As the Tarheel Central Chapter of MOAA we regularly recommit ourselves to “recruiting new members,” especially adding younger members. We also want our members to actively be involved in support of our monthly dinners, various community events, fundraising sponsorships, and board membership and committees’ participation.

In seeking more active membership participation in TCC activities, including our monthly dinners and special guest presentations, we need to keep in mind that well lighted and spacious dining and socializing areas, which also provide excellent audio-visual support as well as consistently high-quality food and drink, are strong plus-ups for membership growth and retention (especially younger members).

With our ongoing emphasis on “recruiting new members,” increasing our membership retention, and increasing membership satisfaction of hosted dinners and events, we decided to seek a different venue. The board Relocation Committee used as a guideline the following seven needs that should ideally be met by our hosting facility:

1. A well-maintained, well lighted, and welcoming facility in a safe location. Room for 100+ attendees at tables of six per round (so we're not squeezed together). `

2. A centrally located facility with excellent ingress and egress for the TCC AOR.

3. First class audio/visual provided support that's visually unencumbered by sitting attendees.

4. Facility that provides an excellent buffet of consistently good food at a reasonable price.

5. Single level parking, no-steps entrance, handicap parking near front door, excellent lighting.

6. A licensed cash bar that serves a good selection of beer, wine, and spirits.

7. Facility that can support up to 200 seated attendees for a large dinner or special event (if the need arose). Also, room to host side tables of information and/or static displays when desired.

The Relocation Committee members visited several possible hosting facilities in our chapter Area of Responsibility, and one clearly stood above all others: The Maple Chase Golf & Country Club of Winston-Salem. It fully met all seven needs. It will provide TCC dinners priced $60 per couple (1/2 for one). If also adding steak carving stations it’s priced $75 per couple (1/2 for one). These prices include an excellent buffet, beverages, private staff service, large private dining and/or meeting rooms, excellent sound, ceiling mounted and large screen A/V support, and a cash bar.