Happy New Year!
For those of you that do not know me, I am Don Therien and I would like to introduce myself as your new Appalachian Region President. I would also like to thank those of you who gave the Region's Officers your vote of confidence in the November election.
Most of you know Peter Graham, who has now stepped into the role of Past President. Peter will also become our Dealer Liaison with Porsche Asheville and intends to stay very active in the Club. Peter has served PCA as the last Carolinas Region Mountain Area Director and as the Appalachian Region's President for the last 4 years. He leaves some big shoes to fill and I will try my best to live up to that challenge.
Other changes to your Region leadership in the last few months are:
Jim Moore is our newly installed Vice President. Thankfully, Jim has agreed to continue as our Events Chair as well.
David Angelus has agreed to be the Region Membership Chair.
John Goetzman has taken on the Tour Chair seat.
Bob Herrmann recently assumed the Special Event Chair (Appalachian Adventure Czar).
Dan Dazzo has agreed to be our Region's Chief Driving Instructor. He came to us from PCA's Potomac Region (MD) late last year. Dan will also continue in his role as PCA's National Safety Chair.
Lastly, our most recent Past President and Dealer Liaison, Jim Peterson has stepped down from those roles. Many of you know Jim as our Region's first President or perhaps in one of the many crucial positions Jim has filled over the last decade+ of service to PCA in WNC. Please give Jim a big thank you for his hard work and dedication to the Club the next time you see him.
2020 will bring a host of New and Improved Activities to Appalachian Region Members including:
January Events – The new year starts out with a very interesting Tech Session on Saturday, January 4th at K & M Collision Center in Hickory. Other January events include a Social mixer in Asheville on the 8th; Breakfast in Weaverville or Cars & Coffee in Asheville on the 18th and Cars & Coffee in Greenville on the 25th. Details of the Events can be found on the Region Website.
On March 14th we will celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Appalachian Region Charter with a PARTY at the Asheville Country Club in Asheville. Details and ticket prices will be made available by early February. Be sure to SAVE THE DATE!
April 25th is the date for our 3rd Annual Luft Wasser Car Show in Brevard. This year's event will add a new and special twist. Be sure to SAVE THE DATE!
The New Members Picnic is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 20th. SAVE THE DATE!
Finally, this year's Appalachian Adventure will be in Blowing Rock, NC on September 10-13th. SAVE THE DATES!
Personally, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the impressive growth of our 5-year old PCA Region, including all members who have supported the Club in any way. I would also like to thank Porsche Asheville for their ongoing help and support, without which we would not be where we are today. We are indeed fortunate to have them as a partner. Please let them know that you appreciate them the next time that you visit the Dealership. Of course, the best way to do that is by patronizing them with your sales and service needs!
I look forward to the next two years as your President and welcome your suggestions and assistance to make the Appalachian Region the best that it can be.
