Bob Beals will be reading more of
”
the bible.
”
That’s what he jokingly called the binder full of information on
the Hollister Independence Rally left behind by former Executive
Director Ellen Brown.
When Brown left in March, Beals took over on an interim basis as
the Rally’s front man.
Bob Beals will be reading more of “the bible.”
That’s what he jokingly called the binder full of information on the Hollister Independence Rally left behind by former Executive Director Ellen Brown.
When Brown left in March, Beals took over on an interim basis as the Rally’s front man.
On Monday, the HIRC board of directors finished its search for Brown’s permanent replacement and simply removed the interim tag from Beals’ title.
Beals said he plans to sit down and read more of Brown’s sacred binder of guidelines in the coming months.
“It’s a learning process,” said Beals, who estimated it taking another year before he’s fully comfortable in the position.
Beals has been anxiously awaiting the Board’s decision, while a handful of others were interviewed and picked from a pile of potential resumes.
“If you don’t know what’s going to happen, it’s hard for you to carry on with your goals,” he said. “I’m going to take the task at hand and get even more serious about it.”
The Hollister
Independ-ence Rally, which occurs annually over the July 4 weekend, is the county’s largest tourist draw. And the rally, which is a nonprofit venture, continues to grow each year. The figures on the 2003 Rally have not been released, but officials expect that to happen in the next couple weeks.
Brown was the Rally’s executive director since 1988 and left to become the executive director for the Mid-State Rally in Paso Robles, which will be held this weekend.
Beals said one of his goals for the coming years is to generate more income by increasing the number of sponsorships – along with expanding the Rally’s scope by attracting more entertainment and adding events. He is also among a host of Rally officials who advocate an improved system for tracking vendor revenues – so HIRC gets its fair share.
“The whole thing can be improved,” he said.
The board of directors felt comfortable making Beals the permanent executive director because he stepped in when Brown left and largely contributed to the most successful Rally to date, according to current HIRC President Bill Rodgers.
HIRC is also looking to elect a new permanent president for the 2004 Rally because Mike Chappelear, who was elected president in October 2002, recently stepped down. Rodgers was appointed on a temporary basis until officer elections, which should occur within two months.
Chappelear said he stepped down for personal reasons unrelated to HIRC. Beals said Chappelear “did a great job,” but he was “simply overwhelmed” by his combined full-time work and HIRC volunteer duties.
“I just want to say thanks to everyone for their support,” said Chappelear, who has been a board member since 1999. “And thanks to the community for supporting the event.”
