Date: Tue, 05 Jun 2001 17:59:14 -0700
From: "Mark G. Forbes" <forbesm@peak.org>
Subject: FW: Jayne-My first five months
We've discussed the problems with a lack of communication from the
BOD to members, and the feelings of some members that they're
kept in the dark about what's going on with USHGA. Here's a report
from Jayne DePanfilis (the new CEO of USHGA) on her first five
months and her accomplishments so far. This was originally posted
to the BOD mailing list, but I asked about posting it broadly, and
JZ and others all seem to think it's a good idea. Jayne's planning
to provide a status report every month or so, and those will be
passed along too. Feel free to re-post this to other mailing lists
that you may subscribe to, or publish it in your club newsletter, or
pass it along to other pilots. If you have questions, comments or
ideas, let Jayne (jayne@ushga.org) or your regional director know.
Mark G. Forbes
mgforbes@mindspring.com
Region 1--Oregon/Washington/Alaska
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Hello Directors:
JZ sent a message to the Board of Directors yesterday that included
information about the $100,000 savings that I have been able to generate for
the USHGA during my first five months in the office. I thought you might
appreciate a more detailed explanation:
1. Switching the printing of PG Magazine from American Web to Printbridge
nets the USHGA a savings of approximately $25,000.00/year beginning with the
May issue.
2. Eliminating dependent benefits for USHGA employees that were previously
paid by the USHGA nets the USHGA a savings of $2,000.00/month or
$24,000.00/year beginning in April of 2001.
3. Eliminating contracted IT services at a cost of $125.00 hour and
replacing those services with a better service that cost $60.00/hr.
4. Securing CO. State Tax Exemption and City of Co. Springs Tax Exemption
saves the USHGA about $200.00/month or $2,400.00/year on all leased
equipment, and an additional $1,000.00 in retroactive savings. We are
applying this tax exempt status to all purchases now that are not for resale
for an additional savings.
5. Eliminating duplicate charges for web hosting and email services saves
the USHGA about $1,500.00/year.
6. Switching credit card processing from Vista Bank to Wells Fargo will
save the USHGA $5,000.00/year. This switch is in progress.
7. Switching the printing of HG Magazine from American Web to Printbridge
will net the USHGA a savings of about $25,000.00/year. This switch has not
been initiated. We anticipate the switch to occur during the next several
months.
The savings I have outlined above total over $84,000.00 and these are
"Active Savings" or savings that are realized as a result of an aggressive
approach to reducing the overhead. The USHGA also benefits from an
additional savings of $18,000.00/year as a result of Phil's departure.
These savings are in the form of employee benefits and payroll and I
consider these to be "Passive Savings" since I didn't initiate them.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job has been working closely with
Steve Roti on database projects. Steve Roti now serves as the USHGA's
Database Architect while I provide database analysis. He provides an
invaluable service to the USHGA. His 25 years of programming experience
definitely benefits the USHGA in countless, immeasurable ways. The USHGA
realizes thousands of dollars of savings per month as a result of his
expertise. His love for our sports and his desire to help are great
motivators for me. Thank you Steve.
I would also like to mention that John Halloran left the office last April
and Cleda Ungles left in September. The majority of their functions are now
being handled by me. I have taken on numerous staff functions that were not
handled by the previous director including full time database analysis. The
office may be understaffed by one position and it appears that the position
is taking on the form of administrative assistance. I will continue to
evaluate our needs in this area.
The above cost cutting measures provide a total "real" savings to the USHGA
in excess of $100,000.00. In addition, the staff has also reduced
membership processing to a 1 to 2 day turnaround. I look forward to
continuing to reduce the overhead while at the same time improving our
services, and to developing revenue generating benefits for members of the
USHGA. One of my goals is to provide the USHGA with a more aggressive
marketing plan in an effort to improve member retention and to help grow our
sports. I look forward to being an integral part of the USHGA's strategic
planning process to help ensure the financial well being of the association
and to also promote the preservation of flying sites, encourage the
development of new schools and to increase the number of instructors
available countrywide.
Thank You for Your Time and Support!
Jayne DePanfilis, CEO USHGA
jayne@ushga.org