02 Feb 2009 PTCRC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE MARINO FUENTES
Marino Fuentes joined the club in 2001. He was Club Treasurer from 2004 to 2006 and is the only Treasurer in 28 years of club history who has served in that position for three years, the usual period of service being two years. It is a demanding and time consuming job. Marino made many contributions in his position as treasurer and fulfilled his fiduciary responsibility with the utmost honesty and integrity.
One of George Martin’s initiatives as former president was to establish a reserve fund in the unlikely event that an untoward catastrophe would not allow the club to hold the classic and thus generate the revenue to keep the club operating. The club was able to achieve that goal because Marino took the ball, ran with it, and made it happen. He carefully managed our funds and as they became available, periodically purchased CDs during his tenure (at a great rate, by the way); the club now has a one-year operating reserve. At the end of his tenure as treasurer, the club was probably in the best shape ever from a financial standpoint and entered the new year healthy and strong. This was especially reassuring and gratifying when so many other clubs were and are struggling to stay afloat.
Not content to rest on his laurels after serving three years as treasurer, Marino then stepped up to assume directorship of the Peachtree City Classic, the largest event produced by the club every year and its main fund raiser. Marino instituted several innovations including installing club banners at the finish chute early and increased publicity using new venues such as radio spots and print ads in new publications, early bird discounts off entry fees, and co-opting new sponsors. He was able to stop and even reverse a downward trend in race participation that had been ongoing for several years. This resulted in increased revenue for the club as well as donations to the city and activities sponsored by the club.
Marino was presented the RRCA Volunteer Award Certificate in 2008 for over 2,000 hours of time dedicated to club business throughout his tenure as Treasurer and Race Director. Marino willingly took on the Treasurer duties again mid-year 2017 when the incumbent Treasurer left suddenly due to a job transfer. For his service to the club on such short notice, he was the recipient of the PTCRC President’s award that same year. For the last several years he has also served as Chair of the Nominating Committee to elect Board Members and presided over the annual proceedings to elect the same while carefully ensuring that Robert’s Rules of Order were followed and observed.