Big Hat Club
A little bit of history…
The Big Hat Club is an honor group within the AMBUCS association. It was started by Past National President Charles E. Mitchell during his term at the June 18, 1939, executive board meeting. The idea was to present a shirt to each AMBUC able to recruit at least three new members in a 12-month period. The concept was to create incentive to bringing in new AMBUC members. The individual who brought in the most new members would receive the “Rabbit Trophy”! Fortunately, at the July 2 meeting it was decided to award a ten-gallon hat instead and recipients would form a Big Hat Club.
These special, fun-loving members are the backbone of AMBUCS and provide leadership in recruiting new members and supporting the AMBUCS mission.
Cornbelt Big Hat Club Formed
The Cornbelt Chapter of AMBUCS has formed their chapters Big Hat Club. The first meeting was held at 7:30 am on December 17, 2011 at Shannon’s 5 Star Restaurant. There were four members in attendance. Alan Bedell was named Chapter Big Hat President. In attendance were:
- Alan Bedell
- Sonny Willner
- Bill McHie
- Dennis Strauss
The Cornbelt Chapter Big Hat Club is currently inactive. Dennis Strauss is the current President
Cornbelt Big Hatters
The Cornbelt Chapter of AMBUCS currently has 38 members. Of those, 9 have received their Big Hat. That means that they have recruited 3 new members in a 12 month time period. Several have re-Big Hatted, which means that they recruited 3 additional members in a 12 month time period. Current members (November 2024) are:
- Alan Bedell (2)
- Greg Ferris
- Dick Lang
- Bill McHie
- Connie Oltman
- Dennis Strauss (2)
- Vicky Strauss
- Larry Turilli
- Jerry Wyrick
