*** VBA Important Information... PLEASE READ

[trip]

I've got some important information to let every VBA member know about. There are two parts to this, so please take the time to read through all of this post. My apologies for it being so long, but it's important that everyone know and understand the following information:

Last year, I came to the realization that the VBA needed new life. While I am certainly proud of our accomplishments over the last 6 years, I feel it's time to pass the baton to someone else that can take the VBA to a higher level. I feel that I may be holding the VBA back from receiving fresh ideas that can help it grow even more into the future.

So, last October, I started looking at every member as a potential candidate to take over as President of the VBA. After much research and consideration, I narrowed the field down to 3 people. I contacted the 1st person on my list and told him of what I wanted to do. Since this is not a decision that can be derived lightly, I gave this person plenty of time to think about it. He got back with me in January of this year and stated he was excited and willing to take the reigns.

So, starting on May 1st, Jared "Utah Motorcyclist" Gant will officially takeover as the President of the VBA. I feel that Jared is well qualified for the position. He has a strong will to see the VBA succeed. He is a good communicator and writer having written a number of articles for several motorcycle related mags. He is a Kawasaki Vulcan man through and through. He's a member of the Iron Butt Association. He has a very good relationship with Kawasaki Corp. But most of all, I feel that Jared will be a good leader as well as a fair and impartial President and Admin for the forum.

Between now and May 1st, Jared and I will be working together for a smooth transition. Jared will be taking over not only the new member process, but all other processes vital to the VBA including total control over the VBA website. Jared will be making decisions to fill vacant staff positions and possibly making new policies in various areas. Jared will also be working closely with Mike the Admin on the forum. After May 1st, I will become Founder and Past President.

Please join me in congratulating Jared. And please give him the utmost respect and cooperation in his new position.

Now for the second part of this post.......

This past Tuesday (March 5th), I went to work as usual. At 10:30am, I was asked to meet with my Departmental Director. After spending 17 years with Trinity Mother Frances Health System as their Senior Programmer Analyst/Database Administrator/Webmaster and Web Technologist..... I was laid off. I have to say I was in total shock. I didn't see it coming. I could go into the negatives and tell you why I think I was let go and talk about the political climate, etc... but I'm not that type of person. Let's just say that healthcare is going through a lot of changes... more are on the way.

Now that I've had time to step back, take a look at things and collect my thoughts, I am actively trying to find employment in Information Technology in my area. I have applied at several institutions. If I can't find anything in my area, I'll begin the hunt for a job in other areas such as Dallas-Ft. Worth.

My wife and I have decided to put our house on the market so that we can be more liquid... and mobile, just in case. I say all of this not to get sympathy, but to let everyone know that my attention and focus will be on my personal situation in the coming months. Also, it is almost certain that Kathy and I will not be able to attend the VBA National Rally in June. In preparation for that, I have appointed Joel "Waterman" Schneekloth as Rally Coordinator for the National. I will be making all of the necessary changes on the VBA website. In the future, if you need anything concerning the VBA National Rally, please connect with Waterman.

In conclusion... it's hard to express my feelings without getting emotional. I'm very excited for Jared and the future of the VBA. I have planned for someone to take over the VBA since last October. I'm proud of Jared for stepping up and taking the reigns of a growing motorcycle club. But, I get emotional when I think about what I'm going to be missing out on in the coming months. I had planned on being a part of everything and sticking around long after the transition.

Be rest assured that the future of the VBA is in very good hands. In the coming months, my envolvement will have to wain, but my heart will always be with each and every one of you.

Please keep me and Kathy in your prayers. I will be back. ;^)>

Trip

[Blueraven]

Well, Trip. Let me be the first to say THANK YOU for your dedication and hard work for the VBA. If you don't attend the national, you will be missed. I wish you utmost luck in finding another job. Being on the unemployment line many times and had to miss last years Regional and almost the National of 2011, I understand your decision. Have faith, something will come along and hopefully sooner than later.

Keep in touch,
Rhys

[Blueraven]

Congrats Jared. You will do a great job for the VBA.

[glwilson]

The one and only constant is "change".

Trip, it was a pleasure to have met you in person a couple times; and I thank you for what you have created. It has put a lot of people together that otherwise would not have.

I wish you the best of luck in your search for employment; and life in whole.

Here's to ya!

To Jared... congratulations. A job well-deserved!

[manban9888]

First off thank you Trip for all you've done here and for what you have created. Second I will keep you and your lady in my prayers but from what little I know you I can tell you'll make it through this strong. And great choice in Jared. I always look forward to his posts and he has an energy that is contagious. God bless and I hope to see you on the road.

[cactusjack]

Jared, congratulations on becoming the "Grand Poobah" of the VBA. I wish you the best of luck.

Joel, I am confident the national rally will be a good one with you at the helm.

Trip, I don't know what to say...I am sorry you lost your job and hope you find new employment quickly. I also thank you for your vision in creating the VBA and your commitment to building a great organization.

[Bud2rat]

Trip, I, too THANK YOU for a great forum and for your leadership. I have been in your shoes (so to speak) losing a job. Keep the faith and you will prevail.

Jared, CONGRATULATIONS, I suspect that you will be good for the forum.

[tomm]

Congratulations Jared.

Trip - I was really looking forward to finally meeting you at the National this year. I too thank you for what you created with the VBA and wish you and Kathy the very best going forward.

[cnc]

First off, thank you Trip for all you have created here, it is something you can always be very proud of. Sorry to hear of your upheaval on a personable level, but I am confident you will turn that around into a positive in short order.
Jared, congrats on the new position, I am sure you will do well with it.

[waterman]

Trip,

I can fully understand your thoughts on VBA and the need for new blood. Even though you started this you are thinking of what's best for the organization. It takes a true leader to decide it's time to step down for the betterment of the organization. In my career I have had the luck of working with several of those people who decided that for the betterment of the organization it was time for a change. The choice of Jared will be a good one.

Trip, thank you for starting this organization and this too shall pass. In the long run, the change in jobs may be a good one. It may not seem like that now but hopefully everything turns for the better. Take care and my prayers for a fast and short job search.

[BudMan]

Trip,

I've enjoyed being a part of the VBA. A big Thank You for all your hard work.
Good luck in the job search. Hopefully we'll see you and Kathy in Antlers.

Congratulations Jared.

[nightmare]

Trip, first of all thank you for starting this great organization, through this I have met many wonderful people I am proud to call my friends, and you as one of my closest, it has given me many memories to carry with me in life. The VBA has grown tremendously from its humble roots under your guiding hand, and hopefully will continue under Jareds guidance, congratulations Jared! Trip made a wise choice. Trip, Katie and I will keep you and Kathy in our prayers, we know it will work out for you guys.

[coacha]

Trip, thank you for all you have done with this organization. I wish you and Kathy nothing but the best as you move forward.

Congratulations Jared and I'm sure you will do a fine job.

[Framer]

Tripp
Thanks for a such a great forum without it I'm sure I would have screwed my bike up by now. Good luck with the job search. I hope to meet you at Caddo Valley and if not maybe Antlers
Congrats Jared

[crazygene49]

Trip, I'm sorry to hear the news about your job. I sincerely hope you find a new and better one soon. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication to the VBA.

Jared, congratulations. I'm sure you'll do a great job in keeping the VBA alive and well.