January 2017
Message From the Chair : Guiding Principles
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Dear fellow members ,
KICA continues to work hard on the Hurricane Matthew recovery and repair cost estimates . I encourage you to read the update on pages 1-4 of this issue of the Digest . Many thanks for the extraordinary positive feedback received on communications during Hurricane Matthew and the subsequent clean-up .
I appreciate these opportunities to communicate with the community . In my first Digest letter , I covered several of the key initiatives I anticipate the board will invest time on in 2016-17 . In the second , I summarized the responsibilities of the principle organizations on the island ( Maze of K ’ s ). This month , the topic is KICA ’ s Strategic Plan ( the “ plan ”).
Similar to many businesses and nonprofits , KICA has a strategic plan that provides guiding principles for the management team and board . The plan has been around for many years and every board reviews it annually to determine if updates or modifications are appropriate . Given the importance of the plan to the board , KICA management and the community at large , I thought it will be useful to provide some highlights . The complete plan is on the KICA website ( kica . us / about / governing-documents ); what follows is a summary .
The plan consists of a vision , mission statement and a series of objectives and steps for their accomplishment .
The Vision : “ Kiawah is a special place for creating emotional connections for its members and guests .” How those connections are made depends on each member ’ s personal preferences . The beach is a big draw for many . Others may be attracted to the island because of its stellar views , world class golf courses , connection to nature , ability to host family gatherings , proximity to Charleston , friendships and more . It is likely that several of these , maybe all of them , first attracted you to Kiawah .
The Mission : “ The Kiawah Island Community Association exists to preserve and enhance the quality of life and property values of its members . This includes taking the leadership role in insuring that Kiawah Island remains a beautiful , safe , well-maintained and friendly community .”
Key Objectives : The plan details four key objectives :
Creating Kiawah Memories and Experiences Some of the key elements include : enhancing the spirit of community and volunteerism ; maintaining infrastructure , facilities and landscaping at a high standard ; providing worldclass service to our members and guests ; and organizing programs and activities that build a sense of community .
Stewarding the Island ’ s Natural Resources The beach , maritime forest , abundant wildlife and natural environment are incredibly important to what makes Kiawah such a unique place . KICA supports efforts to insure an appropriate balance between development and environmental considerations by using native plantings throughout the island , eliminating undesirable plant species ; protecting the beach , marsh and other “ nature-rich ” experiences on the island ; and promoting green practices .
Providing Outstanding Amenities and Services KICA , with member input and involvement , provides recreational , educational , wellness , social and service opportunities consistent with a premiere upscale community . The association provides wide-ranging opportunities that reflect and appeal to the diversity of interests , ages and lifestyles of our member population .
Preserving the Kiawah Experience for Future Generations Future planning is critically important to ensure Kiawah remains the very special place it is . Achievement of this objective includes : continuously evaluating trends , opportunities and evolving approaches to achieving our community ’ s objectives ; working collaboratively and cooperatively with the Town of Kiawah Island , Kiawah Partners and Kiawah Island Golf Resort for the benefit of KICA ’ s members ; working with Kiawah Partners to effect a smooth transition of responsibilities as their development activities are completed ; and ensuring that community standards and covenant compliance is enforced . KICA keeps in touch with many other similar communities to benchmark best practices and insure that Kiawah is keeping pace with market changes .
Values That Sustain Us The plan concludes with a discussion of the Values That Sustain Us . Attributes like integrity , mutual respect , customer service and a spirit of generosity are ingrained in KICA ’ s culture . Proper stewardship of the association ’ s financial resources and the island ’ s natural resources are essential to the long-term enhancement of property values . Communication with our members , including the majority with a primary residence elsewhere , must be outstanding and continuously improved .
The plan is a living document . Many of the principles , goals and objectives it contains are constants ; others change and evolve over time . If any member has suggestions or ideas on the plan , please send us a note or email us at execoffice @ kica . us .
Sincerely ,
Bruce Stemerman Chair , KICA Board of Directors