When we met last spring for our annual financial report we discussed how the high rate of inflation was complicating the 2023 budget picture We also said that we would need to evaluate the situation at mid fiscal year and determine whether further adjustments would be necessary.
Here we are at mid year already, and not surprisingly some adjustments are required. But first some background
Indian Creek is a cash in/cash out business. As you know, our financial ledger has two separate accounts, one for operations and the other for capital reserve. Initiation fees and the $55 a month capital dues from each member go directly into the capital reserve account. As a result of our strong recruitment and the efforts of the Membership Committee, the capital account is very healthy and will be used for funding new amenities and major maintenance and upkeep requirements.
On the operations side, every dollar that we take in as revenue, whether dues and fees or some other source, is already budgeted to some required expense category --- payroll, taxes, electric, etc. We budget very tightly so that we can control costs and keep dues and fees to a minimum. Every activity at Indian Creek is subsidized by member dues Golf and Food & Beverage operate at a large loss intentionally, and the difference is made up so that members pay considerably less than they would if those amenities were made to be self supporting. This is a standard business model in the club industry, and at the beginning of the year we budget in anticipation of the loss in each activity, but costs at mid year are running well ahead of the budget the Board adopted in March.
The downside to this business model is that we do not accumulate an operations cash reserve over time, so when there is a significant variance to budget we don’t have a contingency account to tap. When we have a budget shortfall there are a limited number of ways that it can be made up:
· Borrow against our operating line of credit
· Reduce payroll resulting in reduced services
· Tap the capital reserve to cover operating losses
· Increase dues and fees and/or levy an assessment
Each of these methods has an undesirable downside, but raising dues and fees has the least negative effect
At our meeting last spring, we said that we would review at mid year so that any adjustment would be spread over the remaining five months to ease the financial impact. As stated, we have a considerable budget shortfall in both Food & Beverage and Golf Operations While we have taken steps to address the reasons behind these variances, we will need to raise dues and fees to cover.
You may also be aware that we have raised the costs for outside events, so that any outside business results in a profit for the club Previously, since every event requires a member sponsor, we have charged many outside events at member pricing levels, resulting in a break even or worse. As a result, much of the outside business has enjoyed artificially low prices since the overhead costs were subsidized by the members. To remedy these issues we are not only raising the pricing on outside events to include a fair share of overhead, but we are also tightening the definitions of what constitutes a “member” versus an “outside” event.
Going forward, the Board has approved a solution that raises dues and golf fees by an amount that will cover the operating deficit for the rest of the fiscal year We seriously considered raising dues and fees by a lesser amount and tapping the Capital Reserve on a one time basis, but the unanimous conclusion was that it would be a bad precedent and highly counterproductive. The Capital Reserve is, as the name implies, money set aside for not only future new amenities but for high cost items that routinely fail and need repair or replacement. For example, the clubhouse has 14 individual air conditioning units on the roof, of which three are presently inoperative Replacement cost is approximately $15K each. We also know that the well that services the golf course irrigation pond has been infiltrated with sand and a new well will need to be dug in the next year at the cost of $130K. The commercial dishwasher in the kitchen is
failing and will need to be replaced soon at the cost of $30K. We have many similar maintenance, repair and upkeep requirements for the Capital Reserve without ever considering the new Facility Master Plan projects. Using that fund to lessen the impact of a dues and fees increase would be robbing from the club’s future and clearly bad policy
Effective 1 November social dues will be increased by $30 per month for resident families and pro rated for the other membership categories. Golf fees will also be raised accordingly and Food & Beverage prices will also be adjusted to more closely reflect the cost of goods sold. Invariably when we discuss club finances the subject of an assessment comes up. Let me assure you that there is no consideration of an assessment to cover the current operating deficit Assessments have a useful place in club finance but not for funding current operations.
In the next several weeks we will have a daytime and an evening opportunity for interested members to meet with me to discuss these issues and to hear your ideas.
We are taking these steps to ensure that the member experience remains foremost Thank you for your continuing support of your club.
A.L. Ross Preside
804 435 1340 , press 3
ssutton@icycc.com www.icycc.com
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If you've been out to the restaurant lately, you may have noticed that we are busy most every night of the week. We have been able to turn tables, and occasionally accommodate walk-ins and the environment is full of energy. Thank you for supporting your club and choosing to dine with us. Please visit your "This Week at the Creek" email each Monday to see what special dishes might be coming your way. If there's ever a dish you want to see featured, feel free to email me and we will see if we can work it into the featured dishes one week.
Many members are making reservations using some of the convenient systems such as the app or website. This is a handy way to grab an open table, which you can do up to 14 days in advance. When reserving, we ask that you please use the comments to let us know of anything special such as "celebrating an anniversary/birthday" or perhaps you have an allergy or special dietary need we should be aware of. It's a great way for us to be better prepared and make your experience an enjoyable one. To preserve the service levels for those dining each day, please do not use the comments for table size notes if the system only allows you to book for fewer people that might be joining you, that means we are at our capacity for any additional members and we ask that you select an available time slot. Feel free to call and see if there is a way to accommodate your group and we will try our best to come up with a solution. This is to allow the best member experience possible for all who are dining.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the club soon!
NOVEMBER 5 FROM 10:30-3:00 P.M.
All club members are invited to bring their antique, exotic, or special interest car or truck to our annual AUTO RAMA right here in the parking lot on the rescheduled date of November 5 Bring a chair with your vehicle and enjoy meeting car buffs from all over the state and lunch on the terrace. It's a fun day, bring the kids. Call the club to register your car. For more information, call Steve Lowe 804 3506691 or shlowe@hughes.net.
We are excited about the upcoming season and we love a good party as much as youdo! We want to share a few changes that have happened around the Club relating to events
We have realigned our event structure to accommodate you, the host, and recognize that we are first and foremost a member owned club knowing that any private event inevitably puts a strain on both labor and club facilities The hospitality world as a whole has seen a shortage of staff and a significant increase in labor, fixed and variable costs Now for the good news! We are fortunate to be able to continue to offer event services at the Club and we are cautious to balance both an active calendar of events while retaining service levels and quality one expects from the Club
If you are planning an event – a milestone anniversary, wedding or are tasked with this job as a part of your volunteerism or business connections around the community, here is how we differentiate event categories:
Member events are those that are for the benefit of an ICYCC Club Member or their family where the charges are billed and paid for by the member As a member, you are not charged room rental fees “Club Member or Family” is defined as a member’s parents, grandparents, children or grandchildren
Sponsored events are events that do not solely benefit the club member or their family as defined above. All events must be sponsored by a member of Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club Sponsored events are charged room and other rental fees
As we put together a proposal for your upcoming event, we ask for your understanding in some of our new procedures that allow us to operate in the new environment we find ourselves in
All event organizers are required to sign an event contract to document your event and more formally acknowledge some of the new club policies and procedures
If you are ready to book a date, please reach out to event coordinator Jennifer Mason at 8044351340 ext 115 or jmason@icycccom She is ready and waiting to assist with all of your planning needs
October 4 Yacht Club Annual Meeting & Buffet Dinner
October 7-10 Columbus Day Cruise
October 9 Night/ Glow Golf
October 12 Mah Jongg
October 13 Special Black Stallion Wine Event
October 14 Fall Festival Event
October 15 Commodore's Ball Dinner/Dance
October 18 Bunco Night * Board of Directors Meeting
October 21 New Member Orientation/Cocktails
October 26 Prime Rib Night
October 27 WGA Hole-o-Ween Golf Scramble
October 30 Racquet Halloween Social
October is an excellent month to be on the water, with the cooler temperatures and the Bay breezes. It is also a time to start making plans for winter layup or haul out. Both are sound approaches, but they should be thought out in advance.
Some members may plan to leave the boat in the water or on a lift so they can fish during the winter. If the boat is an outboard, the motor usually does not require winterizing if you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Inboards do require winterization by draining or the use of special antifreeze in the raw water engine systems. The other alternative is to use an engine heater or engine room heater.The down side to this approach is that if power is lost to the heater, the motor can be severely damaged by water freezing in the block. In addition to protecting the motor, you also have to winterize your freshwater systems and A/C units if applicable Do not forget to winterize small sub systems like washdown pumps and live bait wells.Discovering a damaged system in the spring is an unpleasant and costly experience.
If you expect to have your boat hauled for the winter at a boatyard, preplanning is still required. Are there items that will require service prior to spring launching? Is the boatyard up to speed on all your boat systems that require winterization or service? Just signing the workorder may not
be enough. Do they know about the shower hose you ridged up that connects in a cockpit locker? Every boat is different. If you have manuals for systems that require service, leave them out for the technician.Why pay for his research time, calls to the manufacturer, or internet searches?
Winterization should be a smooth process, and with preplanning it will be a painless experience.
This will be my last Commodore’s Corner, as I turn the helm over to your new Commodore, Brian Clarke. You will be in excellent hands, and keep in mind that your Bridge is a great source of information. Do not hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Hope to see you on the water in 2023!
By Beth Kendrick
ForwelloveradecadeICYCChasbeenaddingnativeplants,shrubsandtreesinanefforttoattractandsupportbirds, pollinators,butterfliesandsmallmammalstotheproperty Wenowhavetwonationalbutterflycounts,birdcounts andwaterfowlcountstakeplaceontheproperty,aswellas,fourseasonsofcolorandinterest.Thishasn’tbeendonein avacuum.Iwouldliketogreatlythankallofyouwhoparticipatedinourweekendcleanups,thoseofyouwhotookona partofthepropertytocareforbyweedingandpruningandforallofyouwhodonatedhundredsofplantsfromyour gardenstoICYCC. Itcouldn’thavebeensosuccessfulwithoutyou. Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou!! Ihopewhenyouareattheclubthemanybeautifulflowersandshrubsaddtoyourenjoyment Ihaveappreciatedall thehonks,waves,andconversationsovertheyearsasIhavebeenworkingthegardens.IhopeIhaveaddedtoyour knowledgeofthenativeplants,encouragedyoutoplanttheminyourowngardens,andbroughtsmilestoyourface whenaleopardfrogcatchesyouunawareswithhisjumpintothepond.IwasalotyoungerwhenIstartedwithPeteon allthisanditistimetopassthebaton.Ithasbeenapleasure.
ThankyouallagainforallyourhelpandIwillseeyouatICYCC!
I recently returned from an annual educational conference and I want to share that sitting in a room of over 200 private club membership directors, full of passion for a culture of connections, I can't help but be completely pumped up about the club industry as a whole. I think about the history and growth of clubs over the past years, where we are today, and where we will go in the future and one of the most exciting things to think about is how we get there We can only get there together and that is such a powerful way to "do business". The club is incredibly fortunate to be a place to come and relax, play, dine, game, learn we truly have something for everyone and each person plays an important part in how we all enjoy these activities. Members who are full of energy and excitement as they use the club can be incredibly infectious. Members full of enthusiasm in the way of volunteerism around the club and full of ideas for creative ways to try new things are what makes a club an environment of connectivity. A club is a great environment and it's here to stay for years to come!
Lily is working her first job at the club as a cart attendant. We are in the middle of our busy season and she is always willing to jump in and pick up extra work or help any of the Members or staff. Lily is the second oldest of four siblings and enjoys playing music in her spare time.
She has just finished high school and is starting college this winter
Lily may seem quiet to many, but she is always willing to pitch in and help whenever needed Thank you, Lily!
By Ed Carlisle, JrFirst and foremost, I’m excited for fall to be in the air which means college football is here and so are more pleasant rounds of golf The Pro Shop has been busy with events and we thank you all for your support. We have a full calendar ahead this month and we look forward to seeing you at the Club Stop by the shop and check out our new merchandise
1st Place - Jeff Heller & Nick Heller 44
1st Place - Ty Brent & Tyler Brent 37 (Pictured on right)
1st Place - Kevin Crawford & Noah Mikkelson 34 (Pictured on left)
Backwards Par 3
Rich Brahm, Samantha Ravich, Mike Sears, Jill Sears (24)
One of the ways that Tour pros and elite players gain several shots each round versus weekend golfers is with distance control with wedges. Five ways to improve your wedge game.
If you’re not consistently hitting the ball in the center of the face, distance control with wedges is going to be a problem. With the same swing, tempo and club head speed coming into the ball, different amounts of energy are going to be exerted onto the ball with heel and toe hits.
One way to improve your consistency of contact is by using a foot spray powder on the face while you’re practicing Simply spray the face and hit several shots during your short game practice. The ball will leave a mark on the face and tell you exactly where you are making contact. Re apply spray after each shot and work towards hitting the ball in the center of the club face.
Feel is the most important factor in good distance control with wedges. During your pre shot routine, it’s very important that you connect with your sense of feel. Ask yourself, what does this shot feel like? This is about sensing not thinking. Rehearse the feel of how the club is going to interact with the ball and the ground. Hold onto this during the engagement phase of your pre shot routine, and make your swing based upon the anticipation of that sensation.
Thinking over the ball destroys athletic movement and disconnects you from the target. The world’s best players are “looking and reacting” to all their shots (even more so with the short game and putting). Get into the habit of keeping your focus external and on your visualized intention for the shot and starting your swing or stroke shortly after your eyes come back to the ball. You don’t want to get static and disconnected shortly before swinging.
For every shot you hit around the green, you’ll need to know what trajectory and carry you intend to have and how much release you’ll get with the lie and loft of the club. It’s really important to be able to visualize what the shot looks like and make sure there’s full commitment to what you are about to do.
I would highly recommend that you spend at least 50% of your practice time on short game and putting. Try to make it more about random practice than block practice (hitting multiple balls from the same spot) and experiment with the ideas above to get the ball traveling the correct distance from anywhere within 100 yards. Start by hitting a shot to 100, then 90, then 80 and so on
See you on the course!
Ed Carlisle Jr.
October 30 from 4 7 p.m.
]Prizes for best Costumes + Social with Round Robin Play Music by DJ George, Food and Beverages. Going to be a "howling" fun time for all!
This event, originally scheduled for 10/29 is moving to November.
Awards for racquet and golf winners young and old! More Details to Come
Oct 2nd Oct 16th George Christoforatos will be out of the office on vacation. All clinics will be postponed until Oct 17th.
If you have any questions or concerns:
please contact Brian Darlak - ext 107
For reservations: please contact Megan Stephens, ext 104
Intro to Pickleball (Beginner)
Mondays & Saturdays from 12 1:00 p.m. Teaching the basic strokes/fundamentals and how to keep score and play actual matches for fun!
Intro to Tennis (Beginner)
Tuesdays from 1-2:00 p m
Ladies' Doubles Clinic
2 3:30 p.m.
Cardio Tennis
Mondays, Tuesday & Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. Tennis drills keeping you moving for a great workout
Drills & Drinks
Wednesdays from 4:30 6:00 p.m.
Spec Tennis Open Play & Clinics
Wednesdays & Fridays From 12:30 2:00 p.m.
Clinic available on Fridays from 12:30 2 p.m.
Youth Clinics
High Performance Training
Mondays 4 6 p.m. & Saturdays 9 11:00 a.m. 10 & Under 2:00 3:00 p m 11 & Over 3:00 4:30 p m
Ladies' Round Robin Play
Monday 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Men's 4.0 and up Round Robin Play Saturdays 11:30 am to 1pm.
Pickleball Play (Open Play)
Tuesdays& Thursdays 2 4 p.m. Fridays & Sundays 4 6 p.m.
FREE PICKLEBALL FOR ALL EVERY SECOND FRIDAY!
Simply sign up on the club calendar online or using the mobile the app
Care for the Courts: As you use the courts or lobby, please be courteous and leave the facilities as you found them for the next member Please return balls to carts, dispose of any trash and put any towels or toiletries in the appropriate baskets. Thank you!
BRIAN DARLAK, CCM GENERAL MANAGER 804.435.1340 EXT 107 BDARLAK@ICYCC.COM
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR 804.435.1340 EXT 104 MEGAN@ICYCC.COM
JENNIFER MASON EVENT COORDINATOR 804.435.1340 EXT 115 JMASON@ICYCC.COM
SARAH SUTTON
FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR 804.435.1340 EXT 109 SSUTTON@ICYCC.COM CHEF 804.435.1340 EXT 110 CHEF@ICYCC.COM
ED CARLISLE, PGA MASTER PROFESSIONAL 804 435 1340 EXT 101 ECARLISLE@ICYCC COM
WINDLEY "LEY" GAULDING BUSINESS MANAGER 804 435 1340 EXT 105 WGAULDING@ICYCC COM
WENDY OTTERSTEDT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 804.435.1340 EXT 106 WOTTERSTEDT@ICYCC.COM
DANA RIFFLE
BANQUET MANAGER 804.435.1340 EXT 110 DRIFFLE@ICYCCC.COM
PETER STEPHENS, CGCS GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT 804 435 2470 (O) 804 436 4059 (C) PSTEPHENS@ICYCC COM
GEORGE CHRISTOFORATOS, USPTA, PTR
RACQUET SPORTS DIRECTOR 804.435.1340 EXT 102 TENNIS@ICYCC.COM