Benefits of Joining a Corvette Club

When my husband and I joined a Corvette club after buying a Corvette, some of our friends rolled their eyes. They thought it was bit corny and that we'd be out of element. Boy they were wrong. Joining a Corvette club is something every Corvette owner should do.

Being in a Corvette club is more than just attending obligatory meetings every other week or once a month. It's a chance for camaraderie, a time to come together with like minded people, it's an excuse leave behind the dirty dishes behind to go to events, and a chance to grow closer to a spouse.

Because of our car and the Club we joined, I have been to places I've never been to, I've made memories on sunny Saturday afternoons at local events, and have had the opportunity to evaluate some pretty hot Corvettes as a judge at an event my Club sponsored. And we've made some pretty good friends, including a couple I hold dear to my heart.

Why can you get out of it? Benefits of joining a Corvette Club:

- Make new friends to spend time with during club events and other social outings.
- Visit local attractions
- Take day trips
- Take week long vacations together
- If you own your own business, a connection with a club is a great way to network, particularly if you can provide a service the club can use.
- Gain valuable information on how to service, enhance or maintain your car.
- Find buyers for your Corvette, parts or accessories.
- Connect with those selling their 'Vettes for an opportunity to find a car in decent shape.
- Participate in charity events to help your local community.
- Make a difference by organizing events for your club, giving you something positive to spend your energies on.

So are you sold yet? What do you have to do to join a Corvette Club? It's easy.

- Find a Corvette Club of interest in your area. I'd recommend picking only one. Joining two or more questions your loyalty the first club you joined.

- Each club has different rules for becoming a member, but usually they like you to attend about three meetings, events, or a combination of both to show you truly are interested in attending.

- Once the club votes you in, pay their reasonable annual membership fee (my club asks for $25 a year for my husband and I)

- Attend events, make new friends, and have fun!

So how do you find a Corvette club to join?

- Well, it's easy. Here are a few suggestions on how to find a local Corvette Club:

- Ask around at places that would be involved with Corvette clubs, such as Chevrolet dealerships who often sponsor the clubs.

- Ask your local Chamber of Commerce.

- Talk to the National Corvette Museum who has partnerships with Corvette clubs across the world.

- Talk to the National Council of Corvette Clubs, one of the oldest clubs in the nation who has many relationships with Corvette clubs across the U.S.

- Check online. There are many places on the internet to connect with your local Corvette Club. Visit the Corvette Forum under the "Tools" section (http://www.corvetteforum.com), Club Corvette (http://www.clubcorvette.com/main.asp), Corvette Club Listing (http://www.idavette.net/clubs.htm) for starters.