Monday, September 10, 2007
Mike Brancheau
Two years ago I was honored to be elected to the NBUA Board of Directors. Now I ask for your support in re-electing me to another two year term.
The most important quality a Director must have is the willingness and ability to put in the time and work necessary to keep NBUA great. Here is a list of the tasks that I, along with others, have taken on in support of the membership. As you consider these, I hope you conclude that my performance demonstrates I am worthy of your confidence and continued support.
Director of Training 2006 and 2007 . Many positive changes were made in our Training Program over the past two years. Some of these include:
Train the Trainer - A comprehensive half day seminar prior to training season for all staff.
Member Focus Groups to help ascertain areas and subjects that needed to be presented.
Development of Course Materials and Individual Classes for instruction - Most were available for member review well in advance of training dates.
Creative and Appropriate use of Staff and Skill sets. We are so fortunate to claim so many talented professional umpires, and we are always thrilled that they share their training and experiences with us. Additionally, we expanded our staff by utilizing professional educators and members with specific skill sets (rules, for example) to help assure interesting and quality instruction.
Three Man Mechanics Clinic - Presented by Dave Natali, this mid season half day seminar was attended by over 25 of our umpires.
It is important for me to also note that none of these improvements would have been possible without the help and support of the many skilled members of NBUA who step up annually and support our training program.
Fall Ball Coordinator - For the past 3 years I managed and coordinated our 3 man volunteer fall ball program.
Mariner Cup Umpire Coordinator - Last year and this year, in collaboration with our Assignor and the BOD President, I coordinated our umpires participation in Mariner Cup games at Safeco field. This has been a wildly successful endeavor and over these two years we have enabled 28 of our deserving members to work high level games at Safeco Field.
In conclusion I would like to reflect on the four key issues I presented two years ago that should be of greatest importance to the membership. Each member should assess how each candidate will manage these criteria.
1. Do we have games to work? The Board must nurture our existing customer relationships and grow our customer base. We should have games available for all levels of our officials.
2. Do we have trained and qualified umpires to work these games? We must remain successful in bringing in new umpires and in improving the professional skills of our veteran umpires. We must assure our members of a fair system for advancement to higher tiers.
3. Do we have a fair game assignment process?
4. Are we fairly compensated for the games we work? Negotiating the fees we charge our customers and pay to our umpires is a key responsibility of the Board. Equally important is maintaining our financial solvency and proper fiscal management.
My commitment to this membership is to work diligently to support and strengthen each of these key elements.
I pledge to every member that I will always work to support each of you and do everything I can to maintain and strengthen this great association. I welcome any questions you may have.
Please re-elect Mike Brancheau to another term on the NBUA Board of Directors.