2023 Christmas Party & Annual Meeting Review
Sunday December 3, 2023
43 members and guests attended the Christmas Party and Annual Meeting at the Golden Mast on Lake Okauchee. With weather that mostly co-operated, members began gathering well before 11:30 in the Golden Mast’s festively decorated banquet hall for conversation, catching up with one another and exchanging Christmas greetings.
The Golden Mast’s fabulous champagne Sunday brunch was enjoyed. The slide show recapping 2023 events played continuously, reminding us of how successful the year was.
After brunch President Bruce Hamilton conducted our annual meeting. Those recognized and thanked for their efforts included Jim Loseke, the Section’s Webmaster, all those who hosted events during 2023, and Nancy & Dean Pearson for all their behind the scenes efforts including sending out both the print and electronic versions of the Badger Star. The 2024 event calendar was reviewed and Bruce highlighted the first event of 2024, our 6th Annual Valentine’s Drive-to-Dine.
Dan Hellenberg then covered Section business during the year while Frank Lubinski reviewed the Section’s financial condition. Bruce gave a brief history of the Section’s finances since MBCA National suspended their financial support, and answered questions from the floor. He also highlighted the sponsorship we received from Mercedes-Benz North Shore and the $500.00 donation our Section received from an anonymous member donor.
Todd Knutson asked to address the membership, and gave a very heartfelt tribute to the Board of Directors and in particular, yours truly. I am both honored and humbled by Todd’s remarks. Very rarely do you see me speechless, but that was one of those moments.
Bruce then remarked that based on some other Section’s current challenges the Wisconsin Section is doing very well.
Finally, Bernd Kampe was surprised when he was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Member of the Year Award. Bernd received his award for his continued efforts supporting the Section as Vice President. Bernd is an invaluable asset to the Section.
The Annual Meeting concluded on a very positive note with a group picture and everyone looking forward to 2024. The day didn’t end there, as many remained long after the Meeting enjoying the Gemütlichkeit!
Bruce Hamilton
Click on the link below to view the Video presentation of 2023 events
