The first year is the beginning of a journey that allows the traveler to experience and learn that it will be a continuing process until our obligation ends. Our BOD has been learning that many of our decisions are difficult and cost money that we may not have at the time. It has become a year of recreating our corporation - a growing for the future. Without a responsive BOD we would be standing in the same spot we were in the previous year and that is not the case.

Committees are functioning in a creative manner, for example Dick Dulude has been working with Maureen Brandon to develop a Manual on Governance of the Corporation. This is a vital set of documents that encompass all of the information that members and potential members of the Board of Directors must have to make valid decisions. It will contain the Bylaws, Certificates of Insurance coverage on our Properties, structure of Tenant Contracts and everything for management purposes.

Maintenance and construction has been a major problem for the corporation and its financial stability. The buildings were never constructed for year round use or substantial enough to last indefinitely. With Ron Wyman as the Chairman and his committee of Guy Alexander, Moe Asselin, Tony Bergeron and Van Webb every detail is now being handled. Forms are being completed so that we will prevent misunderstandings. The tenant and crafts people will know what is going to be completed in conjunction with the budget.

The Tenants Committee headed by Mike Durfor and supported by Tom Callahan, Chris Eldredge, Ellie Nolen and Evelyn Wirta. Have been moving forward to standardize contracts where applicable, and seeing that we work with our tenants to create a more  harmonious atmosphere. Then we have assigned a maintenance liaison (a member of the Riverway) that  the tenant will have a SHR representative to handle other details that can arise during the course of business.

The Administration Committee is chaired by Bo Quackenbos with the support of Dick Delude, Michael Chiarella, and Tom Reney.  In addition to the Governance we are striving to install a new computerize Stockholders ledger spearheaded by Tom Reney, with the assistance of the other members of the BOD and Maureen Brandon. Bo has diligently formed a committee to develop new members of the BOD. It is important that our stock holders express interest in joining our committees.

The Marketing and Promotion committee is chaired by Robin Pollard and assisted by Maureen Brandon. This year we are trying an experiment with the Music in the Harbor being spearheaded by Maureen who will be raising funds and coordinating the entertainment on the stage adjacent to the Wild Goose store. The Coffee House entertainment on Friday night is now in Marzelli’s Sweet Shoppe & Cafe on a permanent basis after the plan was presented to the Planning Board.

Last fall, Sandy Rouse (Fox Stand) generously provided her facility to host our end of year celebration and we had representation from most of the businesses in the area. I had invited Rob Bryant of the Lake Sunapee Chamber of Commerce and during the discussions I asked him to tell everyone what New London was doing to celebrate the holiday season. After a short time I asked if we could generate some type of activity in the Harbor and was then over whelmed by Sheila Whitcom, Robin Pollard, Brenda Huff and virtually everyone in the harbor wanted to have a celebration. Before we left Fox Stand the committee was formed and growing with rapid speed. It was the most gratifying experience to see the success and enjoyment it brought to the Harbor. It would appear that this will be an annual event. This could be the beginning of a resurgence of year activity to encompass a winter carnival and other activities.

We have been examining expenses and submitting as many items for bid when ever possible. This how I ran my corporations and friendships have to be set aside and the good of the corporation has to placed in forefront. Due to this policy change, our insurance carriers have provided coverage that protects our buildings, but, also guarantees income if we experience a catastrophic loss. It will now become policy that every aspect of our business will be following this same procedure for the future.

From a financial point of view as our debt has grown we must explore ways to reduce debt and create a more efficient method of dealing with our objectives of restoration. With rising interest rates at this time at 8 ¾ % we are seeking methods to reduce costs. Pursuing our policy of competition, all avenues now and in the future will be pursued.

The taxes for our town are a part of doing business and after the last evaluation, I walked the new assessor around our properties, and he determined that the folks from Vision had miscalculated, and we were due a reduction in our assessment. 

Last, but certainly not least, we all owe Bob Sturgis the Treasurer for keeping all of us on the straight and narrow. He has worked tirelessly to place restraints on me and the entire Board to keep us financially afloat. This has been a difficult year as new requirements for flood insurance by our financial institution has placed a larger financial burden on the Corporation.

The businesses occupying our facilities are in the throes of change to upgrade their merchandise and products offered to the public. It is incumbent on everyone to recognize the better the quality the more you appeal to a higher level of customer, who in turn will attract the people that will propel Sunapee to the forefront of future attractions. Please support our Tenants and invite others to join you in enjoying the beauty of the Harbor.

It has been an interesting term of office and I appreciate the opportunity to serve the community, and my wife and I look forward to helping in every way possible in the future.

To contact Ron, you may e-mail him at info@sunapeeharborriverway.com or call 603.763.9988.