|
Dear Members,
As I wrap up my second year as President and transition into the role of Past President (again, for those who remember my first stint), I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. It has truly been an honor to serve this vibrant, adventurous and warm club. 🙏
🌟 What We Accomplished—Together
Thanks to your enthusiasm and the tireless dedication of our board volunteers, Los Amigos is stronger than ever:
-
📈 Membership Soared: We welcomed 58 new memberships, achieving a 1040% increase over our recruitment goal! Today, we have 154 active memberships and 233 members enjoying club events and trips.
-
🏔️ Travel Thrived: From the French Riviera and Amalfi Coast to Dunbar Rock and Crested Butte, our travel program is dynamic and inclusive. We also retained first place in the competitive Texas Ski Council group that includes Austin Skiers, Space City and Dallas Ski Club!
-
🧭 New Adventures Took Off: With your input and leadership, we launched a variety of interest groups—cycling, hiking, brunch, trivia, craft beer, wine tasting and more. Our monthly Happy Hours kept the spirit alive all year long.
-
📝 We Listened: Several pulse surveys gathered your ideas for future trips and social venues. We also introduced post-trip surveys, starting with Crested Butte, to strengthen our trip planning and member experience going forward.
-
💵 Trip Leader Support: Recognizing the time and effort required, we introduced a three-tier reimbursement system for Trip Leaders—an important step to sustain the volunteer leadership model that powers our club.
-
🛍️ Member Perks Expanded: This spring, we secured a 10% discount for all members at Sun & Ski Sports—a community partnership that had gone dormant, but now revived will include membership in-store expertise for ski, hiking and cycling gear and equipment.
-
📲 We Went Digital: A redesigned website, a new mobile app and expanded event tools made it easier to stay informed and RSVP. Website traffic rose by 50%, and logins by 70% in just one year!
-
🗣️ We Communicated Better: Between bi-weekly Roundups, automated event reminders, and visual presentations at membership meetings, we kept members engaged—our email open rate averaged 51%, well above industry norms.
-
🎉 Signature Events Shined: From the End-of-Season Pool Party and Holiday Celebration to Western Night and group dinners, we built friendships while sharing memorable experiences.
💪 Behind the Scenes
Your Board worked hard behind the scenes to improve transparency, streamline operations and ensure our club remains fun and sustainable:
-
Instituted a tier-layer reimbursement for Trip Leaders based on participants registered and established a Committee charged with updating training materials
-
Adjusted the trip cancellation policy (increase to $50) to better reflect the administrative demands on volunteers to process reimbursements.
-
Activated features in our Club Express platform to simplify communications, facilitate members direct communication and event tracking.
🎯 Looking Ahead
With a fantastic 2025-2026 Ikon resorts lineup—including Steamboat, Sun Valley, Banff, Copper Mountain, and Taos—and a new wave of board leaders, our future is bright. I encourage you to get involved: lead a trip, host a gathering, or coordinate an interest group activity. Your talents and spirit are the heart of our club. 💫
❤️ From the Heart
Thank you for your trust, support, and friendship over the past two years. Whether skiing, hiking, brunching, or trivia brain, I’ve seen firsthand how much joy this community brings to one another.
Though my role changes, I’ll continue to serve as Past President and support this amazing club. Let's keep the momentum going—and keep making memories together.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kerry Huffstutler
President, Los Amigos Ski, Travel & Social Club
|