I am committed to communication as one of my goals for the upcoming year. With that said, you now have the first of many newsletters on your screen or in your hands.

We have a great group of officers for 2011-2012. Even though Dallas Peak, is now Past President, he's still on the Board. Chris Hildenbrand, and Tim Kendziorski moved up as Vice Presidents and Pam Peak continues to be the treasurer. Patti Reed will be the secretary for one year and Paul Mayeux was elected as 3rd Vice President. This a great group of talented individuals with a love for Vintage Airstreams.

At the International the VAC parade, open house, and seminars were a big deal. This is the one opportunity to make the VAC visible to the WBCCI and IBT. They really do enjoy and appreciate it. I have experienced the change over the past few years. At Salem The WBCCI and VAC were in conflict, which peaked the following year. Now this has completely changed. At DuQuoin, the WBCCI went out of its way to provide us the best parking location, a pavilion, and guide the parade through the fairgrounds. I heard a leader say that the three shining stars of the WBCCI are caravans, national rallies and the Vintage Airstream Club. This was an extraordinary compliment and we will live up to it.

We all know that the VAC has become a little stale, and you told us in surveys what you wanted to see happen. Now it's time to get started. The Officers, Chairman, and Region Reps need your help. We particularly need a few good volunteers as you'll see later in this newsletter.

Finally, the Vintage Advantage is going to press. You will find my goals for the year in the President's Message.

VAC'ers at Du Quoin International
Small, but Mighty Fun!

Thirty-five trailers graced the most scenic location at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin for the 54th WBCCI International Rally. Parked on grass with a beautiful lake view and covered pavilion, traditional happy hours, shared meals, annual membership meeting, and seminars filled the schedule. As Dallas Peak, president, stated at the first gathering, the two most important events happen before the rally officially starts: VAC parade and Open House. Dallas eloquently encouraged participation," The parade and open house are our biggest representation of the VAC at International and our friends in the WBCCI are our audience." Twelve trailers took on the challenge to hook up and parade in the morning and then be ready for open house in the afternoon. Those that had never paraded before, said it was a blast and they would definitely do it again. Many WBCCI members, International and Region officers, plus local residents enjoyed the welcomed sunshine and chances to see the insides of our homes away from home during the Open House. One visitor commented, "You have some really nice elderly trailers!"

No one left the rally empty handed thanks to Dallas and Pam Peak, who came with boxes of donated t-shirts and magazines for drawings each afternoon. To top that off, Kimber Moore, VA editor, designed a swag bag for each trailer with two VAC Logo glasses, matching coasters, and discount coupons. The only thing missing in all the freebees was an umbrella for the heavy rain storms.

Paul Fancy and his volunteers judges, completed the Concours D' Elegance during the Open House and winners were announced at the final VAC Board meeting. Bud Cooper Best of Show went to Mike and Mary Brumback's 1963 Tradewind. The Best Tow Vehicle and Trailer Combination was awarded to Dal Smilie with his 1949 Curtis Wright pulled by a restored Studebaker truck. Norman Holman Jr. was recognized for the Best Engineered Feature. Read more about the winners in the upcoming VA magazine.

Over 350 WBCCI participants attended seminars sponsored and presented by VAC members. Dallas Peak, Jim Cooper, Kevin Allen, Don Grayson, Paul Fancy and Patti Reed shared their expertise.

Pictures and more details about the International will be shared in the VA magazine and on the website. As we aproach the 2012 International in Sedalia, Missouri the newsletter will be a great resource for sharing and gathering infomation for the VAC events.

Get Involved Now!

Two Appointed Positions Vacancies

The VAC leadership is looking for interested persons for two appointed positions: Technical Advisor and Librarian. The descriptions for both positions can be found on the VAC website. See Sec. 5 & 8 of the Bylaws.

Six Volunteers Needed

The Vintage Advantage editor, Kimber Moore needs associate Editors in three areas: Technical, Travel and Special Events. The VA needs editors willing to solicit articles, assist with text and photos, and get the articles to Kimber in a timely fashion.

The VAC Web Master, Tim Kendziorski, needs assistance with three areas: Home Page, Forum, and Archives. The Home Page assistant needs to keep the home page up to date and dynamic. Someone else is needed to manage and moderate the forum. Also someone is needed to work with the VAC Historian and Librarian to get materials archived on the website.

If interested in volunteering for either the VA magazine or the Web Site contact Jim Cooper, VAC President.

Volunteers Are Important

Rally Back by Popular Demand

Region 7 Vintage Club Road America Race Track in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin September 9-11

The Wisconsin Unit of the WBCCI is gathering for the Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association weekend and parking their Shinny Aluminum Trailers in the "Carousel Area" on grass. It is a great outing for the entire family and you are invited. The registration deadline is September1, 2011. If you have questions contact Don Stenz 920.946.4122 or