The Lobby | Happenings
environment. Their long-time goal of fully funding and terminating the pension plan is now in sight thanks to them. President Foster referred to the Historical Committee chaired by Jimmy McMahon as having the “most passionate OCC folks.” This year they archived 45,000 documents, put on captivating Stew and Rice events, and managed the trophies and signs around the Club. The House Committee led by Je¥ Zimmerman looked at everything that touched the membership such as the restaurants, fitness center, logo shop, security, and reciprocal clubs. Jon Steiner’s Long Range Planning Committee focused on the rising sea levels outside the Club, helping to shed light on the magnitude and how to move forward. And finally, the Member Relations Committee co- chaired by Joe Bock and Cassidy Tepper, oversaw all communications including social media and the Ama magazine. In addition, they recently launched the Outrigger’s new branding guidelines. When it came to membership , the board looked for two things; whether the new membership is strong, and if the current membership is content. The numbers said it all with a record number of new members being admitted this year compared to the previous year, an especially challenging feat in the recessionary environment. To gauge member satisfaction, a survey regarding di¥erent aspects of the Club went out to current members, and the results showed a positive trend. Although member satisfaction increased overall, the board aims to take it further in the upcoming year. Due to COVID-19, athletics faced various challenges the past two years, but 2022 was their year of revitalization, with their most noteworthy victory in Tahiti, where the OCC women took first place at the Hawaiki Nui Va‘a. Aside from canoe paddling, there are 11 other sports committees with very active and engaged members. Operations developed into quite the powerhouse under the leadership of General Manager Tyler Roukema, the Club’s seasoned management team, and those promoted from within. President Foster was also quite impressed with all the employees she met during the Annual Employee Holiday Party and how every single person voiced how much they genuinely loved working at the Club–a true testament to the solidity of the operations team. Lastly, the strength in culture was measured by the Club’s values and how it “perpetuates its proud traditions by nurturing the fundamental connection to the beach and seas and by honoring and competing
To ensure strength of governance, the board
focused on high-level issues, primarily succession planning
and strategic planning. The goal was to fill the
in the sports of Hawai‘i”. Compared to other businesses and clubs, OCC holds these values very close. President Foster concluded her review with the Club’s two vulnerabilities; the sea level rising and the Elks lease. Short-term and long-term mitigation e¥orts have been identified to address the rising sea level. The short-term plan is to dig a well pump into the ground to test the water level. To execute this, the Club will collaborate with the Elks and Colony Surf as it benefits all. With regards to the Elks lease, the Club has hired counsel to help strategize how to move forward with the property. In the meantime, discussions will continue with the Elks in order to maintain a good relationship. Once a direction is determined, the membership will have an opportunity to review it. Treasurer Art Mallet followed with the Treasurer’s Report and reviewed the Club’s Operating, Capital Improvement and Building Funds for 2022. Tyler Roukema then presented his review of operations for 2022 and what to expect in 2023. He also announced the Employee of the Year – Taira Shibata (see page 28). The Chair of the Judges of Election Committee Amy Woodward reported on the election for the Board of Directors. There were 1925 eligible voting members and a total of 870 voting responses were received. 443 committees and the board with exceptional individuals who would hold themselves accountable for the strategic planning – which they accomplished.
8 AMA | MARCH / APRIL 2023
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