| President's Comments - April 2011 |
Dear DCC Members:
This is an exciting time in the life of our club as we continue to rebound from the problems of the past few years. The year 2011 is here and so is DCC, contrary to the expectations of many of our detractors. Our Wachovia mortgage was purchased at a significant discount by a group of 10 DCC members who want to insure the success and continuity of our club. The securities issues for transferring the property to an LLC of members is moving forward quickly. We hope to begin selling these securities no later than June 1.
We are starting to add new members and bring back former members at a rapid pace. We added 14 new members during March and more are joining in April. We have our first 2 corporate memberships (4 members each) and several other local companies have requested membership packets.
There are numerous reasons members are joining in increased numbers. The spring season is always the prime time to add members. For the first time in years we offer activities and events that our members attend, enjoy, and talk about (wine tasting, anyone?). For the first time in years we have professional management of our club and finances, and we are able to meet expenses and monthly cash flow needs. Our new 2 for 1 membership program and corporate membership program have been big successes. (Are you aware you can cut your dues in half for a year by sponsoring a new member? The new member also pays half dues for their first 12 months of membership.) See the web site or John Dupes for more information.
Our reorganization and restructuring has been a long and difficult struggle, but the results are definitely beginning to show as we turn Decatur Country Club back into a thriving and exciting place to meet, greet, and socialize with friends and business acquaintances. We still have a lot of goals left to accomplish, and we need the help and participation of every member to reach the maximum potential of our club. The good news is that for the first time since I have been a member (25 years) we can be a profitable, active, and enjoyable place for our members and their guests to relax and enjoy their leisure time together.
We still have several goals to accomplish to continue on the road to success:
1. We MUST increase our membership in 2011 from our current 302 members on January 1 to 340-350 members. We are well on the road to this goal and could actually exceed it this spring. We have instituted a corporate membership program and a 2 for 1 individual membership that we think will enable us to reach this goal. The 2 for 1 membership initiative is a great opportunity to cut your dues by one-half for 12 months, bring in a friend at 1/2 the normal dues rate for 12 months, and help secure the future of your club. Details are on the membership pages of the DCC web site.
2. We have instituted a voluntary Capital Program to raise money for a number of capital needs throughout the club. A description of the program and a list of suggested projects is detailed on a separate page in the Members Only section of the DCC web page. This program allows you to donate any amount you wish to a designated project of your choice. This is a great opportunity to help improve your club facilities and restore your club to its former high status. Several members have already stepped up to help repair the tennis courts and purchase new chairs for the formal dining room.
3· We need more members to become Class A One voting members of Decatur Country Club. This will broaden the governance of our club and will provide adequate cash to fund several necessary capital projects as we rebuild our club and membership. With the mortgage held by understanding members, the risk associated with becoming a Class A One member has been basically eliminated. Also remember that your assessment fee will be converted to an income producing unit in Club Properties, LLC paying around a 6% return when that corporation is completed and funded this year. That is a far better return that you can earn on a CD or bank note in the current economy.
4. We currently have 33 members who have paid the assessment (names are on the web site). To quickly and safely turn the club around, we need at least 40-50 members to participate. In addition, we need a much larger portion of our membership to be Class A One members with voting rights helping us bring our club back to financial and managerial stability, avoiding the mistakes of the past. I know each of you have a strong interest in the club and the Decatur community, and I urge you to strongly consider joining those who have already stepped up to help save Decatur Country Club.
Thanks for your interest in the status and future of our club. Feel free to call me any time if you wish to discuss this in more detail or to ask any questions you might have.
Regards,
John Peters
President
Decatur Country Club
256-318-0020
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