Three Questions to be Answered by
Board of Director Candidates
Question 1: What strengths or positive attributes does CCR possess that may be better utilized to improve the success
or enhance the long-term sustainability of the Ranch?
Question 2: With the best interests of all members in mind, what specific issues does the Board need to address to
improve the membership’s enjoyment and usage of the Ranch and its facilities?
Question 3: In view of dwindling revenues from gas and forestry, how do you view the Ranch operations and funding
plans?
Dave Weber
Question #1: Two of CCR’s biggest
strengths and attributes are the
members/staff and the property
itself. The positive attributes and
strengths of our members is
probably our most under-utilized
asset we have. A very good portion
of the things happen at CCR are already done by
volunteers, but I believe we could get more volunteerism
just by asking. We have many members/staff that have
expertise in areas of the ranch that need improvements
or updating that might volunteer or discount their
services. The cabin area part of the property could be best
improved by supporting and expanding the work of the
property owners committee. The hunting area could
possibly be most improved by creating equal access to
everyone that wants to use it for hunting by creating
guidelines for member hunting areas/blinds etc. In my
opinion we must always try to improve the Ranch to
ensure the long-term sustainability of CCR. While
considering changes to Ranch policies or rules we must
not make changes just for the sake of change.
Question #2: I believe the Board must consider changes,
to allow different uses of the Ranch, very carefully. I wish
I could remember who told me this shortly after we
became members, but I found it really profound. “It might
be best to not so much try to change the Ranch, but let
the ranch change you.” With the Ranch’s great family
history, I think this would be a great place to start. I think
that if we always think family first, we will end up in a
good spot.
Question #3: I think we are moving in a good direction as
far as funding and operations are concerned but we do
need to keep looking for areas of improvement. As a
business owner, I see the only two things that can be done
when income from one source reduces or is eliminated;
you need to (1) replace it with another income or (2) reduce
or eliminate expenses. Our options for increasing income
are to increase dues, pay to play, or utilize member
volunteerism (expertise) for projects we currently pay to
do. Or possibly fund-raising opportunities such as raffles,
events, grants, etc. Each line item must be reviewed
annually for possible reductions or savings. Although one
of the best assets is our staff but as with any business it
is the highest expense, but with reductions here would
result in member services that we all have come to enjoy
and probably expect. I believe our members have the
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abilities, the ideas and the fortitude to get us through
this period of financial change the ranch is going through.
There are some tough choices to be made, but with input
from all of us and especially those most deeply invested
in the operations of the ranch, we can get through these
challenges and prosper the ranch for generations to come.
Mark Boyce
Question #1: Canada Creek Ranch is
probably the lowest cost club of its
kind around. This is a quiet escape
from the hustle and bustle of everyday
life for most of us. With all of the
amenities CCR has to offer, the vast
landscape, hunting, 5 lakes, fishing,
target ranges, as well as events such
as the several 3D Archery shoots, the Beach Bash and
Winter Jamboree, I believe by keeping our cost down and
honoring our heritage and traditions that will be enough
to sustain Canada Creek Ranch for generations to come.
Question #2: I believe Canada Creek Ranch has enough
amenities to keep the majority of our members happy. I
don’t think we really are lacking any one thing that would
make a “Big” difference in the enjoyment of our club. The
thing I think that would make a difference is more
transparency from the Board. I believe if we have a better
line of communication between the board and the
membership there would be a much better understanding
of how things work and why.
Question #3: With the knowledge that our gas and
forestry revenue are depleting and our costs will continue
to rise. I would personally look into the following areas
and make recommendations to fellow board members and
management.
I would:
• Look at our current investments to see if they are
performing at or above average to see if we need to make
any changes.
• Evaluate the operations of the ranch to see if there are
any areas where costs could be reduced.
• Review the staffing levels and see how we may be able
to utilize our staff more efficiently.
• Look at ways to better utilize volunteers to do projects
before putting them out for bid to help reduce cost.
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