MARCH 2009

Spring is just around the corner and it’s time for new beginnings.

As you know, these are challenging times for our nation and many non-profit organizations, including WNDC. At our December 18, 2008 Semi-Annual meeting, I outlined all of the measures WNDC leaders have instituted to streamline our operations and create more revenues. We announced that former WNDC President Sherley Koteen showed leadership and generosity when she offered a $25,000 matching gift. Thanks to so many of you, we raised more that $25,000 and will receive Sherley’s gift soon. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we need to raise $100,000 in additional funds before June 30 in order to resolve our budget deficit.

In addition to asking for your financial support, we also asked for your ideas and suggestions about WNDC’s future. Several of you came up to me and said you wanted to help. Our Vice President for Administration, Leila Plassey- Harrington, will begin scheduling Focus Groups in early March. We all have a stake in WNDC’s future and we welcome your opinions. Please sign up and let us know what you think.

On another subject, this is the time of year when we focus on our new leadership. We will hold elections at our June Semi-Annual meeting. Our Nominating Committee has placed a Ballot Box in the front hallway for your suggestions for our Board of Governors. You have until March 15, so please submit your recommendations.

Finally, mark your calendars for March 31. Virginia Governor and newly-appointed Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine will join us for a VIP Reception at 7:00 pm. He will discuss his plans for the DNC and answer your questions. It’s an event you don’t want to miss. See you there.
 
Karen Hansen Shook