Lack of Membership

Hello All,

I have heard all of the concerns and “what if’s” in regard to the proposed bylaw changes with the exception of one, and it directly affects the future of our club.  I will place a few comments in the form of “Bullet Statements” for everyone to read and digest.  This is not a “For or against” so read on.

1. The Board and the Bridge are VERY concerned with the drop in membership in our club and our inability to recruit. 
2. The board asked the Membership Committee why they are having trouble recruiting.  The Committee reported back with a number of issues (the economy etc.) that we can do nothing about.  They did however point out that “Lack of Family Membership” is a problem and other clubs are capitalizing on this at our expense.
3. The Board and the Bridge have a solution to this and proposed bylaw changes.
4. Bylaw Change becomes a “Moorage Issue” and is voted down.
5. Club is operating MINUS 50 potential memberships and falling.  What will the COST be this year, assuming everyone paid the initiation fee in full? 

              $187,500 Net loss to the club.

What if this was status quo for the next five years while we “what if” wring our hands and debate the issue to death? How much now?  (Assuming we invest with a 5% return) 

            5 years
              $446,513 Net loss to the club
          10 years.  
              $777,088 Net loss to the club
          20 years.  
             $1,737,466 Net loss to the club

Hell of a “Legacy” to leave future members of the club.  I am pointing out this issue so that the opposition forces get together in the near future to come up with a solution that we can all live with.  We can then give everyone including the Membership Committee the tools they need to recruit new members to our club and ensure the future of our club.

Thank you for your time and careful consideration.

Sincerely,
Steve Jones