THE SENIOR MEN'S CLUB OF NEW CANAAN
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 12, 2001
President Lee Hindenach opened the business meeting with 132 members present.
Current membership is 498, with 23 on the waiting list.
Announcements: Dick Depatie reported all is quiet on the health front. We were
informed that Ira Hicks passed away. President Hindenach announced that Clare
Colman will move to California. Bert Liebelt informed us that forms are available
for a prostate study being conducted by Yale University. Brad Stone mentioned
that our Town Channel 73 is on the air again. Bill Kirby advised owners of Ford
Explorers who had tires changed at Griffen Ford, to check the tire pressure.
Activities: Bowling and Bridge are BAU. The nets will be up until Nov. 1st,
so tennis continues. Racquet ball has added a new recruit. The October 4F's
luncheon will be hosted at the NC Country Club. Trailblazers will hike to Macedonia
State Park on 10/15, and then to Sleeping Giant on 11/14. Golf will return in May
Couth: Nov. 14th. it's off to Broadway and "42nd. Street" followed by dinner
at "21 Club". Price is $145. December 13th., Radio City Christmas show with
lunch at City Island. Price is $100. The Washington trip agenda will be distributed
today. Departure is from St. Marks at 0730 hours on Oct. 23rd, returning on Oct. 25th.
Resident Humorist: Bob Dalury told us about the vigilance of The Lone Ranger and
Tonto during an overnight campout. Tonto saw the beauty of the stars, while the
Lone Ranger realized their tent had been stolen.
SPEAKER: Vice President Ron Seger, introduced Bruce Bennett, President and CEO of
Bob Sharp Motors. In 1988, as sales manager of Bob Sharp Motors Mr. Bennett
was given the opportunity to became its owner. With "$10,000 down", and lots
of debt he took over the business valued at $4.4M. From a single dealership in
1988 he now owns three. His last acquisition was the GM dealership in Danbury.
He spoke of the constantly changing automobile industry, the lack of support and
limited training provided by the manufacturers. In his view, the manufacturers
who provide the best dealer assistance are Lexus, Mercedes, Nissan, and some
others. He spoke of technology leading to new innovation in cars. Servicings
are now done at extended intervals and spark plugs are replaced at 100,000 miles.
He also spoke of the important role of the Internet, not so much as a tool to buy
a car, but as an excellent source of information to prepare a potential buyer.
He recommended using NADA.COM for auto invoice and cost prices; CARSDIRECT.COM
for dealer incentive information; and EDMONDS.COM for used car prices. When
purchasing a car come prepared. Bruce prefers a sale to an informed customer,
than a head to head sale. He attributes his success to satisfied customers and
employees, as well as cash flow management. A good dealership is a good service
facility where the work is done once and done right.
Stan Stanziale, Asst. Secretary