GENERAL MANAGER MESSAGE | PHIL IANNELLI
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Winter Greetings! Let me begin the New Year by providing a brief recap of the one just past and offering a glimpse at what lies ahead. When remembered, 2024 was a year when no significant events or projects were on the docket. We enjoyed a year where members could just “live in their house”. Make no mistake, it was wonderful. We used the time to focus on updating and reimagining programs and services that you desire. Every area of the club benefited from some fresh ideas and approaches. And the membership responded. Participation in events reached record levels and your daily support was outstanding. While the club’s primary objective is to offer member experiences that exceed expectations, it is important to remember that your club is also a business. I’m happy to report that as a business, your club remains on a very stable footing. Although we got off to a slow start, by year-end, we were able to achieve all the most important financial objectives for 2024. We not only funded more than $1.6 million in projects and routine capital investment, but we also reduced the line of credit to less than $1.0 million. Now it’s time to pull out our favorite crystal ball and gaze into 2025. In the first quarter of the year, there are a variety of capital projects that are on the schedule. Although a couple are fairly significant in terms of cost, none should be too disruptive to your use of the club. On January 2nd, the contractors will be on site to begin the second phase of the replacement of the main clubhouse HVAC system, focusing on the Tavern, Grill and Dining Room. This work will take about eight weeks to complete. Arrangements have been made to keep the rooms operational throughout construction. Additional projects include the replacement of the floor in Café 1901, the “freshening” of finishes in the Hut, the establishment of the Club’s “Heritage Hall”, a new sauna in the Ladies Locker Room and the replacement of the pump station at Adams Dam that supplies water to our irrigation reservoirs. From a business perspective, the crystal ball suggests that to achieve the same successes we enjoyed in 2024 two very simple, but important things must happen. Every member can help. First, continue to search for the “next good member”. This statement doesn’t mean to suggest that the Club’s membership levels are in trouble. Far from it. However, there will always be a natural attrition of members that must be overcome. Your role in identifying individuals who you want to sit next to you at the bar is fundamental in the continued success of your club. The second is easy . . . Use Your Club. Eat, Play, Entertain – the more the better. The continued strength of your Club can only be maintained by a membership that is willing and able to use and support the club’s facilities. In turn, we, as your staff, are committed to providing you with the best possible experience each time you are here. So, the simple recipe for 2025 is “come and enjoy”. As the calendar flips to January, the Club’s operating schedule shifts into a “winter mode”. Each department has listed the various hours of operation that will be observed. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the schedules so that your use will not be affected. Just like last year, we will employ a realistic winter operating schedule that attempts to match our hours of operation with your activity. Athletic facilities will remain available seven days a week, with full class offerings in fitness. Golf services will remain closed on Mondays; bag storage and carts will open on Tuesdays with full operations offered Wed through Sun. Clubhouse Food and Beverage outlets will remain closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Sunday regular food service will be offered but there will be an adjusted schedule for lunch. If you have questions, just give us a call and we’ll help. There are a couple of other winter topics to deal with as well. With the onset of cold weather, (not to mention those pesky New Year’s Resolutions), activity in the fitness room always increases. Please remember to register your use and sign in your guests. If you are unfamiliar with the correct use of a piece of equipment or need setting up an exercise program, please feel free to ask any of our fitness team members for assistance. They are also available for personal or small group training. The other winter topic is the weather. Although we have made it through the holiday season without snow being a factor, our weather guru assures us this will change. When it does, we are fortunate to have an excellent grounds crew who have the responsibility of snow/ice removal. Regardless of how vigilant their efforts are, the risk of an icy spot always exists. I urge you to always use caution when walking to and from the Clubhouse. This is the time of year when transition of club leadership occurs. Effective January 1st, the new Directors and Officers who were elected in November assume their responsibilities for 2025. At the Board of Director level, Deborah Pittenger and Jeff Ciconte will begin their service as Directors to the club. Stepping off the Board are Dr. Zac Chipman and Dr. Jon Saunders with thanks for their time spent volunteering to help guide the Club. Let me end this month’s epistle by thanking those members who so generously contributed to the Employee Christmas Gift Fund. Your financial recognition of the year-long efforts of our staff is greatly appreciated. The Christmas Gift received by each member of staff helps to create the positive working environment that is required to maintain a dedicated loyal staff in a very competitive labor market. As always, thanks for reading. Let’s have a safe, healthy winter and I’ll see you at the Club! Phil Iannelli
Christine Jordan Director of Clubhouse Operations
Tip Tribbitt, CEC Executive Chef
Mindy Blumetti Controller
Meghan Spero, PGA Membership Development & Communications Manager
Steve Buenaga Human Resources Manager
Jonathan Urbanski Director of Golf Courses & Grounds
Michael Shank, PGA Director of Golf
Liezel Huber Director of Racquets and Sports
Clark Verchick Chief Engineer
CONTACT
Front Desk: 302-655-6171 Golf Shop: 302-655-6022 Racquet Shop: 302-655-6513
WEBSITE
www.wilmingtoncc.com
ADDRESS
4825 Kennett Pike Wilmington, De 19807
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