well i wanted to get some opinions on what happened tonight. i live in Ellijay ga approximately 140 miles round trip at $3.29 a gallon. that’s a half tank in my truck, 8 gallons and a 3 hours round trip to the atlanta chapter, quarterly meeting in marrietta ga. i checked the web site prior to my departure http://www.nachiatlanta.org/default.asp?active_page_id=65 for the meeting schedule.(the site has been updated to include the $25.00 fee in red letters) It used to say:
"Our Meetings Free of Charge and Open To All"
with the meeting place and months listed, nowhere $25.00 per attendee. so when i arrived and shook hands with the 6 in attendance(down from a constant 30+/- every month) and settled in and then was ask for my $25.00 i was a little shocked. I explained that i did not have the $25.00. Earl Beahm-chapter president said “well you need to leave.” I was shocked again, i said “i need to leave; i’m spending $30.00 in gas just to come”. as i make the drive to help support the chapter and maybe learn something new. at one time i was driving 180 miles round trip and up to three hours in atlanta rush hour and an hour and forty-five to come back. to be at the meetings in tucker ga at 6:30. i would say have made an extraordinary effort. i proceeded to explain that i had no idea that there was a fee. Earl replied you should have checked the web site, well i did and again later and it said “free.” Earl said “what do you expect me to do?” i explained that i would have sent an e-mail to all the chapter members explaining the charge. Earl said “i do not need to baby sit.” i was shocked again. so instead of making a big seen i said " i do not agree and i will not be back because of this" with a shrug and his back sitting down to eat from Earl. i said goodbye to all 5 of the other members and walked out.
well got home and checked the site again and what did i find nothing about that $25.00 charge on the meeting schedule page but “free”. it is mentioned under announcements. i do not check the page frequently as it is update very rarely. when i do it is to make sure the meeting has not changed locations. although earl sends an email out about any changes and nachi info.
i am a little stunned at the reaction from Earl. Before the meeting, months ago that the vote for the changes was take place i spoke with earl ( I was unable to attend). we talked over some ideas and one was a charge, i even suggested the later start time for the meetings. that with a later start time and less atlanta traffic more may come. there was even the mention of disbanding the chapter all together. i believe there was an email after the meeting sent to all chapter members explaining the changes in time and frequency, no mention of the $25.00. i cannot locate it now but will try and locate it and update this info.
i would like to know anyone’s opinion on what has happened tonight. if you want to stay anonymous do not log in.
thank you seth hegert
ps i apologize in advance for the grammar