We have had a couple of requests recently to form new chapters. We have been struggling for some time about chapters, and this policy is meant to resolve some of the questions we've had. This is not the last word, since we are exploring some insurance options for chapters, so don't be surprised if we alter the language in the future about chapter insurance. Below is an extract from the minutes of a recent board of directors meeting.

"George Howard moved that the following resolution be adopted, and Dick Bodine seconded the motion.

"Resolution Number 63:

"Resolved, that the following policy statement is approved.

“ACMOC Chapter Information

“1. Purposes: The purposes for members forming a local Chapter of the Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) are:

“1. To promote membership in ACMOC at the local level.

“2. To facilitate local social and educational meetings of members of ACMOC with other members of the club located in their area.

“3. To help promote the knowledge and display of antique Caterpillar equipment at local shows and events.

“4. To provide group feedback and suggestions to the ACMOC Board of Directors.

“2. Organization: Each Chapter will identify a “home base” which will become the geographic center of the recognized Chapter area. From this identified center, no other chapter “home base” will be recognized within the same area.

“3. Responsibility of ACMOC in relation to Chapters: ACMOC does not supervise, approve or monitor individual chapter activities and accepts no liability for same. Chapters must organize themselves in accordance with all local laws and ordinances and are strongly encouraged to obtain individual or group liability insurance to cover all activities of the chapter.

“4. Recognition: The Board of Directors of ACMOC will officially recognize each new chapter after receiving a properly executed Petition for Recognition signed by at least five members in good standing of the club. Chapters will be known by the State in which they are organized. Chapters will also be given a number based on the order in which they are recognized. Recognition by ACMOC can be revoked at any time by a majority vote of the ACMOC Board of Directors.

“5. Sale of authorized merchandise: Caterpillar, Inc. must license all merchandise sold by ACMOC. Chapters that elect to sell Caterpillar-related merchandise must market only approved ACMOC merchandise. Chapters may use approved merchandise sales to raise funds for the local chapter.

“6. Membership verification: Chapters will forward to the Executive Director of ACMOC a list of officers and members of the local Chapter. The membership roster will be matched up with the membership records at ACMOC to insure that Chapter members have joined ACMOC. No person may be a member of a local Chapter without joining ACMOC. This report is due on or about July 1 of each year.

“7. Reports: A brief report of Chapter activities will be forwarded to the editor of the club magazine for use in each bi-monthly issue.”

"The motion passed and the resolution was adopted."

That is a great step forward and the insurance is an issue we need to work on but it dosnt seem to address the issue of bylaws or bylaw guidlines so we all have some sort of uniformity in or rules an regs so when a chapter co mingles with another chapter things are resonably close to same for saftey issues if nothing else

I would have to say the best thing to do would be to disband the club . That way it's alot less headache for everyone. Joe's web page is alot better in my opinion than this web page. No more political issues with out a club(win-win for everyone but cat) Just my 2-cents worth leroy

George, does this mean ACMOC no longer requires incorporation as I was told last year when I attempted to form another Chapter? If so, this is a great step forward, as the cost to insure a local chapter and incorporate (even as a not-for-profit) is a substantial amount. The initial dues collected at a potential new Chapter meeting would scare anyone away if that were the case. Also, can more than one Chapter be resident in one state? I applaud your efforts to garner some form of group rate for insurance. It should be of utmost importance that ACMOC support the Chapters in any way they can.

George, I suggest a phone call to the American Truck Historical Society in Kansas City MO, and talk with Bill Johnson on some of these things, this is the biggest collector organization in the country for rolling stock and historical artifacts, with 24,000 members world wide, with about 90 chapters and 9 of them are in Ca, I think he could shed some help and advice on where you would like to go with this.

Aaron, thank you for your advice. Actually, I think I will give Bill a call and discuss the issues with him. Always good to get advice from someone who is experienced in the matter. GWH