Times have changed since I first joined the ARA. In 1995, when Alfa left the US market, there were 1000 ARA members. Now there are about 500. In 1995, the Cams used to be a good source of technical info and a market place for used cars/parts. Now, the Cams is no longer an effective media for either of those things as can be seen by the lack of ads and technical content (no fault of the Cams or its contributors; just a sign of the times). I know the officers have made repeated requests for articles from the members, but its just out of step with the wider resources and timeliness available on the Web today (this site being a good example).
So here are some ideas which is contrary to the current club position of upgrading (and spending more money on) the Cams and using its higher profile as a promotion tool:
Do everything you can to retain the existing members; offer discounted fees if members renew membership early or if they renew for multiple years instead one year at a time
Do more to enroll new members; offer existing members something for new member referrals; offer new members a discounted fee for the first year
Make sure event participants are ARA members; if someone partipates in a tour, they should sign the waiver sheet along with their ARA member number; if they are not members they should sign up on the spot. After all, the club is paying for the event insurance.
Focus more resources on events; Spend less money on the Cams and use the funds to attract more people to events (with either Club subsidized food, drink or freebies given away at the end in a drawing). Offer members some incentives to plan, organize and manage the events so they offer other members the best experience possible and the desire to return again for the next event.