The new Tokyo American Club Nihonbashi is coming together. It won’t be as massive as the Azabudai property but is a smart move by Mitsui Fudosan to bring an international flavor to Nihonbashi area.
What We Hope Our President Addresses In Today’s Online TAC Members Meeting
1. What’s the Board’s vision? “By 2025, TAC will (financial), (loans), (memberships), (service model) …”
2. Full audit after elections, including a process audit of procurement?
3. Why can’t we adopt a similar guest policy to RHC or the New Sanno?
4. How does the Board propose improving transparency and member participation in decision making?
5. How does the Board propose improving accountability for staff?
6. When are we going to have a fully open club?
7. Why are board members aware of members personal voter information?
8. Can the Board consider implementing an operational auditor committee, made up of a small number of professionals in hospitality and consumer management, much as a company has strategic outside auditors?
TAC Elections: Break out the Moet!
What’s that faint popping sound we hear? Some say it’s the champagne corks going off … the rumor is that Dan Thomas has NOT been re-elected, and that there are “new faces” on the BoG. Well done, MABT-ers!
Unfortunately, if you’re a Facebook user you have probably already seen the premature announcement from one of the presidential candidates whose name is not Rod. Still, it could be worse … it could have been a tie!
Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of the Party; so keep the pressure up to make sure the TWG2 and FinComm recommendations are turned into reality. Tally ho!
Following the Smoke: Slide from 2006 Town Hall
See here the slide from the 2006 Town Hall meeting as a summary of the prospectus document signed by Messrs Bumgardner, Thomas, and Brown:
Score: None for Four!
President’s Insight: We’re having a garage sale!
Was anyone else amazed by Lance’s recent “President’s Insight”? At a time when there’s serious debate about the Club’s future – and when there’s an election around the corner – his “insight” was that we’re selling the curtains!
In our view, Lance should be pushing for change, encouraging debate and answering members’ questions … like how come it’s going to cost an additional 3% to pay by cash. Not acting as the messenger for any and all activities that can be painted as neutral.
By trivializing the communication channel with members and refusing to deal with the real issues (like 3%, Lance!), Lance does himself and the members a disservice and cedes effective leadership to management and staff.
How about some real insights?
TAC Elections: US Citizens: Recommendations
It’s time to turn our attention to the US Citizen candidates … now comes the fun!
[Naturally, all the opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of TAC or (obviously) the candidates! There is no intent to offend.]
Here’s our quick take on people you should consider voting for:
| Nominee: | Greg Lyons | Brian Nelson | Charles Rees |
| Recommendation |
| ||
| Principal says … | Works hard in class, and contributes well to extra-curricular activities. | Brian takes unconventional approaches, but gets above-average results. | Charles is a quiet boy, with much to commend him. |
| Wagtail Comment: | Greg has been impressive on the Finance Committee, and is a strong advocate of change. Seems to get the need for strategy as well. Not afraid to stand up to the bullies or the power structure. That’s good enough for us! | Brian was a member of TWG1 and TWG2, and is all about getting change at our Club. Knows what the issues are, and is a contributor rather than an observer. Brian follows through on commitments, and doesn’t play politics. Sounds like the ideal candidate! | We’re told Charles has been a go-to person on the Finance Committee, and as a former controller he should know where the bodies are buried. A good thing, … maybe … we think … perhaps. Charles: What do you think now that you’ve kicked the tyres? td> |
| One-Liner: | Power to the people! | As Hawaiian as Barack Obama! | Go for it Charles! |
TAC Elections: Other Nationalities: Recommendation
Actually, Other Nationalities is a no-brainer. Feels like voting for the Queen. But in the interests of fairness and saran-esque transparency, here’s the dirt on Per. Bear with us as we figure out how to insert a poll in here to get feedback – in the meantime, hit us with your comments!
[Naturally, all the opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of TAC or (obviously) the candidates! There is no intent to offend.]
| Nominee: | Per Knudsen |
| Recommendation |
|
| Principal says … | Per tries hard in all subjects. |
| Wagtail Comment: | Per has been working hard on TWG2. That means he supports all the recommendations, and is focused on bringing change to TAC. He deserves another term. And there’s no other candidate! |
| One-Liner: | Per’s no-nonsense approach is awesome when he channels his inner Viking! |
TAC Elections: President: Recommendations
Here at MABT, we’ve been poring over the candidate data trying to figure who deserves your vote this time around. We’re still trying to figure out how to insert a poll in here to get your feedback – in the meantime, hit us with your comments!
We will be asking all candidates to respond to a survey on their views on the key issues. Stay tuned!
[Naturally, all the opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of TAC or (obviously) the candidates!.]
Here’s our quick take on El Presidente:
| Nominee: | Lance Lee | Rod Nussbaum |
| Recommendation |
|
|
| Principal says … | Doesn’t play well with other boys. | New to the school. Still making friends. |
| Wagtail Comment: | Sorry, Lance, but you signed the new GM contract. That’s got people angry. And if you sup with The Devil, you have to accept that sometimes the chalice is poisoned.And that 3% charge on cash payments … Say goodnight, Dick!. | The gossip says Rod is closely connected tied to the status quo. Even so, his policy statement hits the right buttons in terms of the key issues: strategy, governance, and transparency.Still, the proof will be in the pudding! |
| One-Liner: | Problem with Lance is it’s always someone else’s fault. | A vote for Rod at least gives the Club a chance. |
