As winter has set it’s icy grip on us here in great north, or sometimes known as “Frost Bite Falls Minnesota”, we can only dream of how it must be to play upon liquid water as all of you do in the southern climates. Undaunted though, with woolies donned, we the brave and foolhardy turn to the frozen water sport of ice boating. With speeds that can exceed 100 mph and no brakes, it is some times a wonder there are any ice boaters still alive.

For the Directors and Chapter Presidents who were looking for a break from the cruel winters of the north, joined us in Sarasota for the first quarterly meeting of 2004. The Sunnyland Chapter, our or hosts for this annual trek to Florida, organized a great weekend. We had a lot fun and a very productive meeting. Thank you Pete Williams (President) and your members for all your efforts.

Soon members will be receiving, if you already have not, a survey via email. Please take a little time to respond. The survey was written and will be compiled by the University of Wisconsin specifically for ACBS. This is a very important tool for the organization as we prepare for the future to meet the needs of our membership. In late February, a strategic planning session will take place. The information received from the survey is very helpful for the planers to set direction of short and long term planning. There is also a section for you to give our potential advertisers and sponsors information on your buying habits helping our advertising committee sell needed advertising. The survey is confidential by all means, so please help with your responses.

In November the executive committee completed the annual budget meeting and set direction, charges and goals, for the coming year. We also reviewed the financials for 2003, as December is our year-end. I am pleased to say that the economic health of the organization is excellent. We spent less than planned and generated more revenue than planned. Increased revenue came from advertising sales, Annual Meeting/Boat Show, membership (7,400 strong) and Ships Stores. This organization from its humble beginnings has grown into a small business. A small business that thrives because of its volunteers who serve as Executives and Directors ensuring the success of ACBS. Thank you all for your time, expertise and commitment. As you read this article, please consider being a volunteer there is a lot more fun than work, I assure you.
Happy Boating (either ice or liquid)

Your Pal,
Jeff