Bill Trainer Area 5 Director Candidacy

My name is Bill Trainer, I’m a member of the Chicago Region SCCA and am seeking the Area 5 SCCA Board of Directors seat.

I am a 30 year member of the SCCA – the past 15 years in the Chicago region and prior to that with the NE Ohio region. I currently race an H Production car however I started in Solo (starting NE Ohio’s program from scratch) then Improved Touring before going national. During my NE Ohio time I was also the Asst Regional Executive, Comp Board Chairman and race chairman for many national, regional and driver school events.

I have recently retired from a major manufacturing company – my professional career includes many years at Bridgestone/Firestone, Rio Tinto Alcan and the Marmon Group, a Berkshire Hathaway Company where I was a group president with operations in the U.S, Canada, Europe, North Africa and Central America. I was also on 3 company Board of Directors. Needless to say I understand fully well the importance of teamwork, participation and that every contribution has merit and should be acknowledged. Key in my positions was the strategic planning, financial (P+L and Balance Sheet) and governance activity along with business growth. We were a top performing group in Marmon.

Now I am able to pursue “passions” that are important to me. The SCCA has been a big part of my life, as I am sure it has for many others, and I would like to do what I can to help keep it vibrant in a fast changing environment. There are 9 regions in the Central division with members active in Racing, Solo, Rally and all the worker specialties. I think it is important to understand the varied priorities of our members involved in the club activities and administration. Acting on and accomplishing these priorities in turn drives fun, satisfaction and pride in association. If we are successful a direct benefit is growth.  Today there are so many demands and alternatives for our time and money.. I think our club with the many possibilities a participant can enjoy is very attractive. We need to be good at coordinating all our resources and support so people know who and what we are, and then make it easy to join and easy to start participating. I think we all agree that the more people we have participating, the more fun we have!

I believe we need clear focus on accomplishing member priorities within a constantly changing environment, not a personal agenda, to have a vibrant and satisfying club. I would appreciate hearing any thoughts or suggestions you have – and your vote in October.