RE: [mnbrewers] AHA Nationals--one club name?

Well, would we call this a can-o-worms? As an ex-president(and you really can't know what that's about till you've done it)my perspective is maybe a little different. Firstly, there are a lot of MHBA "lurkers" who brew and hardly ever attend meetings or enter competitions. We've tried many things over the years and I just don't know the answer why. Maybe they just don't care about their brewing skills, their judging skills, or their club. As everyone who has helped with events knows full well, getting some of the lurkers to give up an hour of their time is near impossible too. When I first joined the MHBA back in the early 90's, I could get helpful (TMI sometimes)answers to any question. I learned that judging and entering comps was the way to improve my skills. It is still that way today. All the regional clubs have more expertise and just great people that are more than willing to share. And that includes their homes, parties, equipment, and time. Bottom line is that I've seen so many people become better brewers and good friends, simply because they attended an event, met someone, asked a question, stayed positive in the face of constructive criticism (and yes, sometimes rude jukes like the apron/bare butt you know who you are thing. :))and joined in. By the way, I never knew much about "the plan" but did think it was odd that many MHBA members entered as SPHB last year. Well, now I know. Mike Moranz