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