August 2019
http://www.canadacreekranch.com
President’s Message: August 2019
This month’s message will focus on reporting the Board’s
progress this year and providing you with information on
next month’s Proxy proposals.
Progress This Year: In January, the Board announced two
major goals they intended to meet this year.
First was to select and hire a suitable replacement for our
retiring General Manager, Eric Johnson. In April, the Board
selected Brian Rogers to replace Eric upon his retirement.
Recently, Eric requested the opportunity to begin his
retirement four months early, effective Sept. 1st. The Board is
satisfied that Brian has been properly exposed to all the varied
management systems he will have to deal with in his new
role of GM. The Board, therefore, will accommodate Eric’s
request for an early retirement. We have also provided for
Eric’s continued availability through the remainder of 2019,
should that be needed.
The second goal was to complete and adopt a new five-year
Strategic Plan. At our July meeting the Board approved the
new Plan which identifies goals across seven key areas that
will ensure our Club is sustainable over the long term. Those
key areas include:
1. A Strong and Vibrant Membership
2. An Effective and Skilled Governing Board
3. Good Management
4. Excellent Financial Stewardship
5. The Right Programs and Services
6. Superior Facilities
7. Continuous Research and Communication
The Plan details will be posted to our website soon. Sincere
thanks and appreciation are extended to all the members,
staff, management and board members who contributed to
achieving both of these critical goals.
2019 Proxy Proposals: Next month we’ll choose three
Directors who will join the Board for the next three years.
You can meet all the Board candidates at 7:00 p. on Saturday,
Aug. 24th, in the Bickley Room.
We’ll also vote on two additional proposals on this year’s
Proxy.
Proposal 2 “Application for Club License” will allow you to
authorize the Board to apply for a “Club License” from the
State of Michigan’s Liquor Control Commission. If Proposal
2 is approved, beer and wine will be offered for sale in our
dining room. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the members who
took the 2018 Survey said they “agreed” or “strongly agreed”
with applying for this license. The Board has discussed the
pros and cons of this proposal and the Directors unanimously
recommend a vote “FOR” this proposal.
Proposal 3 “Gypsy Moth Suppression”: Gypsy Moth
caterpillars have begun to defoliate trees across the Ranch.
The aim of this proposal is to hire a professional crop spraying
company to apply a suppressant east of the Canada Creek.
This treatment will kill these caterpillars before they can
destroy trees on our members’ lots, the campground, and the
rest of the common areas east of the Creek. No State or
County funds are available for controlling Gypsy Moth
damage, so the responsibility for protecting our trees is ours
to bear alone. Because Gypsy Moth infestations can last
several consecutive years, it is necessary to build a “war chest”
of funds we can dedicate to eradicating these harmful pests.
If this proposal is approved, these funds will be segregated
within the Capital Fund and used only for Gypsy Moth
suppression (spraying). Any funds that are not used in a given
year will be carried forward in this segregated account for
use in future years’ Gypsy Moth suppression. The Board has
given this proposal serious discussion and consideration. The
Board recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal.
You’re encouraged to research these Proxy Proposals. You
can find detailed information on both Proposals on our
website.
Enjoy the rest of your summer at the Ranch! As always, I
welcome your comments or questions regarding these
messages.
Respectfully,
Ray Karbon
Manager’s Message
I have proudly served Canada Creek Ranch as your
General Manager for the past 12 years.
I want to thank those of you who have put your trust in
me to manage and maintain this one of a kind club. The
most rewarding part of my career has been to be invited
into the Ranch, to truly know you and be of service when
needed. I have been honored by your trust, and learned a
little bit more about you. At times you have cared for me
in return with kind words, written notes and support.
For this I feel gratitude.
I have been fortunate to work with an excellent and
dedicated Staff along with the numerous Board Directors
throughout my years at CCR. I especially would like to
thank Brian Rogers and Pat Earl who have been by my
side since my first day. Furthermore to thank Board
Presidents, Doug Mansfield, Matt Ames, John Kaszonyi,
Dan Zedan, Gary Whitmire and Ray Karbon for their
support and wisdom.
It has been an honor to serve CCR as your Manager for I
know in my heart I have done everything with the best
intentions. With that I say farewell, I wish you all the best!