start?
Gary
Mark,
How close is this to Forbes in Colonie?
Tanks
JC
Quote from: LittleMo on October 04, 2011, 06:39:46 PM
Thanks Mark.
Huge thank you to Regional Food bank to allow us to meet there! :bow:
QuoteWhat time to start?
Gary
That depends a lot on how many folks will be driving in from far off on Saturday morning. Let's say 9:00 AM tentatively.
Quote from: Spartan on October 04, 2011, 07:44:01 PMMark,
How close is this to Forbes in Colonie?
Tanks
JC
About 15 minutes by car or Land Rover.
Another DOM,
Has there been any traction on Lodging or a place to set up my 4 season tent?
Thanks
Dates - November 5 & 6 2011 (ftp://dates%20-%20november%205%20&%206%202011)
What is the report time?
Do we have some kind of roster for this? No promises, but I should be good for sat... hopefully (busy season), but not on sunday - no way. Daughter has a college interview in the berkshires, so I won't be far, but I also won't be in Albany.
If i'm not mistaken josey wales and vietvet will be in new jersey all wknd.
Dan is correct.
I'll be doing the Winslow, NJ Shoot.
I wont be able to make this one. Uncle Sam has me busy this weekend.
Here's a link to lodging in the area: http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelList?ienc=UTF-8&optional=false&sid=x1Retg.gZRnOgKSg.21&chain=A&brand_segment=&areaid=&areatype=Address&type=&latitude=42.759876&longitude=-73.780724&state=NY&country=US&dateFormat=mm%2Fdd%2Fyy&js=true&radius=80&map=n&placename=12110%2C+NY&rstart=Starting+Location&rend=Ending+Location&arrivalDate=11%2F04%2F11&departureDate=11%2F06%2F11&nroom=1&nadult1=1&nchild1=0&srp=RACK (http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelList?ienc=UTF-8&optional=false&sid=x1Retg.gZRnOgKSg.21&chain=A&brand_segment=&areaid=&areatype=Address&type=&latitude=42.759876&longitude=-73.780724&state=NY&country=US&dateFormat=mm%2Fdd%2Fyy&js=true&radius=80&map=n&placename=12110%2C+NY&rstart=Starting+Location&rend=Ending+Location&arrivalDate=11%2F04%2F11&departureDate=11%2F06%2F11&nroom=1&nadult1=1&nchild1=0&srp=RACK). The third one down, Econo Lodge NY257 is about a 15 minute walk to the food bank. We can put folks up in our partially finished basement (dry, heat, 1/2 bath and hot water - but with many pets); one or two can fit relatively comfortably in the Chinook (and the furnace works); and John if you like you can pitch your tent in our yard, there's plenty of room.
As far as a roster is concerned, There two definite yes responses and myself. Dan, if you can make it for Saturday that makes four. I expect Gary and Sue will attend but I haven't heard either way.
MJA
I will be on the ground 0900.
I just got booked to install some appliances in one of the apartments I manage. Saturday. No way out of it. Trucks and money and keys and tools and holes in walls are all up to me. The fall season amounts to about 90% of my business activity for the year. Haven't had a real day off from home and office since August. Believe me I'd love to go to Albany and see y'all. I even missed a Calverton friendly shoot last week due to a combination of weather and priorities.
I'm really sorry I won't make it, but even a small meeting is a good thing. Whatever you guys come up with will push the conversation forward. Shuffle some papers, take some notes and let's bring the discussion back here to the forum. I'm looking forward to some new projects next year, or at least one. Calverton has slowed down and Manhattan is less than satisfying for various reasons, although it is important.
I hope that some of the folks that aren't speaking up on this thread can make it. Perhaps there's some way to get the word out to others as well? Maybe a mass pm? Works on Long Island.
Good luck Mark and Mark and everybody who makes it. Thank you.
Sue and I will be there. :)
I will be out of state for at least 2 more weeks on a job, see you next time.
Quote from: kDan on November 01, 2011, 03:38:34 PMI just got booked to install some appliances in one of the apartments I manage. Saturday. No way out of it. Trucks and money and keys and tools and holes in walls are all up to me. The fall season amounts to about 90% of my business activity for the year. Haven't had a real day off from home and office since August. Believe me I'd love to go to Albany and see y'all. I even missed a Calverton friendly shoot last week due to a combination of weather and priorities.
I'm really sorry I won't make it, but even a small meeting is a good thing. Whatever you guys come up with will push the conversation forward. Shuffle some papers, take some notes and let's bring the discussion back here to the forum. I'm looking forward to some new projects next year, or at least one. Calverton has slowed down and Manhattan is less than satisfying for various reasons, although it is important.
I hope that some of the folks that aren't speaking up on this thread can make it. Perhaps there's some way to get the word out to others as well? Maybe a mass pm? Works on Long Island.
Good luck Mark and Mark and everybody who makes it. Thank you.
Well, I hate to lose you as an on-site resource, but we're talking getting the bills paid here - you do what you have to do. My intent is to take notes, compile them, and forward them along to all interested parties.
A mass PM isn't a bad idea, although I've lost track somewhat of which level our IITs are at. Might be a good idea to reorganize our entire instructor list by level achieved. I'll see what I can get out.
sgtrock - thanks for checking in. We'll miss you, but glad you've got the gig!
Josey Wales - I know you'll be working (both jobs?). You planted the idea for this and we're thankful for that. We'll get you to the next one. Mean time, keep in touch.
B9 - what's on your mind? I was hoping you might have something to add.
MJA
did this happen? any notes?
I know it's hard, especially when nobody shows up, but if you guys met, I hope you talked about Appleseed in NYS and somebody said something.
If nothing else how was the food? (as if I don't already know... :-\ :sos:)
Next year, let's do the Waldorf. Fred, what do you say? You're invited, Boss! (just bring the RWVA checkbook and tips for the actors and actresses)
After all... NYS - the only place on the Appleseed map without ANY problems!!@!$!#%!!!!!
Yes it did happen and yes I have some notes to share. Give me some time to compile and disseminate.
There were six of us, all from the Saratoga/Capital region. One of the ideas (and a good one) is to have one or two more such instructor meetings in the spring, closer to other population centers (as in, closer to NYC & LI, and closer to CNY).
A lot of good stuff came out of this weekend...
MJA
Great Job all you guys that could make it!