Now that all the post event activities are completed JB and Ted would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone - teams and workers - for their support, hard work, and time to make the 2007 New England Forest Rally the success it was.

All parts of the event may not have gone as smoothly as everyone would have liked or thought they should have, but in total, the event came off very well. Whatever came up, someone or some group stepped forward to assure the event continued. To those who stepped into the breach, JB and Ted have special thanks. At times it appeared some higher power was trying to challenge us to fail - we did not!

There are a couple of house cleaning items to bring up. There is a timing tripod missing. Please look in your vehicle or pile of equipment from the event. If you find it, return to Ted, address at bottom of page. Second, as many of you know, Ted's Computer was stolen from the registration area Saturday. It was not backed up, so we have addresses for those workers who filled out the form only, That means not everyone who worked is known.

Now that 2007 New England Forest Rally is behind us, after 16 years, JB & Ted are at a fork in the road; ahead are several paths we can select. The event has reached a point where the work necessary to put on a top quality event under today's atmosphere is no longer enjoyable.

Option A. We can continue on under the current status quo.

Option B. We can continue with a group of assistants.

Option C. We can step aside and mentor a new organizing committee.

Option D. We can retire.

There are many factors that will affect how we evaluate our options. Over the years the changes in insurance inspired event requirements, changed land-ownership, and heightened expectations from all participants has put a strain on our resources. Most of the strain comes from the pre-event activities (set-up the immediate week before the event) requiring considerably more time. Another strain is the financial worry of how to cover the costs of a top quality event with declining entries. One cannot just raise entry fees; that would be counter productive.

This concern does not, nor should it imply in anyway, a lessening of the value contributed by the dedicated workers who have done a great job over the years. It means the organizing load has continued to grow over the years to the point we alone cannot pick up the slack, which leaves us to pick one of the options.

For us to continue on in 2008 as status quo is not an option. We do not have the time, will or other resources.

It is our belief there are enough active performance rally enthusiasts in Northern New England, competitors and workers, to spread out the organizing responsibility - people to fill such positions as assistant chairman, assistant rallymaster, press, marketing, and project supervisors. In order to consider continuing as organizers we would have to have a firm commitment from some additional peopl e. Should we elect to continue, you would receive training and guidance. Those who have done some of these jobs in the past are welcome back, we just need more of you.

There is a possibility that there is a group out there that wants to take on the whole job of organizing the New England Forest Rally. If such a committee comes forth, that we respect and trust to carry on the quality tradition of Maine/New England Forest Rallies, we might be convinced to stay on as mentors.

If in the next couple of weeks there is no response, we would be left with no choice except to retire along with the rally. Has the "'Forest Rally" run its course? We look forward to hearing from some of you. You can offer to do a particular job, a type of job, or wherever the event might need you. There are projects that may fit you field of expertise. There are jobs that can be done that will still allow you to compete. There are jobs that may take only one day before the event, and there are jobs that will take much time, though not necessarily on site.

This letter is being mailed to approximately 300 competitors and workers from 2007. Whatever the outcome, JB and Ted extend our sincere thanks for your support over the years.

Sincerely,

Ted Goddard, Chairman
tedgcb@tds.net

John (JB) Buffum, Rallymaster
Librarally@aol.corn