As we reach the mid-point of the League year, it is amazing to look back at all we have accomplished so far. Our new Board and Strategic structure is up and running, we are getting comfortable with the new Member GPS (General Point System), researching a specific Focus Project and we are moving full steam ahead on Designer ShowHouse 2012. The time and effort that everyone has been putting in to make these changes and projects a success has been inspiring, and I am truly thankful for all of your hard work and support.
Both the Strategic Board and the Management Council took the opportunity to hold a joint meeting in November to review our new structure. At these meetings we took a hard look at what was working and what needed tweaking. We knew at the beginning of the League year that adjustments would be needed as we moved along, and our mid-year check, led by Sustainer Representatives Beth Amer and Patricia Roy, gave us a great opportunity to reevaluate.
New this fall for the first time in a number of years was an Annual Giving appeal. As we began to focus on the long-term strategic needs of our organization this past summer, it became very clear that building up our Endowment Fund would need to be a priority. A boiler failure this fall, which required extensive reworking of our heating systems, made the importance of a House Maintenance Fund abundantly clear. We appreciate all those who made a donation, and if you have not had a chance to donate, we will gladly accept it at any time.
A few reminders as we head into spring – mark your calendars for our Annual Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Fairlawn Country Club. Information about our Annual Meeting and more will be coming out each week in our E-Blast (the email newsletter). If you are not already on our mailing list please notify the League office with your current email address. If you would like to assist with a Designer ShowHouse 2012 committee we would love to hear from you! There will be many opportunities for volunteers this spring and summer, so we look forward to your support of this signature fundraiser.
It has been said that when the best and the brightest come together, the possibilities are endless. Working with the ladies of the Junior League of Akron proves this true, and I am so grateful to be able to be a part of it. Thank you all for your efforts this year!
Warmly,
Keri-Ann Kalavity
President 2011-2012