Letter from the President and Board Members
Letter from the President
Letter from the President and Board Members
Letter from the President
Dear Friends of the Big Top :
In 2016 Big Top celebrated our 30 th Anniversary season . It was a great opportunity to look back on all that has been accomplished since our founding in 1986 . Since that time our offerings have expanded , our audience has grown and our budgets have also increased . We are grateful for our many donors , sponsors , and volunteers who have supported us over the decades and helped bring us to where we are today .
While Big Top has grown , our mission remains the same : to provide educational and cultural programs that enrich and inspire our community . We still offer these enriching programs in a laid-back , old fashioned setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the land . We still create original programs that celebrate music , history and the environment and feature our house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra .
While the arts can be an unpredictable business , we have grown to a place where we can better manage the challenging cash flow calendar , and prepare for uncertainty . Last year we dodged some major weather events with a few scratches , emergency generators , and some plastic covered theater seats and pews ; but the good news is the shows always went on . We were saddened to lose the legendary Merle Haggard who was set to perform on our stage in July . He left a big hole in our budget , but more importantly , we lost a great Big Top friend and musical icon . We don ' t know what surprises lay before us next year , but we do know that the Board of Directors of Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua are strategically planning to be sure we are ready for almost anything .
I ' d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of our tireless board members who guide this organization year in and year out . They give of their time , talent and treasure , and I cannot thank them enough for all they do for the Big Top . Thanks as well to all of our donors and sponsors who give their hard-earned dollars in support of Big Top operations and programs , and to the volunteer team that shows up reliably for every show to make sure our patrons are well cared for . Thanks to our Blue Canvas Orchestra and all of the musical guests who bring the magic that we all love and need in our busy lives . Thanks to our staff and summer crew for making it all happen . I ' m proud to represent this organization that brings so much joy to all of our lives . And I look forward to the next 30 years of music and magic under the stars .
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
Cheryl Fosdick Secretary Duluth , MN CF Designs , Owner
Therene Gazdik Treasurer Washburn , WI School District of Washburn
Geri Evans
Iron River , WI BMO Harris Bank – Ashland , Branch Manager
Larry Gansluckner
Bayfield , WI Insurance Consultant
Ruth Goetz
Ashland , WI Fundraising Consultant
Kim Ogle , President BTC Board of Directors
Ron Harrold
La Pointe , WI Motion-to-Go , Owner
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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