Although
I’m not sure 2015could get any better than 2014, I am (like always!) looking
forward to what the New Year might have in store. What will the new year bring
us – locally and globally, personally and professionally? Have you made New
Year’s resolutions, set goals for yourself or dreamed about what 2015 might
have in store for you? I actually started out this column the very same way
last year…….going on to say “I’m anxious about some of the challenges but more
so excited about the opportunities. What do I see on the horizon as it pertains
to Scottsdale Golf Club, The Country Club at DC Ranch?” So let’s take a look back and compare
what I saw on the horizon this to me last year and just how well my crystal
ball may have worked!
• That, unlike most of the country, we’ll experience
near normal weather over the next few months with more days above normal than
below…..until we hit summer where they’re predicting average temps to be a
couple of degrees warmer than usual? Yikes!
Remember last winter? Probably
not….because we really had no winter on the Ranch last year! The winter and
spring months were warmer than normal but then along came summer and, well,
summer is summer!
• That our phenomenal spring weather will drive more
demand for golf rounds, tennis court time, pool seating, fitness facility
access and food & beverage experiences that we have ever had the privilege
of trying to accommodate? (Yikes!)
Be careful what you ask for! Yes,
we couldn’t have been much busier than we were during the months of February
thru April….to the point we all heard comments about ‘maybe too many Members’!
• That your Scottsdale private golf club will continue to be
the place where Members want to hang out, a place to be with like-kind of
friends who have much in common, who share the same values and embrace a place
“….where everyone knows your name?”
Nailed that one too! In fact,
“…fun, family and friendliness” has become our brand and truly defines what
makes Scottsdale Golf Club, The Country Club
at DC Ranch so special. Give yourself a huge ovation for being such a terrific
group of Members. Members are what make a great Club!
• That the demand for Golf Memberships will continue to grow….to the point that a
limited supply will have the effect of increased resale prices for those that
feel they must sell?
Supply and demand is an amazing
thing – right? Recent Resale Prices for Golf Memberships have climbed to the
mid-ninety’s and the Scottsdale Country Club Membership Committee has
just proposed increases to both the Clubhouse and Sports Social membership
classifications!
• That the clubhouse and golf course construction
scheduled for the summer months will create an operational challenge not seen
since the Country Club first opened its doors some seventeen years ago?
Well, that was certainly true…..and
not much more I can say here other than to thank all of you for your phenomenal
support as we took away your golf course for a month and made figuring out
where and when you might find a cocktail or dinner a real challenge.
• That the challenges we’ll face during construction
will open up new opportunities and that the “buzz” generated as we approach the
annual Scottsdale Country Club Kickoff Party next Fall will be
awesome?
Yes and yes!
• That the positive response to the efforts of Scottsdale
country club Executive Chef Lenard Rubin and the culinary team will not only
continue…….but the reputation will grow to a point in which we’ll be challenged
to accommodate the demand for dining reservations?
Tried to get a reservation lately?
Some might say (again!) to be careful what you ask for but, at least in this
case, it’s ‘all good’!
• That we’ll overcome all the various challenges
thrown our way, find new opportunities and continue to make every effort to
exceed your expectations?
True and very true…..and we
certainly hope your agree. More importantly, we thank you for your continuing
support!
Oh yeah, I shared one of my New Year’s resolutions
with you last year too – “I have no way of knowing how people really feel, but
the vast majority of those I meet couldn’t be nicer. Every once in a while
someone barks at me. My New Year’s resolution is not to bark back.”
Hhmm? Not sure I didn’t break that New
Year’s resolution shortly thereafter! In any event, I’ll try again in 2015.
On that note, please accept my sincere thanks and gratitude for your generous contributions to the annual Employee Appreciation Fund. After sending a brief ‘reminder’, we went from a 665 participation rate to 80% within just a few days. As a result, your total contribution to the fund was $135,620! Every employee of the Club (except me!) receives a portion of this fund – calculated by dividing the total amount of funds available, after taxes, by the total number of months collectively served by the Club’s employees. Your generous contributions provided every employee with an appreciation bonus of $1,019! Please trust me when I say that your giving made a huge difference to many of our employees.
Until next time,
On that note, please accept my sincere thanks and gratitude for your generous contributions to the annual Employee Appreciation Fund. After sending a brief ‘reminder’, we went from a 665 participation rate to 80% within just a few days. As a result, your total contribution to the fund was $135,620! Every employee of the Club (except me!) receives a portion of this fund – calculated by dividing the total amount of funds available, after taxes, by the total number of months collectively served by the Club’s employees. Your generous contributions provided every employee with an appreciation bonus of $1,019! Please trust me when I say that your giving made a huge difference to many of our employees.
Until next time,
