ABATE of Michigan President ~ Gary Kopta

Hello everyone,

 The seminar is couple weeks away and I must say I am really looking forward to this one. It has a 70's theme going on the count of ABATE of Michigan was incorporated in 1976. That's right it's our 50th year. I think 2026 will be a big year. Last seminar I instituted the 50x50 membership drive. I would like to see a 50 percent increase in membership by our 50th anniversary which is in May 2026. I am hoping for a big turnout at the seminar and also a big turnout at the field meet. The awards for the membership drive will be given at the field meet. Also this year we are doing a real nice cash raffle instead of the motorcycle. $10,000.00 for first price, $5,000.00 second prize, $2,000.00 for third and two $500.00 prizes. So you can see that I am hoping for some changes for the better starting in our 50th year. We need to change with the times. 

 In the next week or so Jim Rhoades, Bear and myself will be meeting with our lobbyist Noel again to discuss our strategy for getting our insurance issue resolved. On a side note it looks like our Pizza and Pop is back in February like it used to be and this year our lobbyist Noel said he would chip in and help pay for the event. Thanks Noel. If you have ever been to Pizza and Pop you have seen that we go through about 65 pizzas feeding the elected official and their aides along with capitol security. Everyone seems to look forward to this event and I believe it is a necessary event to have as the event cements relationships that have been started years ago. Hope to see alot of ABATE members there this year as alot of the visitors ask if anyone from their district is there so they can talk to you. What better way to get to know your representative or senator than over a pizza lunch that doesn't cost you a dime.

 One last thing I need to bring up is the fact that we are now looking for a new state products person. Kim has announced she wants to step back from the position. If you would be interested in making a little bit of money and run our products department make sure you contact Kim in products or Eric or myself and we can let you know what's going on. Come and see Kim at the seminar and see what products has to offer and maybe pick up something for yourself. 

 Well that's all I have for this month. Only a couple months before riding season hopefully. At least that's what I'm hoping for.

 Take care and if I am fortunate enough to be re-elected as your President I will be back next month. 

Thanks for doing what you do.