Leadership Dispatch: EC Perspective

Navigating the First Quarter: Our Game Plan and Execution

Dear Post 43 Members,

It’s football season, and we all know that the first quarter sets the tone for the game. It's where strategies are tested, defenses are probed, and the foundation for the rest of the game is laid. As your elected Executive Committee, we've just wrapped up our first quarter, and we want to share our game plan, plays, and our vision for the quarters ahead.

Our September business meeting represents about 100 days in office for the leadership of this Executive Committee and we thought it best to share some of the major and minor successes we have accomplished on your behalf and with your support since being sworn in in June.

While many of the strategic initiatives and accomplishments are mapped in greater depth below, we have also accomplished several tactical wins: We have completely dismantled the drive-in theater as well as the projection booth, which included the return of the Academy’s projectors. This freed up ten additional parking spaces which over the course of this season will yield Post 43 an additional $10K in revenue. We also removed two massive dead trees from the rear of the property, decluttering the parking area and, consequently, abetting potential legal consequences of hundred-year-old falling trees onto parked cars. Further, we are now finalizing several landscaping improvements to upgrade the look of our historic grounds, while simultaneously minimizing our environmental impact. Continuing with our decluttering theme, with the help of over a dozen volunteers, we completely cleared the Boiler Room of mess, and removed old materials and unused items from storage, donating what we could and disposing of the rest. We also regained control of the Post 43 Museum and commenced an open door policy for members to showcase our history to their guests. We have substantially reduced overhead and operating costs by streamlining our core policies and procedures, which remains an ongoing process. Finally, we have done our best to clear roadblocks to transparency and accountability that had for too long kept members in the dark.

On the more strategic front, there are several items we review in greater detail below:

Equitable Negotiations with IATSE:

One of the most intricate challenges we've faced has been our negotiations with IATSE. We value this six year relationship and recognize the invaluable contributions of our union projection staff and the importance of fair labor practices. Our goal has always been to arrive at an equitable agreement that respects our staff's rights and contributions while ensuring our Post's financial sustainability. These negotiations have required patience, understanding, and a commitment to mutual respect. They have included sacrifices at every level of the organization.

Redefining Our Organizational Structure:

The challenges of recent times have made it clear that our existing organizational structure needed a thorough review and recalibration. We've delved deep into assessing the best possible configuration that aligns with our mission, values, and the financial realities we face. This process has been about ensuring that our Post remains resilient, sustainable, and poised for growth in the months and years ahead.

The El Centro Property Play:

The El Centro property has always been significant to the Post’s larger strategy and sadly because of some previous decisions that didn’t work as planned it is now tied to our very survival. Elected by you as a coalition we mandated ourselves to fully evaluate every enterprise that wasn’t completed in the previous administration.. We've revisited the complex negotiations surrounding this asset to determine its next best future. This isn't just about financial strategy; it's about envisioning how this property can best serve our Post and our community in the long run. We're exploring all avenues, ensuring that every decision aligns with our broader mission and the best interests of our members.

Revitalizing Our Community Spirit:

Beyond the financial and organizational challenges, we've recognized the emotional toll that years of economic hardship from runaway spending, compounded by a global pandemic and industrial strife, have taken on our community. Our focus has been not just on fiscal health but on revitalizing the spirit of our community. We are actively exploring initiatives, events, and programs that foster unity, celebrate our shared history, and reignite the camaraderie that has always been the hallmark of Post 43.

In conclusion, we want to express our profound gratitude for your patience, trust, and unwavering support. The road ahead is still filled with challenges, but with a united front, a clear vision, and a commitment to our shared values along with your continued support, we are confident that we will navigate them successfully.

Thank you for standing with us, believing in our mission, and being an integral part of our Post 43 family. Together, we will build a brighter, more resilient future.