Letter from the President and Board Members
Dear Friends of the Big Top :
In 2014 we raised the 6th new canvas tent in the 29 year history of Big Top Chautauqua . What a sight to see , that beautiful blue & gray striped canopy being raised up by a legion of volunteers . Thanks to all of the contributors who gave an extra gift to help buy the tent , and to our friend and supporter , Don Funk , for matching each of those donations .
I joined the Big Top board in 2009 and assumed the role of President in 2012 . That same year our Board of Directors launched a 4-year Strategic Plan with the intention of strengthening the organization overall . We had several areas that we sought to address : Financial Stability , Marketing , Customer Service , Volunteers , Educational Outreach , and Facilities . This plan will conclude at the end of 2015 and last month we started to work on our next Strategic Plan that will take us from 2016 through 2021 . It has been amazingly gratifying to see the goals we set back then being fulfilled and some being surpassed . We are undoubtedly a much stronger organization than we were only four short years ago .
None of that could have been possible without the generous help of this huge Chautauqua family of supporters that has grown up over the years . You know who you are , all of you who give of your time , your talent and your treasure to keep Big Top strong for this and future generations . It is so wonderful to know that Big Top holds an important place in the hearts of many , and that you are all caretakers of this organization that impacts all of our lives for the better . Thank you for everything you do to keep the tent standing at the foot of Mt . Ashwabay year after year , filled with amazing programs that make special memories for all of us .
With great appreciation ,
Board of Directors
Kim Ogle , President
Iron River , WI
Essentia Health – Ashland , Physician
Ruth Goetz , Past-President
Ashland , WI
WI Dept . of Tourism , Retired
Kevin Hunt , Vice-President
Washburn , WI
Star North , Owner
Larry Gansluckner , Secretary
Bayfield , WI
Insurance Consultant
Therene Gazdik , Treasurer
Washburn , WI
School District of Washburn
Matt Crowell
Washburn , WI
Chippewa Valley Bank – Ashland , Vice-President
Cheryl Fosdick
Duluth , MN
CF Designs , Owner
Ron Harrold
La Pointe , WI Motion to Go , Owner
Kim Ogle Board President
Craig Haukaas
Ashland , WI Haukaas Law Office S . C ., Attorney
Jim Perry
Larsen , WI
UW Fox Valley , Retired
Kim West
Bayfield , WI
The Bayfield Inn , Owner
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