Story by Ginger Corda; photos by Mike Baker, Steve Kennedy and Ray David

MARCH 31-APRIL 2, 2005  - The Jaguar Club of Florida hosted this year’s JCNA Annual General Meeting at the wonderful Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa in downtown Disney. The all-Jaguar, three-day event was quite enjoyable and entertaining while equally packed with important business meetings and educational opportunities. With so much going on, it seems every minute was filled.  At registration, we provided special AGM pins and programs, Jaguar lanyards, name tags and tickets, and tote bags with goodies for the guests.  Jaguar enthusiasts were at every turn, and it was a fun weekend to share with other clubs. The Downtown Disney location was really nice, and several attendees visited theme parks and surrounding areas while they were here. 

The feedback we’ve received lets us know that others felt it was a successful AGM, and we appreciate hearing from everyone. It was a massive volunteer undertaking, and not only did we pulled it off, but we may have even looked good doing it! All of us at JCOF know that it was not possible without the dedication of our members, sponsors, and friends. Their efforts and contributions are very appreciated!

The Board of Directors meeting and Annual General Meeting were well attended. JCOF’s AGM delegates were President, Mike Kreul, and Vice-President, Lou Kairys. The AGM was conducted by JCNA President, Bill Streitenberger, assisted by past President, Gary Hagopian. Several committee reports and announcements were made and important items were considered and voted upon that may affect you. (Summary below - Full results are online at www.JCNA.com)

•  The XJS concours class was divided into two:  1976 to 1991 and 1992 to 1996;

•  New Mechanical judging procedures were approved;

•  Chapter II was revised effective in 2005, Chapter VI was revised effective 2006;

•  Score sheets were updated;

•  A new slalom protest procedure was approved;

•  A major update of rally rules was approved, making it easier to organize JCNA-sanctioned rallies.

New 2005 Executive Committee

President:  Bill Streitenberger
Vice President:  Barbara Grayson
Secretary:  Sherman Taffel
Member:  Lisa Hendrix

Special Awards

Karen Miller award, Editor of the Year: 

Harry Parkinson, JANE
Andrew Whyte Service Award:  Judy Graven, JOCLA
Fred Horner:  Scott & Linda Young, JC Tulsa
Dealer of the Year:  Hennessey Jaguar, Atlanta GA
Webmaster of the Year:  John P. Richardson, JS of South Carolina

Seminars are hot topics!

All four of the seminars were well received and handled professionally by the presenters. Parked inside the rooms were two stunning example Jaguars to enhance the learning experience. On Friday, a session on "Judging the MK-2" was presented by George Jones & Gary Hagopian, and introduced a new handbook that will be the official word for future MK-2 concours judging. David & Elsa Roth provided their beautiful Jaguar 340 for inspection and everyone gathered around for a close-up learning experience. David is pictured at right, in the far corner.  (Yes, there is a car in there!)

Saturday’s “Chief Judge Training” was instructed by Dick Cavicke in the same room, and packed with over 30 members eager to learn and improve our JCNA  judging.

On Friday, another workshop, “Troubleshooting the XKE,” was presented by Dick Maury of Coventry West.  He displayed the “Green Monster” XKE they’ve prepared for slalom competition. The classroom is pictured right, as he gives an informative session with detailed illustrations. 

Saturday’s seminar held in this room was a perfect match for the special XKE Dick brought. Steve Weinstein, (Slalom Chair) and Gary Hagopian (JANE) presented a great “JCNA Slalom and HPDE” program. The session featured some entertaining video clips of official slalom runs. Seeing is believing – and watching drivers complete the slalom course really helps others learn (and want to try it!) This seminar undoubtedly tickled the right foot of Jaguar owners, making 2005 a big year for slaloming. (PS. Competing after the AGM, this car now leads Class I)

Paradise Found

After a hard day’s work with the Board meeting, registration of newly arrived guests, plus two great seminars, we were ready to relax at our Friday Reception party, hosted in part by Collier Jaguar. 

The outdoor location was perfect – held at Paradise Cove, (BV Watersports), a breezy lakeside setting with wooden decks, palm and cypress trees. This really was a little slice of natural Florida without going too far away from the hotel.  The full tropical buffet was scrumptious and the libations dispensed from the grass hut were very refreshing!  Did you try the “swamp punch?” Yummy!  We just mixed in music and good friends, and had a party.

Credit goes to Diane O’Brien for arranging this great spot, and of course, the catering. Jim Kuhlmann secured the support of Collier Jaguar, and Mike Kreul lined up Straub’s Seafood bus transport to/from the hotel.

The annual awards for newsletter competition were given, and JCOF member, Mike Baker, received second place in the Photography Category for a JAGWire cover shot.  (See page 4). The 2004 JCNA Rally and Slalom awards were also announced. Everyone enjoyed the chance to relax and talk with one another, and go back for more grilled Mahi Mahi.

Hospitality Abounds

For most of the weekend, our hospitality suite at the hotel was open and graciously tended by the Kreuls, and SunCoast and JCOF club members. The hospitality team furnished nice refreshments and snacks, and generally made our Jaguar guests feel at home and comfortable. For entertainment, we played a video of Ginger’s vacation to England and Goodwood with marvelous old D-types and such (the louder, the better). 

Enter the Jaguar

The entire Exhibition Hall area of the hotel was reserved for our sole use. It had a roll door outside entrance that allowed placement of several special Jaguars inside the hotel. Four Union Jacks and two Jaguar flags (courtesy of Mike Kreul) made a great statement as the attendees entered our exclusive area. Also front and center were large sponsor banners for Pirelli, XKs Unlimited, and Coventry West. To the left were our exhibits and display tables, as well as seating for breakfast and lunch buffets. To the right were the silent auction and special display Jaguars (see cover). Directly behind the banners were two large seminar rooms equipped with computers and overhead projectors, and containing example Jaguars. 

On the Prowl

The AGM sponsors and table exhibits were very interesting and informative. This area was quite handy for the members since the meeting and seminar rooms were in the same vicinity. We had displays by Parish-Heacock Classic Car Insurance, Classic Coachworks (Patrick Dupuis), XKs Unlimited, CARE Foundation, Jaguar Journal, Steve Kennedy (Jaguar, The Classic Marque), JCNA & Challenge Championship, and JCOF and SunCoast clubs. Each of these tables was loaded with information, photos, booklets, catalogs, free posters and other gifts, so I’m sure that everyone went home with something!

Between these exhibits and the silent auction, the attendees had plenty of leisure browsing to do. During breakfast, lunch, or breaks, we could explore the items displayed and talk to the friendly people at the tables. The CARE Foundation raised over $75 for the care of Jaguars in their big cat sanctuary. The Florida clubs also donated $500 to the Highland Humane Society, a favorite local charity of Bob Tullius (a known cat-lover).

Left, author and Rocky Mountain Jaguar Club member, Steve Kennedy, presents a special edition of his book, “Jaguar, the Classic Marque” to Mr. Bob Tullius (who was seen enjoying the book later). Steve’s display is below. 

Silence is Golden

Our silent auction items were too tempting to resist!  We had a variety of unique goodies – from F1 merchandise to a custom XKE oil painting and gold Jaguar jewelry. Artwork was popular, but a full set of Pirelli tires was one of the best gifts. 

Awards Banquet

I think I saw Frank Sinatra!  Yes, I did!  Our entertainer was amazing. He could really sing, and had the looks and stage presence of old ‘Blue Eyes’ himself.  He sang a special song, “Jaguar is my kind of car, and Orlando is my kind of town.”  The singer was another one of Mike Kreul’s finds (besides arranging the hotel and everything). Our ballroom was wonderfully prepared with the flag entrance and Jaguar decorations by Cecilia Wheeler & team. The auction continued, meals were delicious with lovely desserts, and the entire program unfolded pretty smoothly. 

The evening’s speakers included JCOF President, Mike Kreul; AGM Co-Chairs Ginger Corda and Jerry Wise; JCNA President, Bill Streitenberger, Malcolm Oliver of Jaguar Cars, and Mike Cook of Jaguar Journal.  Our special guest speaker for the evening was Bob Tullius of Group 44 and Jaguar racing fame. He was introduced by Mike Cook, who told funny stories about their old days with Triumph. Bob says he now enjoys retirement among the orange trees in Sebring with his planes and cars. His viewpoints on Jaguar’s recent pathways were poignant reminders that those old days – Jaguar’s history and heritage – should not be forgotten. 

Mr. Tullius was gracious with his time and signed many autographs at the close of the banquet.

Hard-earned concours trophies were presented and applauded.  Centerpieces were taken home as door prizes, and special XKs Unlimited etched wine glasses were given to guests as a parting gift. After the banquet, a live DJ coaxed us onto the floor with some great dance music.   Party time!

The JCOF hopes all of the AGM guests enjoyed visiting with us in our home area – one of the greatest destinations in the USA – the Sunshine State, Orlando and Disney during the springtime!