President's Report - March 11, 2006
Dear Fellow ADK Executive Committee and Board Members -
I am delighted and honored to serve as your president for the next two years. I have big shoes to fill after the very successful presidency of Tom wheeler, a most trusted, hard-working and decent a colleague one could ask for in life. Tom remains on the executive committee this year as treasurer, a position he graciously accepted with the admonition he would do it as long as I actively sought a new treasurer so, please, if you are interested, let me know.
Fiscal Year 2005 closed out much as we anticipated. We ended the year by about $-98,000 in net operating loss but, because of donations, we finished in the black by about +$105,000 overall. Losses resulted primarily because of a decline in membership and demand for publications. We have identified areas to turn the tide - and evidence shows we already have - to regain those membership losses. The picture for pubs is not quite so optimistic. Owing to changes in consumer habits nationwide, continued research into the issue is needed and a strategic redesign of our program might be necessary. Staff are dedicating effort in this direction and we will keep you posted.
I am pleased to announce that ADK has received two grants so far this year: the first is what we'll call the "Forest Preserve Grant" to maintain the anonymity of the donor. This grant is for $100,000 this year and may be extended for another several years. The monies are earmarked for certain activities, including mapping of certain portions of the Adirondack Park. The second grant is from International Paper for $19,000+.
I asked staff to prepare a summary of our staffing level and it is at about the same level as this time last year: 39 – 40 FTEs (full time equivalent) employees. This number does not include summer staff.
Keith Martin is the chair of a working group on innovation and is recruiting his team. The focus of my presidency is on leadership, technology and change. I believe Keith and his working group will help us look at refreshing ideas for change.
Neil and staff continue to discuss the possibility of a new Visitor's Service Center and parking at the corner of South Meadow Road and Loj Road. We now believe it would be imprudent to sell public access rights to DEC. Land values have skyrocketed in the northcountry and selling such rights could prove to compromise our interests in the future.
The Executive Committee Retreat will be held on the weekend of March 31 at the LOJ. Craig Smith will be presenting an interactive program on leadership and innovation. I stridently support the need for innovation and change in sustaining the viability of non-profits like ours and will pursue opportunities to provide staff and volunteer leadership training and support.
With an eye on technology and communication, I have asked staff to implement our already budgeted internet communications in the North Country facilities, with a target date of March 15th for an operating wireless internet system at the Loj. This strategic resource will enable instant communications between North Country and headquarters in Lake George for purposes of bookkeeping, reservations and operations.
I look forward to a collegial and successful year full of personal growth for all and opportunity for ADK.
Respectfully Submitted,
Curt Miller, President
I am delighted and honored to serve as your president for the next two years. I have big shoes to fill after the very successful presidency of Tom wheeler, a most trusted, hard-working and decent a colleague one could ask for in life. Tom remains on the executive committee this year as treasurer, a position he graciously accepted with the admonition he would do it as long as I actively sought a new treasurer so, please, if you are interested, let me know.
Fiscal Year 2005 closed out much as we anticipated. We ended the year by about $-98,000 in net operating loss but, because of donations, we finished in the black by about +$105,000 overall. Losses resulted primarily because of a decline in membership and demand for publications. We have identified areas to turn the tide - and evidence shows we already have - to regain those membership losses. The picture for pubs is not quite so optimistic. Owing to changes in consumer habits nationwide, continued research into the issue is needed and a strategic redesign of our program might be necessary. Staff are dedicating effort in this direction and we will keep you posted.
I am pleased to announce that ADK has received two grants so far this year: the first is what we'll call the "Forest Preserve Grant" to maintain the anonymity of the donor. This grant is for $100,000 this year and may be extended for another several years. The monies are earmarked for certain activities, including mapping of certain portions of the Adirondack Park. The second grant is from International Paper for $19,000+.
I asked staff to prepare a summary of our staffing level and it is at about the same level as this time last year: 39 – 40 FTEs (full time equivalent) employees. This number does not include summer staff.
Keith Martin is the chair of a working group on innovation and is recruiting his team. The focus of my presidency is on leadership, technology and change. I believe Keith and his working group will help us look at refreshing ideas for change.
Neil and staff continue to discuss the possibility of a new Visitor's Service Center and parking at the corner of South Meadow Road and Loj Road. We now believe it would be imprudent to sell public access rights to DEC. Land values have skyrocketed in the northcountry and selling such rights could prove to compromise our interests in the future.
The Executive Committee Retreat will be held on the weekend of March 31 at the LOJ. Craig Smith will be presenting an interactive program on leadership and innovation. I stridently support the need for innovation and change in sustaining the viability of non-profits like ours and will pursue opportunities to provide staff and volunteer leadership training and support.
With an eye on technology and communication, I have asked staff to implement our already budgeted internet communications in the North Country facilities, with a target date of March 15th for an operating wireless internet system at the Loj. This strategic resource will enable instant communications between North Country and headquarters in Lake George for purposes of bookkeeping, reservations and operations.
I look forward to a collegial and successful year full of personal growth for all and opportunity for ADK.
Respectfully Submitted,
Curt Miller, President
posted by Curt Miller at 10:15 PM
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