by Tiger Tom Ehrhart
SUNI
(Pronounced Sunny, like a “sunny” day)
It’s all about the cars…….or is it?
As one of the Founders of SUNI (Sunbeams United National International), I feel It is important that those of us in the Sunbeam? Rootes marque be reminded of the purpose and execution developed for this event. SUNI’s main objective was to promote interest in the Rootes/Sunbeam marque in North America by engaging small and large clubs in the execution of a shared event. Unfortunately, this original intent has been lost; As have benefits to our marque! It has been a party for a few.
BACKGROUND
The Sunbeam/Rootes marque is made up of a variety of clubs, each with its vehicle niche and membership in North America. There’s a degree of competitiveness among some clubs. NOT A GOOD THING FOR THE ROOTES/SUNBEAM MARQUE. No organization represents all clubs and the marque. This lessens the notoriety of the Sunbeam/Rootes marque in the public’s eye and the motoring press. This was true in the late 60’s when a variety of clubs started to form and is still true today.
The SUNI concept was an attempt to develop working relationships between all the clubs in North America (USA & Canada). The concept was developed by Andrea Hellings and myself among a round table of friends including Scott and Bobbi Woerth. It was executed with leadership from Andrea, myself, and Darrell Brunn with appointed representatives from each participating club.
THE SUNI CONCEPT
The NAME:
Had to reflect Sunbeam/Rootes vehicles in North America. Had to express a joint effort between clubs in North America.
The PLAN:
Execution had to include the participation of known clubs, large and small. A SUNI event committee was established to develop and execute the event. The Committee consisted of a representative from each club who had their club’s authorization to make decisions and take action on behalf of their club. Each club provided an agreed-upon $ amount to the SUNI event fund based on their membership count.
The EVENT:
Location should be central as possible to accommodate N, W, E, S. owners equally. Had to be large enough to accommodate projected attendance with reasonable priced amenities, local/regional cultural attractions, autocross, concours and local family/cultural experiences. Facilities should have resources for group meetings, tech sessions, parts room, banquet, etc. The event agenda should be filled with activities of interests for both genders.
POST SCRIPT
All SUNI’s have been fun events. However, since the first two, in violation of the originator’s plans, only one person organized/chaired and choreographed the the event. There was NO pursuit of Sunbeam/Rootes marque based inter club involvement. The benefits of the original objective were compromised. Each succeeding event accumulated a profit with funds and now under the control of a separate CAT managed fund.
Only two clubs participated in financial investment in the last two SUNI’s. One managed the event.
It is obvious the original SUNI initiative has not been followed and additional funds have accumulated.
PROPOSAL
For the good and welfare of the Sunbeam/Rootes Marque and promotion of individual clubs, I propose the following;
A SUNI task force consisting of a representative from each active club in the USA and Canada should be established. Each representative shall have the authority to make decisions for their respective club. This task force will establish location and event dates, develop an agenda, and use residual funding as needed to execute a world-class event with national media recognition. Of course, rules, fiduciary responsibility and procedures established by the task force require the agreement of participating clubs.
Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. Henry Ford?