PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Mark Smith
Club President
ON THE COVER
I always enjoy the month of June at the Club.
The pool is open, kids are out of school, and
the level of activity in golf, tennis, and all of our
dining locations create a buzz that reminds me
why I love summers at Fort Collins Country
Club! You’ll also see some new activities this
summer. Our new fitness directors, Jacques
and Katie Cowart, are getting a jump on the
opening of our fitness facility in September by
hosting several classes (Pilates, various strength
and conditioning) at the Club. Please keep
an eye out for e-blasts and check the club
website and Facebook page for class times and
locations.
I am excited to let you know that we are “on track” for Phase I of our
capital improvement project. The broader project includes making sure
we meet the financial performance we planned to deliver in 2014. I’m
pleased to report that our effort to get more efficient and redirect some
funds to improving our membership levels is really paying off. As the
writing of this message, we just crossed the 600 member mark! We added
17 members in April and are at 16 new members in May (with several
days left in the month as of this writing). The 600 members include
approximately 100 social/tennis and 100 dining members, which is
consistent with the direction of our Phase I and Phase II amenities. For
golfers concerned about tee times, I’m pleased that we are making some
progress in golf memberships, but we are still below historical levels and
any “caps” set forth in our Bylaws. Getting new members is an essential
step in our plan to make lasting improvements at Fort Collins Country
Club. Thanks to Danielle and the rest of the staff on continuing to drive
such great results. We’re not done with our summer push, but the results
are very encouraging so far.
Phase I is on schedule. You’ll see the frame of the tennis and fitness
building go up in the second half of June. We plan to be playing tennis
and hosting fitness classes and open for workouts in early September. On
the funding side, we have worked with our Great Western Bank partners
to finance the activities per the member approved financing plan. We also
offered 20 Legacy memberships as part of our plan to raise an additional
$1 million for the project. As of the writing of this message (May 24th), I
am also very pleased to report that we have commitments for 17 out of the
20 Legacy memberships that are available.
Let me also comment about the project schedule in general. Phase I
(fitness, indoor tennis, and connector to locker rooms) will be completed
in September/October of this year. We plan to relocate the Gazebo over
the winter so that we’re ready for the 2015 wedding season. Phase II
will likely begin in October of 2015 and our new casual dining and Pro
Shop will be open for business in March/April of 2016. The Board is
committed to make Phase II happen as soon as possible, while balancing
operating the Club in a responsible financial manner, meeting financing
covenants, and the ability of the staff and Board to deliver Phase II with
the appropriate level of planning and execution.
summer
whites
soirée
AT THE POOL
Friday, June 20th from 8-11 PM at the Pool
Join us at the pool in your summer whites. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres,
an ice luge, DJ music, a scotch and cigar lounge and great company!
FCCC Kids Spot Childcare by Tots on the Spot available!
$25.00++ (includes a cigar and your
first attempt at our ice luge).
As for our social calendar, please mark your calendars for June 20th. We
will be hosting our “Summer Whites Soirée at the Pool” at 8 PM that
night. This was known as the “White Mustache Party” last year. Due to
the U.S. Pro Cycling race last year, several members (including me) missed
what those who attended claimed to be an exceptional new party on the
Club calendar. I hope to see you at the party this year!
For the tennis players at the Club, we’ll also be hosting our indoor
permanent court time lottery at 6 PM on June 20th. This will establish
the time blocks for your groups to play for the fall session. Hopefully,
you’ll all get a time that meets your needs and then head over to the party
at the pool. Scott is also planning on several drill sessions and hosting
Men’s and Ladies match play nights (by level) on Tuesday and Wednesday
nights for the entire indoor season. We also are purposely keeping 25% of
our court time available for open reservations up to seven days in advance.
Other clubs in Northern Colorado have much less time available for
“open” play. We feel that providing this flexibility is consistent with the
reason people join and continue to enjoy the Fort Collins Country C