FIRST Publishes 2004 Annual Report

[Elgin Clock]

http://www.usfirst.org/about/2004/annualreport2004.pdf


Nice to see who the sponsors of the teams are... among other things.

In case you were wondering if a potential sponsor for 2005 has sponsored a team or not in 2004.

[Madison]

Of note in the Annual Report is John Abele's mention of an impending partnership with Radio Shack that will bring robotics to many more students than FIRST already reaches.

There has been discussion here in the past about a collaboration between Innovation FIRST and Radio Shack regarding the new Robovation kits, so I wonder if there was some truth in those rumors. If so, it'd be great to see, though I can't imagine the $500-odd price tag will do a lot to attract buyers.

[Joe Matt]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

Of note in the Annual Report is John Abele's mention of an impending partnership with Radio Shack that will bring robotics to many more students than FIRST already reaches.

There has been discussion here in the past about a collaboration between Innovation FIRST and Radio Shack regarding the new Robovation kits, so I wonder if there was some truth in those rumors. If so, it'd be great to see, though I can't imagine the $500-odd price tag will do a lot to attract buyers.

I too have heard some things are in the works, but I don't think it deals with Robovation. From what I hear things will be formally announced at kick-off concerning Radio Shack.

[Elgin Clock]

Maybe Radio Shack will become a new preferred supplier, and thus offer us all discounts? <one can only hope>

No matter what anyone says about Radio Shack, they do usually have what you need and the customer service is above average.. It's just their prices are a bit high.. But then again, it can be blamed on the sector they work in (electronics).

[Billfred]

I just want to point something out...

Look at page seven, all the way to the left.

DAVID KELLY IS A SUPAHSTAH!

(sorry, had to say it)

[jonathan lall]

Originally Posted by Billfred

I just want to point something out...

Look at page seven, all the way to the left.

DAVID KELLY IS A SUPAHSTAH!

(sorry, had to say it)

As is Ian Mackenzie on the same page.

[phrontist]

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock

Maybe Radio Shack will become a new preferred supplier, and thus offer us all discounts? <one can only hope>

No matter what anyone says about Radio Shack, they do usually have what you need and the customer service is above average.. It's just their prices are a bit high.. But then again, it can be blamed on the sector they work in (electronics).

Service?! RatShack: You've got questions, we've got blank stares!

[David Kelly]

Originally Posted by Billfred

I just want to point something out...

Look at page seven, all the way to the left.

DAVID KELLY IS A SUPAHSTAH!

(sorry, had to say it)

Actually, I think that is Tom Schindler and Daver...


well, maybe it is me... i dont really know

[Cory]

Ken Krieger can be seen on Page 7 as well.

[Elgin Clock]

Originally Posted by JosephM

I too have heard some things are in the works, but I don't think it deals with Robovation. From what I hear things will be formally announced at kick-off concerning Radio Shack.

Maybe this is the reason behind the logo change as well. A fun fresh approach to FIRST when the marketing of Mini-FIRST do-it-yourself kits hit the stores next holiday season at Radio Shack??

Idk.. let the conspiracy theorists have their fun on this one...

[Greg Needel]

when i was refing at nationals i got approached by someone from radio shack (she was something high up) asking what i thought would be a good way for them to help FIRST i said a gift card in the kit for every team for "x" amount. i think this would be a reasonable and great donation for teams. I know i could use 100.00 at radio shack for conectors and random stuff....

[DCA Fan]

You know you've been in FIRST too long when you go down the sponsors list in the annual report and can name the teams associated with them....oy.

[Wetzel]

Looks like a Greg Perkins on the left to me...

Wetzel

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

There has been discussion here in the past about a collaboration between Innovation FIRST and Radio Shack regarding the new Robovation kits, so I wonder if there was some truth in those rumors. If so, it'd be great to see, though I can't imagine the $500-odd price tag will do a lot to attract buyers.

I can't imagine Radio Shack selling them for more then $300, and that's probably high as well. Thankfully, this is an economy of scale.

[Jay H 237]

Originally Posted by Greg Needel

when i was refing at nationals i got approached by someone from radio shack (she was something high up) asking what i thought would be a good way for them to help FIRST i said a gift card in the kit for every team for "x" amount. i think this would be a reasonable and great donation for teams. I know i could use 100.00 at radio shack for conectors and random stuff....

A gift card would be nice. With Radio Shacks across the country most teams have one nearby, and during the last few days of build last year I made several trips to Radio Shack for things we needed and didn't have time to order and wait to be shipped.