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GVRNOW!
JUNE 2022
GVRNOW!
JUNE 2022
GVREC.ORG
EFFICIENCIES “Inflation is at the highest level in forty years.” This is a headline that affects us all. Balancing the need to offset rising costs that alarm some members while meeting the demands of other members can be tricky business. Scott Somers, CEO
I like efficiency in both my professional and personal life. I dislike waste and I want to feel I’m getting a good value for my dollar. In an economic environment such as the one we have today, I find it especially important to seek out inefficiencies and take steps to improve. Small changes can add up, as do large ones. When I hear the lapidary club has been pursuing additional space for more than 20 years, I am struck by the amount of time and money that has been spent talking about the same problems for decades.
While all that is great progress, it still leaves lapidary wondering if this is the start of a third decade begging for space. Last year, staff started talking about an Industrial Arts Center to be built on the typically vacant West Center shuffleboard courts. The initial vision was impressive but came with an equally impressive price tag. Staff have gone back to the drawing board to prune the plan into something more affordable. Space is not the only element being examined for opportunities to improve efficiency. Underway now is a full organizational assessment starting with the largest staffing divisions. We expect to find a number of ways staff can be reorganized and equipment inventories can be consolidated. The administrative team has already started this effort by identifying redundant office machines that can come off our lease agreement, and we are carefully reconsidering positions as existing staff move on. When United Health Care announced a 19% increase in health benefits, Human Resources and Finance staff turned the crisis into an opportunity and solicited new bids. This month, GVR shifted to Blue Cross/Blue Shield and save the corporation and its employees 4.5%. Not all our efficiency steps will result in reduced spending, but they will all be designed to generate improved services for members.
“At GVR, space is a valuable commodity”
At GVR, space is a valuable commodity. Like cash, it needs to be allocated wisely and fairly. After talking with staff, club members, user groups, and Board members, we started solving space problems this last month, with efficiency and collaboration as foundational principles. Underutilized spaces are being repurposed to meet pressing needs at the lowest possible cost and enormous savings over previous plans. Yet, we are not sacrificing quality. Art clubs are being consolidated at Santa Rita Springs, providing a kind of one-stop-shop for members seeking ways to exercise their creative talents. Gallery walks and art festivals are sure to follow. The defunct shuffleboard area at Desert Hills is soon to become GVR’s largest and best-equipped fitness center. Billiards facilities are potentially relocating to the new Clubhouse, providing a much-needed multi-function space and a refreshed leisure opportunity for the general membership and their guests.
All in all, GVR members can rest assured that their administrative staff are working hard to keep dues increases at a minimum despite the cost of business increasing under current economic conditions. This work will entail change and compromise on everyone’s part, but it will ensure that the GVR community is well-served in this challenging time. -Scott