originally posted on 11/18/2024
Of all the Executive Committee's responsibilities, its primary ones are leading and guiding the direction of ACE's strategic plan and fulfilling responsibilities as outlined in our bylaws. These duties culminate during our meetings as the 12 members collaborate at one of three in-person meetings a year (a total of four and a half days).
During the weekend of November 2 and 3, 11 of our 12 members were in attendance for a busy two days. The tight schedule included a review of reports submitted by directors and elected officials, old business (ongoing items), new business items and discussions on all the items needed to keep ACE running.
In order to gain a deeper understanding of the progress and challenges facing the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the museum kindly agreed to host our meeting at the facility. ACE members have donated a significant amount of money to the NRCMA, and I felt that it was important for our Executive Committee to make intentional decisions about future efforts based on in-person experience versus virtual impressions. Board members Pete Owens and Kris Rowberry traveled to the museum for the weekend to be available for questions and discussions. They led us on a tour of the museum and hosted a discussion over a working lunch to give us more insight into the developing plans and timeline. It was a beneficial experience for all of us. The impact of our donations is apparent, as is the progress toward welcoming the first visitors.
On a personal note for me, the visit to the NRCMA was very emotional. It allowed me to relive special memories, not just in my mind but with a tactile component. I could touch the Big Bad Wolf car again. I relived the feeling of Shockwave rolling out of the station on seeing the faded stickers on the back of Shockwave’s cars that reminded riders to keep their feet flat on the floor. Touching the Big Bad Wolf’s cars was the moment that took my passion for this museum to a non-negotiable level; it reminded me of the powerful emotions that roller coasters evoke in us, which settles them into a unique place in so many people’s hearts. Whether it is the fear, the memories, the people involved or the thrills, roller coasters are a critical component of special and powerful memories. I do not doubt that a visit to the museum will enhance this for every visitor.
During the weekend, the Executive Committee made significant progress toward a few agenda items:
- Implementing a new robust member engagement tool
- Enhancing expressions of gratitude toward volunteers
- Recognizing impactful volunteers
- Ensuring that ACE is the premiere enthusiasts' organization
- Assessing progress toward our strategic goals
- Ensuring we are meeting volunteers’ needs
- Developing a plan to implement an updated action plan at our archives facility
The weekend concluded with reflections on the meeting and sharing of goals so we can all support and contribute to each other's areas of ACE.
After each meeting, we aim to publish the meeting minutes within 60 days of the meeting. This is sometimes unexpectedly delayed. When they are published, a note will be included in the biweekly email blast. All past meeting minutes and more can be found in the member downloads area.
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If you are curious to see more about what is happening at NRCMA, mark your calendar for the ACE digital tour of the museum on February 9, 2025 at 1:00 pm EST. Register at ridewithace.com/events.
— Elizabeth Ringas, ACE President
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