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A plan to take the TCA into the 21st century

Reflecting its responsibilities as a strong and growing organization, the Strategic Planning Committee prepared the 2006 Edition of the TCA Strategic Plan, which was adopted by the Board of Directors in June 2006 with minor changes.

Cover

Presented to:
The Board of Directors
Train Collectors Association
Developed by:
The Strategic Planning Committee:
Jim Burke, Chairman
Michael J. Andrews, Norcal Division
Newton B. Derby, Lone Star Division
Steven E. Holic, Midwest Division
Nicholas Ladd, Desert and Southeast Divisions
Dave Osborn, Ozark Division
Paul I. Wassermann, Desert Division

Nonvoting members:
John V. Luppino, TCA Business Manager
Keith Arnold, Education and Museum Committee, Co-Chairman
Ronald S. Morris, Library Committee, Chairman

Ex officio member:

William R. (Bob) Keller, TCA President

Transmittal Letter

The attached copy of the proposed 2006 Edition Strategic Plan is the product of all the committee members significant commitment of time, energy and thinking this year, efforts for which I want to thank one and all. The Plan is our report. The Plan is proposed, and its adoption is motioned, as the operational document meeting the committee's TCA By-Law charge of "creating a plan to take the TCA into the 21st century." This is not a static document; if adopted, it will be reviewed, updated yearly and used as a key planning tool by we the BOD. A presentation of the Plan will be made at the Board meeting to further explain the Plan and address any questions.

To get to this point, the committee members each took responsibility for a specific Goal and the development of the action items pertaining that Goal. These initial efforts were then discussed by the entire committee during two extended conference calls and two face-to-face meetings at York in October 2005 and April 2006. All individual items in the plan were motioned, seconded, discussed and approved by the committee as a whole.

This is the beginning of what we, as a committee, hope will prove a creative, orderly, and measurable planning document providing TCA the tool to select a desired outcome, chart a course to it and establish the actions that will keep TCA on track to that purposed end. The committee urges the adoption of the Plan, and the motions related to it, and thanks the Board for its consideration.
Respectfully submitted,

James J. Burke, Jr.
2006 Chairman, Strategic Planning Committee

Background and Charge

The Strategic Planning Committee shall develop a plan to move TCA into the future in the context of the 21st Century. TCA BYLAWS, Article Xl - Committees, Section 18.
The Commitment
The Board of Directors of the Train Collectors Association and its appointed committees hereby dedicate themselves to carrying out the Mission Statement, directives and actions contained within this Strategic Plan - based on the Vision Statement, Value Statement and Goals set forth herein.
In considering any action, three questions shall serve as an additional guide:

1. Is this action of long-term benefit to TCA and its Mission?
2. Will this action make TCA more valued to its current members?
3. Will this action stimulate interest by others in joining TCA?

Mission Statement
To develop an appreciation of and to preserve an important segment
of history- Tinplate Toy Trains - through research, education, community
outreach, fellowship, establishment of collecting standards and to promote
the growth and enjoyment of the hobby of collecting and operating toy, model
and scale trains.

Vision and Values

Vision Statement
The Train Collectors Association is the leading train collecting/operating club:

• Providing member benefits making it the "must join" organization.
• Establishing the relevance and intellectual value of the history of toy, model and scale trains, with the objective of providing an educational benefit.
• Known to command the highest quality and ethical values in all its activities.
• Known to be the ultimate resource for preserving the past and documenting the present.
• Known for building and maintaining the most effective marketplaces for the acquisition, sale and distribution of the "trains" themselves as well as information pertaining to them.
• Known for valuing collectors and operators of all ages.

Value Statement
Despite all else changing, core values endure. Believing this the Train Collectors Association adopts and shall conduct its affairs in accordance with the following values:

• To Members
  TCA will operate to exceed the expectations of its members and will strive to continuously identify member needs, upgrade member benefits and promote fellowship and interaction among members and within the hobby.
• In Ethics
  TCA will set and maintain the highest standards for financial dealings, member behavior and accuracy of communication.
• To The Hobby
  TCA will continue to establish itself as the prime resource for those interested in collecting and operating toy, model and scale trains.
• To Paid Staff
  TCA will respect, support and invest in professional development and personal growth - creating a positive work environment fostering success.
• To The Public
  TCA will conduct educational activities that will expand public awareness, interest and participation in the hobby.
• In Our Communities
  TCA will be a positive influence and play an active role in community activities at the national, regional and local levels.
• To The Family
  TCA will foster and support the participation of all family members in TCA activities and will act to preserve and nurture the TCA tradition of camaraderie among members.
• In Organization
  TCA will set policies and procedures for efficient, ethical and honest operations at all levels of the Association unencumbered by bureaucracy.

GOALS

1. Create and maintain positive yearly growth in membership.
2. Insure short and long term financial health and security of TCA .
3. Create and communicate member benefits and opportunities for fellowship that make TCA the "must-join" organization in the hobby.
4. Raise the intellectual perception and value of the Train Collectors Association its National Museum, Reference Library, print and electronic publications to all audiences.
5. Acquire and efficiently distribute to members and the public the highest quality of information on the history of toy, model and scale trains.
6. Dramatically enhance ways for members to enjoy the hobby.
7. Structure TCA governance to expedite decision making, eliminate bureaucracy and maximize accountability and efficiency of operation.

STRATEGIES and ACTIONS

GOAL 1. Create and maintain positive yearly growth in membership.

Strategy A. Create a Committee whose role it is to recruit new members and retain current members.

Short-Term

Action 1. Create Member Recruitment, Retention and Benefits Committee as a Standing Committee. Requires a By-Law change. Change the name and extend the responsibilities of the current Member Benefits Committee to include recruiting new members, retaining current members and improving member benefits. This committee to market the benefits of being a TCA member to both the public and the membership.
Responsibility: BOD, Membership.
Completion Date: July 2007

Strategy B. Intensify Retention Efforts

Long-Term

Strategy C. Engage in joint efforts with other organizations also seeking an increase in membership or customers.
Action 1. Team with Toy Train Publishers, Manufacturers and Retailers. Explore
teaming with toy train publishers, manufacturers and retailers to promote the hobby and reasons for joining TCA for the benefit of both TCA and the supporting organization. Responsibility: Member Recruitment, Retention and Benefits Committee
Completion Date: June 2007

GOAL 2. Insure short and long term financial health and security of TCA.

Short-Term

Strategy A. Match financial requirements to funding methods.
Action 1._Operating Fund Increases. When considering an action requiring revenue expenditure of operating funds, and most importantly an increase in yearly operating funds expenditure, BOD is to also address the issue of establishing a revenue source to cover the added expenditure.
Responsibility: TCA BOD, Treasurer, Finance Committee, Operations Manager. Completion Date: June 2006.

Strategy B. Develop alternative and additional sources for non-dues operating funds.
Action 1. Development Fundraising Plan. Director of Development, as first task, will review all current revenue producing programs and develop a comprehensive prioritized short and long term plan to raise alternative funds as per the goals outlined in the BOD motion that created the position. Management committee to provide input on prioritized initial activities. Plan to be presented to the Management Committee for approval.
Responsibility: Director of Development.
Completion Date: Within 180 days of the position being filled.

Long-Term

Strategy C. Establish long-term programs for generating alternative revenue sources.
Action 1. Alternative Revenue Streams. Explore and begin implementation of long-term alternative funding programs: donations, bequests, deferred giving etc.
Responsibility: Director of Development.
Completion Date: June 2007.

Strategy D. Develop alternative resources and methods for funding major capital projects and special projects.
Action 1. Grants Program. Initiate development of and implementation of Grants Program to fund major capital and special projects.
Responsibility: Director of Development.
Completion Date: June 2007.

Strategy E. Establish long-term view to ensuring financial stability of TCA and its institutional assets.

Short-Term

Action 1. Goal Is To Operate TCA on a Balanced Budget. Three areas to be examined, but not limited to, to reduce costs and increase revenues with the goal of operating on a balanced budget:

• Reducing the cost of TCA governance.
• Explore reducing the costs of traditional communications through more extensive use of less expensive internet communications.
• Develop new revenue sources for generating operating funds.
  Responsibility: Treasurer, Finance Committee, Operations Manager and Director of Development.
  Completion Date: June 2008.

Long-Term

Action 2. Explore Establishing Endowment Fund. Explore design and implementation of a program to build an Endowment Fund to support the National Toy Train Museum and Reference Library. The Director of Development to develop a plan to create the Fund in consultation with the Education and Museum Committee and the Library Committee.
Responsibility: Director of Development, Chairs of the Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee.
Completion Date: Twelve (12) months after the position of Director of Development is filled.

GOAL 3. Create and communicate member benefits that make TCA the "must join" organization in the hobby.

Strategy A. Become member centered by exploring why members joined and what members expect and want.

Short-Term

Action 1. Conduct Member Survey. Develop an objective member survey to explore why members joined and what members expect and want with the purpose of having TCA better serve the members. Participation in the survey to be possible by both print and electronic methods. Appendix A. Sample Survey.
Responsibility: Membership Recruitment, Retention and Benefits Committee (if passed in Goal 1.) or Membership Retention Committee with support from Headquarters staff. Completion Date: Report June 2007.

Strategy B. Build increasing value behind the TCA membership number by creating benefits and services only obtainable by joining the Association.

Long-Term

Action 1. Layered Information and Services. Develop policies regarding access to information and services by both members and the public for both print and electronic media.

• Provide TCA members access to the most in-depth levels of information in all areas of TCA activities and services.
• Provide the public access to information of general educational and hobby interest.
• Provide the public information describing and promoting the full range of benefits available with TCA membership.

Responsibility: Joint effort of the Publications Committee and The Internet Committee. Completion Date: Plan, June 2007. Implementation begins 2008.

Strategy C. Utilize a marketing approach to membership recruitment.

Short Term

Action 1. New Advertising. Develop new advertising that communicates the benefits of TCA membership.
Responsibility: Operations Manager, Member Recruitment, Retention and Benefits Committee with assistance from member professionals.
Completion Date: June 2007.

Long- Term

Action 1. Expand Marketing Efforts. Explore new ways to communicate with potential new members:
Manufacturers. Work with manufacturers and publishers.
Train Clubs. Work with other train clubs.
TCA Trade Show Booth. Develop trade show booth display for use at major train/hobby trade shows across the country.
Responsibility: Member Recruitment, Liaison Committee, Retention and Benefits Committee and Operations Manager.
Completion Date: June 2007.

GOAL 4. Raise the intellectual perception and value of the Train Collectors Association, its National Toy Train Museum, reference Library and print and electronic publications to all audiences.

Strategy A. Ensure and Insure Museum and Library Operations.
Short-Term
Action 1. Determine solution and fix the sewaqe problem at the Museum, Library and Headquarters site. Set as highest priority.
Responsibility: TCA Board of Directors, Management Committee and Operations Manager.
Completion Date: June 2006.

Action 2. Complete and maintain formalized database inventory of all collections - both owned and on loan. Establish values and maintain adequate insurance coverage for all assets owned and under TCA care. Chairman of Education and Museum Committee, Chairman of Library Committee, Secretary and Operations Manager to be trained and have access. Develop plan/budget to complete inventory by December 31, 2007. If time constraints of volunteers do not permit completion of inventory for insurance purposes by that date, employ outside paid service. See Accountants notes accompanying Audit Report of 2004-2005 Financial Statements. Set as second highest priority.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee, Board of Directors.
Completion Date: December 31, 2007.

Action 3. Yearly Financial Review. Finances of Museum to be isolated for separate yearly review with recommendations to accomplish the goal-over-time of break even operation.
Responsibility: Treasurer, Management Committee and Operations Manager. Completion Date: June 2006; yearly thereafter.

Action 4. Mission Statement to be adopted for the National Toy Train Museum. To be approved by the TCA Board of Directors.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee.
Completion Date: June 2006.

Action 5. improving building necessary for preservation of National Toy Train Museum collections and assets. A Building Improvement Plan will be prepared identifying modifications and improvements necessary to ensure the preservation of all NTTM assets housed in the building. The Plan will include costs and proposed schedule for, but not be limited to, updating of HVAC system, dust and moisture control and fire suppression systems in the collections, display and archiving areas. Consideration in the Plan will be given to addressing issues identified in the 1995 MAP 1 Assessment.
Responsibility: Museum and Education Committee, Library Committee and Operations Manager and BOD.
Completion Date: Plan to BOD June 2006; budget requests to Treasurer, Operations Manager and Finance Committee for 2006-07 budgeting August 15, 2006.
Action 6. Market the Museum. Define responsibility and authority for marketing the Museum and develop a marketing plan to more aggressively market the Museum as a tourist attraction destination. This plan should include not be limited to include:

• Restarting a Group Tours Program.
• Co-op Admission Discount Coupons Program.
• Magazine and print advertising.
• e-marketing on all TCA and paid media web sites.
• Radio and local cable television.
• Reciprocal Co-op Programs with other local attractions. Examples:
  - Strasburg R.R. - "Thomas The Tank Days."
  - PA Dutch Visitors and Convention Bureau.
  - Red Caboose Motel
  Responsibility: BOD, Management Committee with advice and support by the Education and Museum Committee and member professionals in field.
  Completion Date: June 2007, Ongoing.

Long-Term

Action 7. Proceed to MAP 1 Accreditation for the Museum and Library. Plan to accomplish process to be developed in 2006. Continuing work on issues raised by the 1995 Map-I Assessment is being given first priority.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee.
Completion Date: June 2007, Ongoing.

Action 8. Formalize in writing all policies and procedures for all activities and operations of both the Education and Museum and Library Committees. Document to cover but is not limited to accession, deaccession, archiving, maintenance, displays and volunteerism.

• Admission Pricing Policy: Evaluate yearly. Maintain family value.
• Sales Margin Policy: Increase sales margins to 60%; maintain strong family value.

Documents to be on file with each Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee chairperson, the TCA Secretary and Operations Manager.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee.
Completion Date: June 2007, Ongoing.

Action 9. Transition to AAM Standards for storage of all collections. A plan to transition the storage of all NTTM collections to American Association of Museum Standards shall be prepared. Full use of such materials is noted as necessary per the AAM standards for museum accreditation. The initial phase will be for items of the greatest rarity and value. The Library is already in compliance.
Responsibility: Museum and Education Committee, BOD.
Completion Date: Plan to BOD June 2006; budget requests to Treasurer, Operations Manager, Finance Committee for 2006-07 budgeting August 15, 2006.

Action 11. Rejuvenate "Patrons and Friends of the National Toy Train Museum and Library." A plan for the rejuvenation of the "Patrons and Friends of the National Toy Train Museum and Library" will be developed by the Director of Development with input from the Museum and Education Committee and the Library Committee. The objective of the Plan will be to awaken interest and generate donations of money, time and resources to enable the NTTM and Library to better support the TCA Mission Statement. The Plan will also include a donor recognition program scaled for levels of support. The Plan will be presented to the BOD for approval.
Responsibility: Director of Development with input from Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee
Completion Date: Plan within 180 days of the filling of the Director of Development position.

Strategy B. Enrich the visitor experience for the purpose of supporting the TCA's overall Mission Statement and attracting increasing numbers of new visitors and repeat visitors.

Short Term
Action 1. Increase volunteerism on the Museum and Education Committee and Library Committees. Recruiting has begun and will be ongoing.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee.
Completion Date:, Immediately and ongoing.

Action 2. Develop Docents Program and Visitor Support Materials. Increasing visit value of the Museum to include two initiatives:
A. Restart of Docents Tours. Tour program content to be developed with flexibility for youth, adults, families and adult tour groups.
B. Development of Visitor support materials. Develop concepts, plans and budgets and produce the following as soon as possible:
o      Visitor's Guide - Brief and inexpensive, describing museum exhibits. 2006 - 100% Complete.
o       Expanded text panels. More information on exhibits. 2006 -
100% Complete.
o      Lobby Kiosk. Welcomes visitors, providing brief introduction to the Museum. 2006.
o      Sign In Book. Create and maintain a sign in book for visitors with a place for comments. 2006 - 100% Complete.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee.
Completion Date: Introduce for TTT Days June 2007; Expand in 2008.

Long-Term

Action 3. Create prioritized list of all projects and needs of the Museum and Library that have the potential to be funded through Grants. Review all desired activities, projects and positions with the Director of Development.
Responsibility: Education and museum Committee, Library Committee and Director of Development.
Completion Date: June 2007.

Action 4. Develop effective visitor support materials. Develop concepts, plans and budgets and produce the following:
7 to 10 Minute Introductory Video/CD. Covering overview of toy trains, perspective on the museum and history of TCA. 2007-08.

• Voice Descriptors. Replace canned voice descriptors. 2006 -
• 100% Complete.
• Lobby Kiosk. Welcomes visitors providing brief introduction to the Museum. 2006.

Sign In Book. Create and maintain a sign in book for visitors with a place for comments. 2006 -100% Complete.
Museum Book. Design for sale to visitors and online, hard or soft cover, capturing the meaning of the museum, covering a cross section of the exhibits and brief history of TCA. 2008.
Responsibility: TCA BOD, Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee Completion Date: See date for each item.

Action 5. Increase interactive components to operating layouts and displays. To possibly include:
Self-activated operating accessories - Increase operating elements on operating layouts via manufacturer donations.

• Interactive computer activity. Possible example: My First Train - Visitor is afforded opportunity view his/her first train by viewing it in its original catalog accessed from a computer database; also available on-line 2008. Explore Grant funding.

Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee, Library Committee and Director of Development.
Completion Date: See date with each item.

Strategy C. Take the National Toy Train Museum and Reference Library out to all TCA members, train enthusiasts and the public-at-large.

Short Term

Action 1. Web cast "Wednesday-Before-York" Programs in edited one-hour form on the web. Announce and promote in all TCA media and advertising.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee.
Completion Date: April 2007. Ongoing.
Action 2. Publish out-of-print TCA publications on-line. Publish as simple page files for reading; this to include TCA books, catalog reproductions and any other print projects. Possible grant funding.
Responsibility: Library Committee, Director of Development.
Completion Date: First issue April 2007. Ongoing.

Long-Term
Action 3. Video/CD/Web cast Tour of the National Toy Train Museum and Reference Library. 60 minute program to provide an introduction to visit, overview history of toy trains with perspectives on operating and manufacture via those on exhibit as well as a history of TCA. Web cast periodically, make available for sale in gift store and on web site. Accessible to the public.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee.
Completion Date: 2010.

Action 4. Publish all TCA Quarterlies on-line. Explore Grant funding. Include indexes. Assess by TCA members only. TCA members to be given the option to receive the Quarterly on-line or in print.
Responsibility: Library Committee, Director of Development and Operations Manager. Completion Date: 2008; Ongoing.

Action 5. Publish current year's TCA Quarterly on-line by December 15 of the following year. 2005 would be available on-line December 15, 2006.
Responsibility: Library Committee, Director of Development.
Completion Date: 2005 TCA Quarterlies launch December 15, 2006; Ongoing yearly thereafter.

Action 6. Enhance Methods to Research Toy Trains. Develop methods and policies, and offer instructions to enhance researching toy trains in person, by staff and on-line. Responsibility: Library Committee.
Completion Date: 2009.

Action 7. Develop Items for Loan Program and Create Traveling Exhibit(s). Develop program, policies and procedures to implement the loans of museum and library owned assets/items from TCA collections to other museums and libraries. Develop a traveling exhibit on the history of toy and model trains and their operation (with necessary policies and procedures) to be promoted for exhibit at other Museums. The exhibit is to also contain a brief history of TCA with information on how to join TCA.
Responsibility:Museum and Education Committee and Library Committee with support from Operations Manager.
Completion Date: 2009.

Strategy D. Market the National Toy Train Museum (and Reference Library.)

Short-Term

Action 1. Act on the Report of the Special Committee on Museum and Library Finance for Deficit Reduction.
Responsibility: TCA BOD 2006. Operations Manager, Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee.
Completion Date:, Expedite the Report action by June 2006.

Action 2. Open Museum for Evaluation Days in March and April of each year. This is necessary for Group Tour Directors to visit, evaluate, add and schedule the Museum to their destination list for each year. This requires adjustment of the Winter work schedule at the museum.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee (and Library Committee.) Completion Date:March 2007; Ongoing.

Long-Term
Action 3. Develop a plan for the rotating of portions of the Museum's displays. The purpose is to create the opportunity to display more of the Museum's permanent collections, create the effect that "something-is-always-new," and stimulate repeat visits. Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee and Library Committee.
Completion Date: Begun and Ongoing.

GOAL 5. Acquire and efficiently distribute to members and the public the highest quality of information on the history of toy, model and scale trains.

Short-Term

Strategy A. Make TCA a prime resource for information on toy, model and scale trains.

Action 1.__ Publications On-Line. Publish and make accessible on-line to both members and the public any TCA publication that is sold out and out of print. Link on TCA homepage to "Publications" Example: "Lionel - Standard of the World 1900-1942." Communicate at the same time that there is more information available to TCA members; invite to join.
Responsibility: Library Committee and Internet Committee.
Completion Date: June 2007.

Long-Term

Action 1. TCA Collections Data Base. Create the world's largest toy, model and scale train data base of information by putting the TCA collections data base on-line. all fields and photos would be accessible to TCA members via their membership number and a password. The public would be able to access limited information with a an invitation to join TCA and find out more.
Responsibility: Education and Museum Committee, Library Committee and Internet Committee.
Completion Date: June 2011 (5 YRS).

GOAL 6. Dramatically enhance ways for members to enjoy the hobby.

Strategy A. Continuously expand efforts to make use of current and emerging electronic media in pursuing their hobby.

Short -Term

Action 1. Implement On-Line "x-change" Web Site. The "x-change" site to more efficiently pursuing their hobby needs, serve as an additional member benefit, and lessen the impact to TCA of rising paper, production and postage costs and staff time.
Responsibility: Internet Committee.
Completion Date: April 2006.

Long -Term
(To be developed.)

Goal 7. Structure TCA governance to enable timely decision making, eliminate bureaucracy and maximize accountability.

Short Term

Strategy A. Update TCA governance documents in context of 21st century.
Action 1. Update Board Policy Book. The President to appoint a Board Policy Book Special Committee to revisit Board Policy Book to update it in the context of the 21st century and eliminate conflicts and confusion. To be accomplished in one year. Responsibility: President, Board Policy Book Special Committee.
Date for Submission to the Board: June 2007.

Strategy B. Modify the structure of TCA governance to enable more timely and efficient governance.

Short-Term

Action 1. Review Role and Structure of the Board of Directors. The President shall appoint a Special Committee on Governance to develop the amendments necessary to the By-Laws to modify the structure of the Board of Directors to enable more efficient, timely and more cost effective governance. Examine possibilities for more frequent regularly scheduled meetings of the BOD without the cumbersome logistics and large expenses currently incurred for full board meetings. This committee to present its plan as proposed By-Law amendments to the Board within one year from the date of the appointment of the committee.
Responsibility: President, special Committee on governance.
Date for Submission to the Board: June 2007.

Action 2. Relocate National Business Office. Study to be made and presented to the TCA BOD to access the benefits and feasibility of relocating the National Business Office. A plan including cost estimates to implement the move, if judged desirable, to be included with the study.
Responsibility: Operations Manager.
Date for Submission to the Board: June 2007.

Strategy C. Provide for the consistent use, monitoring and updating of the Strategic Plan by the TCA Officers, Board of Directors and Board Committees.
Action 1. New "Strategic Plan" section in BOD Policy Book. A separate "Strategic Plan" section will be created in the Board Policy Book and the following "Items" will be included:

Item 1. Consist of Committee. The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) shall consist of four (4) TCA members-at-large appointed by the President for three (3) year terms, the Immediate Past President, the President-Elect and the Vice President all serving as voting members and that the chairman of the Education & Museum Committee, the chairman of the Library Committee and the Operations Manager shall serve as non-voting members.

Item 2. Requirements for Action. All items to be considered and included in the Strategic Plan must specify the office, committee staff person or outside resource "Responsible" for implementing the Action and specify a "Completion Date."

Item 3._Status of Action Items. Text for each Action in the Plan will conclude with a statement in parentheses estimating the percent (%) complete. Example: (25% complete.)

Item 4.__ BOD copies of the Strategic Plan.  The Strategic Plan will be part of the Strategic Planning Committee's Report provided to the BOD for its June BOD meeting titled for the current year. (Example: TCA Strategic Plan, 2006 Edition.)

Item. 5. Minutes for Plan Updating. The National Secretary shall provide the chairperson of the Strategic Planning Committee a copy of the Minutes of the June BOD meeting for use in updating the Plan. The Chairperson of the SPC shall update the Strategic Plan according to the June BOD Minutes and provide the Operations Manager an updated copy of the Plan for distribution to all TCA committee chairpersons.

Item 6. Copies of the Strategic Plan. A copy of the Strategic Plan will be provided to all TCA committee chairpersons at the beginning of each term-office year.
Responsibility: TCA BOD, National Secretary, Strategic Planning Committee Chairperson, Operations Manager.
Completion Date: June 2006

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This Strategic Plan document represents participation through writing, discussion and majority vote by all members of the 2005-2006 Strategic Planning Committee.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Strategic Planning Committee,
James J. Burke, Jr.
Chairman, Strategic Planning Committee
Voting Members: Michael Andrews, Newton B. Derby, Steven E. Holic, Wm. R. Keller, Nicholas Ladd, Dave Osborn and Paul Wassermann.
Non-Voting Members: Keith Arnold, John Luppino and Ronald S. Morris.

With contributions by Roy Aydelotte, John DeSantis, Dannie Martin and Bill Miles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Appendix A. Strategic Planning Committee Term End Dates

Voting Members

William R. Keller, TCA president, member ex-officio
Class of 2006 James J. Burke, Jr,
Newton B. Derby, Nicholas Ladd,
Paul I. Wassermann, M.D.
Class of 2007 Michael Andrews
Class of 2008 Steven E. Holic, David Osborn

Non-Voting Members
Serve as long as holding current position:

Keith Arnold, chairman, Education and Museum Committee
Ron Morris, chairman, Library Committee
John Luppino, TCA Operations Manager

Appendix B. Sample Survey
TCA MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT SURVEY
NAME_____________________ AGE:_____ TCA NO.____________

1. Do you collect trains, operate trains or both?

2. Do you have a preference for a particular manufacturer or gauge?

3. Why did you join TCA? What benefit offered by TCA caused you to want to become a member?

4. Did you have a train as a child?

5. What benefits do you receive as a TCA member?

• Train meets: local, national, York?
• Socialization
• Historical information
• Magazine
• Security of transactions

6. What additional benefits would you like to receive as a TCA member?

7. How would you convince someone to join TCA?

8. How should we communicate the benefits of TCA membership to non-members to cause them to join the TCA?