MESSAGEFROM EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR TRACEYKINSELLA

WhenIreflectonmytimeattheHall,Iwas surprisedtodiscoverthispastyearwasmyfirst full year since my arrival in June 2019 with the museum being fully operational. We’ve taken advantage of this and have worked hard to increase our visitor attendance in all categories drop-ins, education bookings, birthday parties, boardroom booking, and event attendance. All told, more visitors have walked through our doors sinceweopenedin2000.Itneverceasestoamazemewhatoursmall buthighlyeffectiveteamofthreededicatedandpassionateteamhas accomplished.

With all restrictions completely lifted, we were able to again host inpersonevents&fundraiserswhichhelpedusbothwithpromotionand income for the hall. We were also thrilled to host our first in person induction ceremony since 2019 and come together as a sporting community.

Our new business objectives to showcase & promote the Hall throughouttherestoftheprovincehasprovidedmetheopportunityto attend many sport-related events and network with sport leaders in communities like Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray as well as ourtwomajorurbancentersEdmontonandCalgary.Highlightsforme were attending the Arctic Winter Games in Fort Mc Murray in January and presenting the Queen Platinum Jubilee Medals to 50 deserving sportsheroes,manyofourownhonouredmembers.

2022 provided me with the wonderful opportunities to meet many of ourhonouredmembers,whether,atourinductionceremonyinthefall, my visits throughout the province, and many members randomly stoppingbyforavisit,closefriendshipshavebeencultivated.

ThispastfiscalyearalsoprovidedseveralchallengesforusattheHall. The decreased funding and the Government’s lack of commitment to future funding are of great concern to the future of the hall. Like all Albertans, inflation has applied additional pressures on our finances, utility,andmaintenancecostsonouragingfacility.

Lookingforwardto2023/2024,withtheassistanceofaconsultingfirm we will be conducting a Case for Support and a Fund Development Plan to help shape the future. We will build on the momentum from thispastyearandcreateevenmoresuccessthisyear.

And finally, I would like to acknowledge my staff, our board of directors, honoured members, sponsors, volunteers, and Albertans that support our Hall of Fame, without your significant contribution and support, particularly these past challenging years we would not beinapositiontotransitionfromsurvivetothrive.

YoursinSport, TraceyKinsella ExecutiveDirector