Letter from the President and Board Members
Letter from the President and Board Members
Dear Friends of the Big Top:
This year Big Top completed our four-year Strategic Plan started in 2012, and launched the next phase that will take us from 2016 through 2020. The plan included fiscal frugality, marketing investment to increase attendance, program changes especially for families and youth, and customer service improvements. That plan helped us grow from a less-secure organization to a place where we have been able to retire all debt, invest in our technology and infrastructure, and better handle our seasonal cash flow and any unplanned expenses.
I am extremely proud of these accomplishments and know that it was a monumental effort by a huge team of people that have brought us to this healthier financial place. Those team members include a talented team of Board Members who have tirelessly led this organization through the Strategic Plan and the governing of the organization, giving of their time, talent and resources. That team also includes all of the donors and sponsors who support the performances and our operations. It includes our volunteers who show up for every performance and ensure the smooth running of the events. It includes our team in the office and on the tent grounds, our staff and our crew that oversee the whole operation. Each of you can be proud of your role in making Big Top a healthy non-profit organization, heading into its 30th Anniversary year, positioned very well to ensure many more years to come.
Our resident band and performers, our Blue Canvas Orchestra and the guests that sit in with them, and the visiting artists that grace our stage are all part of the team that makes this all worth doing. While we have not always been as strong financially, we have ALWAYS been strong artistically and musically. When everyone is in their seat and the house lights dim, and the music starts to fill the tent … that’ s when we all recommit to our piece of the organization over and over again. Because we love being a part of this MAGIC, the magic of the big blue tent. Thanks to all of you for being part of this MAGIC. Long may we continue!
With great appreciation,
Board of Directors
Kim Ogle President Iron River, WI Essentia Health – Ashland, Physician
Kevin Hunt Vice-President Washburn, WI Captain’ s Spirits of Bayfield, 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, CEO-Retired P and B Motorsports, Owner
Kimberly West Rymer
Bayfield, WI The Bayfield Inn, Owner
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