MCR holds first annual “Superintendents Breakfast”

At the recent Mid-Central Region Annual Spring Convention, the first ever “Superintendents Breakfast” was held in Columbus, Oh. This event was put together by MCR V.P., Merlyn Jarman, who is also Superintendent of Cincinnati Division 7.

The idea for this meeting was in response to the needs of MCR Division Superintendents to have a forum where ideas could be exchanged and concepts discussed about what’s working and what’s not in other Divisions. Conventions and Board of Directors meetings are busy affairs where chance meetings may involve two or more Division Superintendents. However, there has not been any real scheduled “talk time” for a majority of the Superintendents to swap ideas and concepts that could improve the operations of their respective Divisions.

This year’s event centered on the topic of “Gaining and maintaining NMRA Membership”. It’s focus was on what ideas are working in the various MCR Divisions for attracting new NMRA Members and what’s being done to serve and maintain the existing Division Members.

A catered breakfast was served on Sunday morning of the Convention and all MCR Division Superintendents and Assistant Superintendent’s along with the MCR officers were invited to attend and participate. As a result of the meeting, there were approximately 19 ideas for attracting new Members and 11 ideas for maintaining current Members! Ideas for attracting new members ranged from using more of the NMRA‘s “Rail Pass’ program, working with local radio and TV stations, and holding a model railroad Jamboree that promotes model railroading. The results are posted on the MCR website and can be downloaded.

All agreed that attendees came away with new ideas that could be used in their Division to serve and build their membership. The Convention committee for next year’s 2010 “Coalfield Express” convention in Charleson, W.V. has agreed to schedule another “Super’s Breakfast” meeting.