Stepping Down from my role as President

[Scooter]

It is with mixed emotions that I'm announcing that I am stepping down from the President Role here on TOProtege. I say mixed emotions because I have always loved being an active officer of this club, and I still do love it. But we all know that life situations change, and I just do not have the free time to commit to this role anymore. I have not been able to make it out to meets like I've wanted to, and even the behind the scenes happenings have been hard for me to keep up with this year. Although all of the other officers have done an incredible job picking up the slack, I know that my lack of presence of late is not fair to them, and in a sense I feel like I'm holding the club back. I feel that a new President could move into the role, and bring that passion back, allowing the club to continue to move forward. This is something that I have struggled with for some time now, but I've given it a lot of thought and know that me stepping down is the right thing to do.

The past 2 years of my term have been an amazing experience, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. All of the officers, and the members of this club are incredible, and I've made some really good friends as a result. I would personally like to thank all of the Officers for their hard work - your passion, and your selflessness in devoting so much of your time and energy to improving this club for others is an incredible thing.

I would like to make it clear that I am not selling my car, and I will continue to be as active in the club as possible. But I just don't have the time to keep up with the President's responsibilities anymore. I love this club and it will always be a sort of "home-away-from-home" for me. You can't get rid of me that easily :p I'll still be around dropping wise-ass comments wherever possible. I've been a part of this club since Oct. 2002, and I'm not going anywhere anytime soon :p

Having said all of this, I would like to officially announce and welcome Junior (Frankie) to his new role as the Toronto Protege Club President. Junior has already taken on many of the President duties over the summer and proven himself more than capable of filling the role. His passion for this club is inspiring, and I wish him the best of luck in his new role. He will bring a lot of energy and great ideas to the club.

In addition to that, I would also like to welcome RicecookerP5 to his new role as Toronto Protege Club Vice President (filling the spot Junior is leaving). Christian is a stand-up guy with a professional demeanor and many great ideas. He will have no problem stepping in to his new role.

I know that with these two guys taking on their new roles, the club can expect many great things for the future. Please join me in congratulating both Frankie and Christian.

Again, congratulations to both of you, and a warm thank you to all of the members of this club for making it such an incredible place. One that people just don't want to leave (even when they sell their cars etc.), because it's such a great club. The officers do a lot of work behind the scenes, but you members are just as important as each and every one of you contribute your own way to this club, and that's what makes it so incredible.

Thanks,
Darren

[mazda_gurl]

Awwwwwww! - But had a feeling that was coming! At least you will continue to be a post whore!

Congrats Junior!

[Junior]

Darren,

I would like to extend a round of applause for all your hard work and commitment to the TOprotege club over the past couple of years. Your dedication and leadership in the club was the basis for MY inspiration to be actively involved with the club.

Darren was the first member that welcomed and helped me join the forum and take part in meets in the eastend (as he was Eastside Rep, at that time)

I appreciate your kinds words on believing in me to carry on the role that you have set the bar for. It will be big shoes to fill, but I believe I am capable of taking on this task and bringing a new breed of ideas to the Executive team and the great team of officers that lead the club into the next years.

I would also like to extend a big THANK YOU to all of the officers (on and off the forum) that are always working behind the scenes, on their own free time, and help with the organization and planning of various meets, events and forum organization.

It is with great visions and determination that I will assume the role of President and bring on some fresh, new original ideas. I want to let ALL members know that as President, I will still be very visible on and off the forum, and can always be approached with any questions. Don't be intimidated to PM me with new ideas or suggestion, as I am always open to sit-downs or to discuss the direction in which you would like to see the club expand. My ideas are ALWAYS open to suggestions.

I would also like to congratulate Christian, for stepping up for the role of Vic-President and assuming such a prestigious role, as I know he is a perfect fit, to be able to share and expand on new ideas for years to come.

Again, I commend Darren on all his hard work done over the past couple of years, and look to expand and build onto what has already been accomplished. you have continually been an inspiration to myself and the reason I had motivation to step into the role as President, as your successor.

Cheers and thanks to you for everything!

Junior

[Kocakola]

I've already talked to you about this Darren and it is with Great loss that the club will lose you. But I understand that life changes, and sometimes it's just not in the cards. You were one of the inspiring people who made me feel at home here. Whether it just be fighting for the little guy sometimes, or lightening the mood, I knew a few times when I was a noob, you made me feel like I wasn't so wrong on the stance I took. You will be missed, and I do hope you stay as active as your 15 000 posts would suggest ;)


As to Christian and Junior you will both fill the roles great. I look forward to seeing what direction you take the club, and I will be quite thrilled to be helping to plan, and set up events, and keep the community strong by your side for the next while to come. Congrats guys, you will make use proud. You got big shoes to fill Jr, you better get those Flippers and scuba gear out.

[RicecookerP5]

I would like to continue the applaud Scooter. His dedication to everyone truly deserves a standing ovation. Darren is a stand up guy filled with character; as most of you know. But, he is also a very professional person that always takes the development of this club with a serious and mature demeanor. His contributions, past and present, are a big factor to what makes this club as good as it is. I completely understand his reasons for stepping down, and will continue to respect him as an unbiased person. I am glad that you are staying in the community.

A big congratulations goes out to Junior. It is no surprise that he is filling the role of President. Junior’s passion, initiative, along with a long list of contributions are a perfect fit for this role. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to keep the club running. I am sure that many of the members know this. But, Junior has always gone the extra mile and dedicated a lot of his own time for the benefit of everyone. Congratulations Frankie I am sure that you will continue to make us proud.

As for me, I am filled with great honour and excitement to transition into the role of VP. As intimidating as the title sounds, I wanted to take on the challenge as it gives me a chance to contribute to the club and every single member on a larger scale. We are a good group. With new faces always showing up, I want to keep our community inviting and continue our reputation as an outstanding bunch of enthusiasts.

Along with the other officers that do their part to keep the community alive, I want to extend myself to everyone on and offline. We are always approachable with any questions, concerns, ideas, or even just for someone to hang out and shoot the $#!+ with.

[Action Jackson]

I kinda expected this as life does change for everyone. You did a great job Darren and we'll still see ya once in awhile.

Congrats to Junior and Ricecooker!

[Logan]

who is this "Scooter" fellow and how'd he get such a high post count?

Congrats Frankie and Christian on the changes!

Don't be a stranger Darren.

[nam_tenzii]

Congrats Junior and Ricecooker for their new position...
so whose gonna be the new westside rep...or Ricecooker continues to be the westside rep as well...??

[Junior]

Congrats Junior and Ricecooker for their new position...
so whose gonna be the new westside rep...or Ricecooker continues to be the westside rep as well...??
Nomination for the Westside rep role will open to the public this week. Please stay tuned for that to be announce later this week.

Please keep in mind that this thread is for Darren's parting and not for discussions on open roles at the moment.

Thanks to all for the vote of confidence.

[Familia 323]

Well said Darren ! As long as you're still around like some of the TOP alumnis, it's all good. Congrats also to Frankie and Christian, I'm sure they'll continue that fine leadership we've been accustomed of seeing here in Protegeland.:)

[cisco911]

I'm relatively new to this club(joined cuz my friend is on here). I think its a great place and even though I don't own a Mazda, I enjoy coming into the forum and talking to the people here. You guys have done a great job and I applaud all of you that run the show.

[spincycle]

I would like to thank you, Darren, for your work while in office. TOP is a welcoming and active club thanks to your efforts and the great team of officers you have help put together. I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with many folks though this forum and I'm confident that Junior and Christian will continue the spirit that makes this club great.

Cheers to you Sir.




Ming

[Perma]

Big-ups, Darren. Your dedication didn't go unnoticed :)

[FIREFOX]

Darren, you're a standup guy and one of the first peeps to welcome me and help me with questions and inquiries when I first joined the club. You did a great job from what I saw. Seeing your posts crack me up, don't stop.:)

Congrats to Frankie and Christian, I'm sure you guys will do fine in your new roles.

[cisco911]

What are the chances that Junior will grow MAD with POWER???? LOL

[Spin_E!]

I honestly didn't really know Darren but the very few dealings I had with him were great experiences!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats to Junior and Ricecooker!!!! Keep the JDM chocolate coming!

[Hwy Demon]

So no more PM s about my foul language? Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[Marleymar]

Having been a member for the past few months has been enjoyable, the comradely between us as a club is nothing short of family. In saying this Darren I applaud your decision and I am happy you will continue to be around when you can.

I believe you have placed the club is great hands, in saying that I want to congratulate Frankie aka JR, also congratulations to Christan aka RicecookerP5. Looking forward to moving forward under the New President and Vice President yet never forgetting the past President.

Peace
Marleymar

[Hwy Demon]

What are the chances that Junior will grow MAD with POWER???? LOL

What are the chances of an honest politician?

[Spyder01]

Scooter sold me my first TOprotege sticker at STC eastside in late 2004... sooo pro! Something you never forget, the first few TOP members you meet :) Sad to see you go Scooter :(

[raghtal]

Long live the King.
All hail the Queen.

[midnitehour]

Congrats to Frankie (Junior) and Christian (Rice Cooker).. Way to go to rep the west..

Good to know that Darren will continue to be part of the club.

[Kansei]

Congrats Junior and Ricecooker!

I still haven't even met you Darren but clearly you've made a huge impact on this club. I'll say it again, there's nothing like TOprotege in the states or anywhere else in Canada from everything I've seen in my years of going to meets, from Maine to Virginia to Chicago! Long live TOP!

[feedb4ck]

Yeah, soooo for some reason I thought there would be a celebratory office meet or something... don't know where I'd ever get an idea like that... but if you're going for pizza to celebrate - I'm soooo in.

Gratz, and stuff for the new post people, and Skooooter - job well done, and well, whatever, you'll still be around....

[Azi]

scooter (and all the officers) should be proud. this place is amazing. its so good, i'd even consider reppin top on other cars =D

and scoots, im glad to see your keepin your car. you are leaving the club in good hands. though, technically, you aint leaving....haha

congrats to junior and christian. i have no doubt that you guys will keep this club going in the right direction (with the help of the other officers ;)). if not, you'll hear about it from the westside :D

[Cocco]

It will be sad to see you step down Darren, you gave me my first TOP sticker at Dark Night's 03 and got me interested in the club.....4 years later I'm an officer and you where always there to give me a hand and give me advice. Thanks Darren for all you have done.... You were a great Prez and you did a lot for this club and I'm sure we always remember you. Its going to be hard to replace you for sure!!! And Beside I'm not sure Junior will be able to fill your Frisbee Tights :D I wish you all the best.

I would also like say congrats to Junior on his new Presidential Role and Ricecooker on his Executive officer role of VP. Good job guys you deserve the promotions.

[tiwing]

congrats guys. With your leadership I'm confident the club will continue to attact new members and keep the old ones, and I'm sure TOProtege will continue to be the best club in Toronto! congrats! Darren, sad to see you step down after such a great run!

[burlingtonprotege]

well i guess everything has already been said.. thanks for the time you have put in darren and like you said life goes on and familys are made personally i think your dog is the cause of this took up too much of your time :P imagine what a kid would do :eek: but in seriousness good choice on guys to step up to the plate.. frankie is a stand up guy and welcomes everyone to the club at every meet and christian is the same way. But im sure the whoring of the post wont stop for you all have slack jobs.

Lates,

and to edit.. in 10 years all of our cars will be rust buckets :p im really leaning to selling the car next year.. like everyone else im leaning towards the luxary size maybe an audi2.0 or saab.. i was thinking wrx but i want out of the heatscore car business

[Mazda_rida]

great speachs guys and sad to see you step down as prez.
congrats to junior and ricecooker!

[Scooter]

Thanks for the kind words everybody. It really does mean a lot. And it just re-iterates my point about this being such a great club. :)

[Marleymar]

Thanks for the kind words everybody. It really does mean a lot. And it just re-iterates my point about this being such a great club. :)

Big Ups

[LondonZoom]

Darren, It's sad to see you step down as prez, but I couldn't be happier with who you've got to fill your shoes! Frankie is a Stand-up guy, and is always welcoming and easily approachable. Two qualities that are fundamental for a president to have.

Our old prez has them, and now our new prez does.

[Naveed74]

Darren, you did good kid! Congrats to Junior and Ricecooker on the appointments.

[MS MSP]

Scooter: thanks for all that you have done for the club.

Junior & Cooker: thanks for all you have done to date and best of luck in your new roles in the future.

[CrazyCaker]

When did Darren become president? Did I miss something? Oh well, I guess it doesn't matter now anyhow.

[The Destroyer]

Sorry to hear that Scooter. I definitely understand where your coming from and I've had to step down from a similar role with an online community in the past. It is tough, and its just a sad to see you releived of this position.

Frankie and Rice will make great replacements for each position as when I have come to meets they always make everyone feel welcomed and I've always had a great time. Great choices and I'm sure your role will be filled by these great guys as they also provide the site with so much enthusiam and hard work.

Thanks for all your hard work Scooter!

[ProDJtege]

wow... changes are hapenning like they are at work... scary!

congrats to the new guys!

[Aitch]

Congratulations all around to Frankie and Christian on their new roles. I know you guys will do awesome things for the club. Darren, having you as president has been great, the club definitely got stronger during your time as prez and it has a lot to do with your leadership. I still remember you being the first person to greet me at my first meet, something I'm sure I share with a lot of people here. The club wouldn't be the same without you.

[shibby]

finally presidency is back to westside

[Scooter]

finally presidency is back to westside

LOL...."Back to westside" would suggest that it was once there. :p

It's been East, Farm, Farm, and NOW West.

[nam_tenzii]

scooter moved...??

[mazda_gurl]

^ No - prev presidents locations

[YP5 Toronto]

Arg...i was gone for a few days and I miss this.

All that I would have said about Darren has been said.

His leadership and commitment to this club is commendable and appreciated by all.

Thanks Darren for everything.

[thekid]

Darren, thanks for all you've done for the club over the years, thanks for giving me the opportunity to work beside you as VP for the past two years!