Congratulations to Region H, Texas Chapter “O” for being selected as the International Chapter of the Year 2007.  The Chapter Directors, Mark and Lynn Heene, and the members were recognized and honored at Wing Ding 30 Opening Ceremonies. The entire Chapter will receive “half price” entry to Wing Ding 31 in Tulsa, OK, a very nice plaque and a traveling banner indicating Chapter of the Year.  They also received other tokens of our appreciation for the outstanding accomplishment.

The selection process was based solely on the CHOY Score Sheet and even though the results were very close, Texas Chapter “O” managed to be honored with the title.

Texas Chapter “O” was chartered in April 1987. While the Chapter uses the name of Austin, TX as a location identifier, Chapter O participants come from many cities, towns and communities in Central Texas.

As a Chapter, Members participate in the levels program, we believe in education and training, and we like to do what most wingers do -----RIDE. The Chapter in 2007 participated in over thirty-five major rides. Chapter O has an annual Chapter Rally that is now a multi-day campout. The Chapter also has an annual Member appreciation dinner ride where the Chapter buys dinner for everyone that attends.

Chapter O actively recruits new Members (24 in 2007) by inviting others to join in rides and monthly gatherings. Many staff members carry newsletters and Chapter cards on their bike and give them to potential Members. The Chapter posts information at several area motorcycle dealers to help recruit new Members and often get referrals from these dealers. The Chapter website has also been a great ambassador for the Chapter. Chapter O Members proudly wear their Chapter shirts, vests and hats on rides and to the monthly gathering. The Chapter MED Coordinators have fun activities at meetings, monitor attendance, call Members that have not been to a gathering or on a ride in a while and during an event such as the annual Christmas party, give out attendance awards.

Chapter O staff is dedicated and always ready to lend a hand wherever needed. Many have been with the Chapter for many years and form the core and character of the Chapter. The Chapter could not be successful without this team of helpful and fun folks.
It is apparent that Chapter O has a great group of Members, and we wish them the best in 2008.

The 2007 CHOY program had a total of nine (9) chapters for consideration, and we are pleased to announce all the Chapters in order of completion. In my opinion, all the Chapters are winners, as they were chosen within their respective Regions and honored accordingly.

1. REGION H – TEXAS CHAPTER O
2. REGION D – MICHIGAN CHAPTER A
3. REGION B – NEW JERSEY CHAPTER D
4. REGION E – ILLINOIS CHAPTER Q
5. REGION N – WEST VIRGINIA CHAPTER B
6. REGION K – QUEBEC CHAPTER Q
7. REGION A – FLORIDA CHAPTER FL2-G
8. REGION I – WASHINGTON CHAPTER Z
9. REGION J – BRITISH COLUMBIA CHAPTER D

Congratulations to all the above Chapters, and we truly appreciate the hard work and effort all Chapters put forth towards our great Association.

The 2008 Chapter of the Year program is in full swing, and if you need more information about the program, we ask that you contact your District Staff for a copy of the Guidelines and Score Sheet.  Again, it is not the responsibility of the Chapter to complete the score sheet, but we do ask that you make your District Staff aware of the “Extraordinary Events” your Chapter conducts during this year.

Thanks to all for making this program a success, and feel free to contact me should you need any information pertaining to the Chapter of  the Year Program.