Presidents Message: June, 2019
The long winter and short spring are finally behind us, and the freshness of the warm weather has enticed many
members back to the Ranch and out of doors. As Barb Steele pointed out in a recent Barb’s Blurbs post, the Spring
Cleanup was a resounding success. Little Joe has been stocked with plenty of beautiful and delicious trout. Our
Campground - fresh from an early spring work party - is filling with campers for the new season. The great weather
over the Memorial Day weekend saw many members and their guests boating, swimming, and sunbathing at Geneva’s
beach. The newly re-carpeted Ranch House dining room is hosting many members eager to try its refreshed menus.
Meanwhile, on the business side of Canada Creek Ranch, three big events are unfolding simultaneously.
• Our 2019-2023 Strategic Plan has been completed and is before the Board for review and adoption.
• Our current Assistant General Manager, Brian Rogers, has agreed to become our new General Manager,
succeeding Eric Johnson who has chosen to retire by year’s end.
• Nineteen of our 49 natural gas wells have been closed and plugged, underscoring in obvious fashion our
dwindling gas revenues.
At a glance these events may seem unconnected. But, they are actually quite related in their impact on future
operations at the Ranch.
Our new Strategic Plan rests on member opinions and feedback. Its Goals are derived directly from you, the
membership. These Goals are structured across Seven Key Areas of Focus.
1. A Strong and Vibrant Membership
2. An Effective & Skilled Governing Board
3. Good Management
4. Excellent Financial Stewardship
5. The Right Programs and Services
6. Superior Facilities
7. Continuous Research and Communication
Professional research shows each of these key areas must be adequately addressed for any private club to successfully
compete for its members’ time, attention, and financial support.
Two onsite workshops attended by Members, Staff, and Management allowed the Board to gather information from
which it made sober assessments of the Ranch’s strengths and weaknesses, and equally sober assessments of potential
external opportunities and threats. These assessments were tested for credibility through a comprehensive online
survey available to all of our members. Those survey results guided the Board as it decided what strategic actions
would strengthen our Club and allow us to take advantage of opportunities in each of the Seven Key Areas. The
survey results also provided the Board direction as it sought to address weaknesses and thwart external threats to our
future success. You’ll be able to see the survey results on our website soon.
The selection of our next General Manager builds on the legacy of Good Management we’ve enjoyed. It is the Board’s
belief Brian is the best person to lead the Club’s operations into an even brighter future, continually improving
already sound management policies and practices.
The Board and Management are seriously addressing the ongoing challenges of ensuring the Club maintains firm
financial underpinnings even as natural gas revenues decline. Excellent Financial Stewardship has been a hallmark
of CCR’s operations since the Club pulled itself out of insolvency in the early 1990’s by creating our current financial
disciplines. This Strategic Plan identifies and addresses our next big financial challenge: ensuring CCR’s future is
truly sustainable by providing the means of funding the eventual replacement of our largest and most costly capital
assets.
We are dealing with some significant long-term challenges. The solutions we’ll be developing will be bold enough to
ensure the next generations of CCR members will still be enjoying a great Club at affordable pricing. Your ongoing
support and encouragement will be critical and much appreciated.
So, as you and your family enjoy all the facilities, amenities, and services our wonderful Association has to offer, be
assured your Board, Management, and Staff will continue to work thoughtfully and energetically to provide the
“behind the scenes” support necessary to ensure your member experience is the best it can be.
As always, I invite your comments or questions on these messages.
Respectfully,
Ray Karbon
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