As some of you know,I was a state director for KOA until a couple months ago. I resigned my position due to conflicting points of view with the owner. He had a different vision for the organization then some of us did. I know alot of people have left KOA for the same reason. Not just directors but members as well. While I'm no longer an offical for KOA I still keep up with whats going on. This might be old news to some people but I was waiting till after the 15th to post this. I scanned this and will post it this way so I don't screw up any of the information that has been given to me. I know Jeff and I feel this is a good move for the organization Maybe if he had took over sooner, I'd have never resigned my post. I'll include his email address so that you all can direct any questions to him. cutup50ford@aol.com Many people have complained about the direction that KOA took in the last few years. They just never voiced their concerns to the right people. Here's a chance to help rebuild a established automotive organization.
Hmmmmm John, looks to me like there's a contradiction in your statement...If they (or anyone else) complained to the guy that owned it..( "the right people"...???) seems to me it fell on deaf ears then. I am sorry to hear of the illness Mr. Hibbis is going thru...but it is is about time he stepped down...and I certainly wish the new "owner" success...I think he's going to need it. R-
Roger, I think you misunderstood what I was saying. Over the last few years I've had many people complain to me. I've told them time and again, that while I could relay the complaints to Mr. Hibbs, they would be better served to go directly to the source. I feel that Mr. Hibbs always thought that we were embellishing the comments made to us. Even though I'm closing in on 40, I always felt that Jim looked at me like a snot nose kid with no clue as to what was going on. Jeff on the other hand, has always treated me and everyone else I've seen him talk to with respect and undivided attention. Thats a huge improvement right there. I'm hoping that Jeff can get the support to bring KOA back out of it's slump. He's already been working to do this. I'm suggesting that people who join now and make themselves vocal about what they want will guide what direction the organization takes from this point on.
Here's a little more news. From an email I got today. Kustoms Of America will be in Lancaster Ohio the 3rd weekend in May
John, Any chance this change will help bring the show in Newport / erlanger back? Hope you feel inspired to become involved once again.; - RBR
I haven't heard anything about that show yet. I don't know if they will want to carry on with it,it hadn't done that good in the last few years. I'll do my best to help out this new bossman. He's a good feller. Maybe if he asks I'll take on more responsibility,just depends on how things go.
WHOO HOOO.... Could there be an oHIo HAMB gathering I don't need to leave my house for!!!! I'm already buying Hot Dogs, Burgers, and taking reservations for rooms at Chez Appleman
Finally a reason to go back to OH!.. it will be a reunion of sorts. John, thanks for making this annoucnement. I am still a director for Alabama, but have been "inactive" for several years, I just never bothered to resign. maybe it's time to become "active" again.. I wish Jeff the best of luck, maybe with some leadership the organization can remain afloat.. Brian
Skips***ch - You still have the guest "house" in the backyard? Kustm52 - Which one of us needs to supply the creek water? If we get to do another get together, I hope you guys aren't lactose intolerant cause it will be legen...dairy !
Ryan, Are you coming to visit me? I'm so stoked. For once it sounds like Ohio is a good place to live. Oh, and if the KOA meet is on the 19th of May (which it sounds to be) then it is the same day as the Jalopy Showdown. : (
funny, that's what I cuaght, too. Hey they probably need to hire someone to proof read their press releases. r
Just curious, Is this the same KOA that George B. started way back when, in Compton, CA.? If so, I guess it's still "freeway close" if ya take the 110 to the 10, to the 15 to the I-40 and go a few miles East, and a few more. Are there any of the old "organizations" still centered in So. Cal.? I can't think of any off hand. Not complaining, or anything like that, just honestly curious.
Another complaint that has been made over the years that seemed to fall on deaf ears. I know that many people felt the same way that cool57 does. I'm all for faith and spirtualism (is that how it's spelled?) but there's a time and place for everything. Nads - I saw that misprint,goof or whatever it was but I figured what the heck, the information was important enought to over look it. I'm sure the Styleline Magazine will get better proof reading. DrJ - you guys could always email Mr. Wortman and ask if he's got plans for a n event in the western part of the USA
Jeff talked to me and my girlfriend at Ducktail run ,for a long time.He was telling what was going on and asked for suggestions.My first suggestion was to have a cut off year for show vehicles.That way K.O.A can get rid of all does fast and furious cars that mr.Hibbs loved so much.I remember years ago when there was a cut off year for show vehicles.That is before mr.Hibbs took over the club.They also gave away a car and had fun. Personally I think there is a place every type of car.Just let the kustoms have theirs
Hey Dr.J, Is this different from "The Kustom Kemps" org? Any of'um still kickin in SoCal? S****ey Devils C.C.
Come on Denise, You know EVERYONE wants to try to jump on my weekend!! But thanks for remembering us.
Gee, I've sent articles to KOA in the past, but haven't heard of an event west of the Mississippi in years. My membership is up for renewal this month.................hmmmmm
Once again I get to be the A-hole with bad news. The plans for the show in Lancaster fell through. Jeff ended up getting the fairgrounds in Lima Oh. for the last weekend in May. Here's a link to the information. http://www.kustomsofamerica.com/northernrodkustomnat.html I want to apologize to all you Lancaster area guys if I got your hopes up. I'm really bummed out that this show won't be happening in Lancaster. I'm still coming up to hang out with you all one weekend. Even if it's for a small parking lot cruise. Here's links to the other shows KOA is doing this year. Southern Leadsled Nats http://www.kustomsofamerica.com/southernleadslednats.html Run At the Beach http://www.kustomsofamerica.com/easterrunatthebeach.html
No, I don't believe so. My father, Paul Spillman, was one of the owners in the 90's until he got sick and had to leave the KOA. Jim Hibbs took over as sole owner in 1997, from then on not too sure what happened, but it went downhill I guess and was pretty much dead as far as I can tell sometime around 2009 or 2010. If anyone remembers my father or me I would love to hear from you.
Last I heard was the guys in Indiana still had the name but weren't doing anything with it. @paul spillman, your dad was the personality of KOA back in the day.
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