As a member and director of several non-profits, I know it's a death spiral to not be able to promote an organization to the public by offering them a taste of what the organization is all about. The TCA membership is aging and shrinking; in no alternate universe is that a good thing. The TCA is not a charity; it's goal is not to give away whatever money it raises, and even charities need to evolve to ensure their survival. The TCA IS a business whether or not it's a non-profit; it needs $$ to achieve its goal of providing benefits to and to grow its membership. I believe the Eastern Division did a smart thing by opening its marketplace to the public; the dealers who are TCA members should have the opportunity to sell their wares to help them thrive and remain an integral part of this hobby. Some of the show must remain members-only however, so it doesn't overstep its mission for its members. As long as the Eastern Division is careful not to veer too far away from its mission, this can only benefit the TCA and its members.
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