Friday, October 6, 2006
Brian Gooch
Why would I want to be a candidate again after 25 years on the board? I've thought about this quite a bit over the years. And I keep coming back with the same answers, because so many of you encourage me to continue. When I first started we were 94 members and a $92,000 a year business. I was your President for 5 years and instituted many of our current programs, evaluations, buddy games and three man fall ball training. As a current director, I am proud to have been a part of the accomplishments of 2006, such as the hiring of a professional CPA firm to handle finances, as well as state regulatory items. Also, handling rogue umpire situations, thus protecting your games. I prioritized customer service which cut our collections tremendously. I instituted 2 umpires on all JV games, lowered assessments and increased game fees. Our presence is now seen at league meetings for teams of all levels. We now have an annual Umpire night at the Ballpark in Everett. We have a greater recognition program for every level as well as the revival of our Banquet.
I have seen NBUA grow in so many ways through the years, and most things are always the same. The BOD sets goals and we accomplish about 85% of them. I consider that pretty good. The membership is usually about 95% happy and we continue to grow as professionals. The following year we concentrate on the 15% we missed previously, and improve those we instituted. Many years ago it was "elect a director and everything just seemed to happen". If you were happy, you re-elected them again. Now with email communication, we can hear more of what you as a member want. By your silence (95% of you) it tells us we are continuing in the right direction. We are working on growing our communication skills to our customers as umpires, as well as our communications to you from the Board. This is a commitment your Board has made for 2007. NBUA 2 has been great for dialogue, and as a director I am glad to see the stances that are taken on every issue. Your input helps with all the decision making, however, we still have a long way to go! I am glad to see all the qualified candidates we have and you have several excellent choices. Keep this in mind as you read the statements, we don't need to reinvent the wheel, we just need to continue to fine tune it. NBUA has been around for 50 years that I know of, and we continue to get better. We are no longer the only game in town, but we are still the best. We must always protect our territory. Some of you work college and others work CYO and Koufax. I have been there for you and all those in between and will continue to be during this next term. We are close to a $600,000.00 a year business. We must run it like a business, but never forget why we are here... We love the game and are an important part of it! Your board must balance their time and talents in so many ways, so remember, experienced board members hit the ground running, I'm asking to be responsible for your future, just as I have been for your past.
Regards, Brian Gooch