After several meetings and much deliberation, the FNSC Executive approved the 2009-2010 budget, for the year beginning June 1, 2009. The goal of the Executive was to fairly allocate resources between programs and make sound financial decisions to ensure the future success and sustainability of the club’s programs.

The 2009-2010 budget projects a deficit of approximately $25,000. This deficit will be covered by a surplus, well in excess of $100,000, that has been accumulated by the club.

Budget Highlights:

• Foothills is pleased to announce that both the Biathlon and Cross Country programs will continue for another year under the successful leadership of our full-time, head coaches:
  
  
  • Biathlon - Dave Bradley
  • Cross Country – Chris Jeffries

• Both Dave and Chris will continue to build on their many successes from the past year while incorporating innovative changes and new ideas into existing programs.

• Both Biathlon and Cross Country programs are well underway with a successful start to the new season. Dave Wunderlich continues in his position of Biathlon Director and Stan Prenioslo has assumed the role of Cross Country Director. Both Dave and Stan will be posting updates highlighting new programs and activities so far this year in their respective areas. Please feel free to contact either Dave or Stan should you have questions or concerns about program offerings.

• The Executive is pleased to announce that Matt Jefferies will continue working with the club. Matt will assume responsibility for some key administrative duties that, due to the growth of the club, can no longer be effectively performed by volunteers. These include website management and accounting. In addition, Matt will be involved in promotion and recruitment opportunities as they arise throughout the year.

• As part of the Budget process the Executive conducted an in-depth review of membership and program fees. Fee comparisons were made to similar offerings from other Nordic clubs in Alberta, BC and Ontario. In addition, a detailed analysis of the cost to provide each program was undertaken. As a result of the review, fees have been increased where applicable. While it is always a difficult decision to increase fees, the Executive feels that the new fees are very competitive and represent excellent value. All program fees, as well as program descriptions, are available on the Registration website.

• The budget also includes some much-needed capital investments, roller skis and rifles, that are critical to the club’s ability to offer safe and effective programming. The expectation is that these investments will be offset by income from grants and sponsorships.

The Executive would like to extend special thanks to our Treasurer, Donald Jantz, for his exceptional work on the budget. Donald put in many more hours than he possibly could have anticipated when he volunteered for this position. We recognize that the Treasurer’s role is essential to the success of the club and we thank Donald for his hard work and high standards.

The Executive welcomes your feedback. Please direct your comments Greg MacCulloch at president@foothillsnordic.ca.

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