[QCWA Hotlist] Info gleaned from Tampa FL hamfest

[Ken Simpson, W8EK]

I wanted to move discussion of the information that we gleaned from the
Tampa FL hamfest off of the main list and over to this list.  It does
not directly effect the general QCWA populace, but does effect people
who would be on this list.

First, as I mentioned on the main list, I really want to thank the
people at the Tampa Hamfest who really went above and beyond for us.  I
never would have even thought we would have had one of the fancy draped
exhibition booths.  The best part is that it was free.  Jim, the hamfest
chairman was terrific, as were many others.

I also appreciated Walt, N3WS, taking time out of his schedule to come
and watch things for several hours.  As Walt said, he has not done the
hamfest circuit for a while, so I really appreciate Walt's help.  Alan,
KJ9N, and Jeff, WA4AW were also there to help, but the biggest help was
from  my XYL, Sue, N8AJU.  She stayed at the QCWA booth most of the
hamfest.  I guess this is only fitting, since she is our chapter
Treasurer, and needed to be there to take the money!

We did pass out a fair number of national applications.  I would have
been happier if they would have paid their dues on the spot, but only
one actually did that.  But at least others will be thinking about it.

We had many present members who had no idea about chapter affiliation,
and the fact they can be in more than one chapter, as I mentioned on the
main reflector.  We also had a couple of people that were "counting
their time" until 25 years arrived.  One said it would be only about 6
more months, but we explained that it really only needed to be one more
month, since January will roll around soon. Most hams are not aware that
they can join in January of the year that would make 25 for them.

The biggest thing that we really had a need for is information from all
of the chapters in the area.  This is a real need.  With Walt, and Alan,
and I, we could answer the 3 big questions -- when, where, and who --
for most of the local chapters.  Jeff could answer for some of the east
coast.  But we really need a hand out that will list, in our case, all
of the chapters in Florida, along with when they meet, where they meet,
and most important a contact person, preferably with an e-mail address.
I am going to try to make such a list from the info available on the
QCWA web site (thanks for putting that info together Bob).  However, I
feel that some of that info may not be 100% accurate.

So, I would like to make a request.  If you are an officer of a chapter
in Florida, please e-mail me at W8EK at speakeasy.net, and let me know
that the info on the web site is accurate, or give me updated info.  It
is almost a new year, and contact info might change.  Especially, if
your chapter does not have info on the web site, get that to me.  If I
find out any new info I'll get that to Bob for inclusion on the web
site.

There will be a hamfest in Ocala this coming Saturday, so I want to try
to get this list made before then.  To put it another way, please send
me the info now, instead of waiting.

Thanks for everyone's help.  Together we can make QCWA better for all.

Thanks.

73,

Ken, W8EK

Ken Simpson
E-mail to W8EK at speakeasy.net or W8EK at arrl.net
Voice Phone  (352) 732-8400