Bill, my thinking agrees with Donny's. If you're going to be the point man, do it your way - and Troy is fine by me. Ft. Wayne and a Sweetwater site is OK by me, but now you're getting further west. How many members would you draw, say from there to St. Louis or KC?
One location is a must, no driving to get to venues. Weekdays are better for me, for sure. We don't need anything too fancy, just something big enough for displays, demos and a group jam.
Here's a question - would WPAFB have a facility for use? How about BGSU? or even OSU? I think you'll want to be near a full service retailer for support.
Lastly, and I mean no offense, but leeboy's ideas seem much different than Bill's. I feel that one of you needs to take the lead and the other lend support - hint, hint.