From the Desk of IMD Division Director: Bill Sinykin
Greetings,
After an epic year in the Intemountain Division and a lot of patrol work, I hope everyone is enjoying the summer.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Brighton in August for our Annual Board of Directors meeting and Awards Banquet. There is information on the IMD web-site and more to come with regard to housing, costs etc. Our host, the Brigton Ski Patrol, is working hard to make this an outstanding event.
The summer face to face meeting of the National Board and the Division Directors Team was held in Denver on May 30th through June 3rd . Some of my general impressions of the meetings are listed below.
Our new Executive Director is working hard to organize and staff the national office. A detailed strategic plan has been set to enhance effectiveness and accomplish the goal of becoming a more dynamic office that will provide improved performance and better member services. The new LMS and MMS segments of our data and computer system will be a big part of future improvements. Also, there is a concerted effort to strengthen our relationship with NSAA, our sponsors, and other industry partners.
The Division Director Team has several new Division directors on the Team. All of the new members are well informed and energetic and will be assets to the Team. The Team is continuing its work of reviewing current initiatives, serving on all of the standing committees, and being an advisory voice to the National Board.
The National Board is working to maintain a healthy and viable financial position and pursue strategic initiatives that will help maintain our position of relevance in outdoor industries. The Board is also working toward a stronger relationship with NSAA and the ski Areas it represents. There are a few initiatives that are still a work in progress. An agreement and relationship with A3 to be recognized by their organization as an Avalanche course provider and a revised proceedure for code of conduct actions are examples. Our National Board is sometimes not completely in agreement on various matters. The personalities and backgrounds of Board members seem to influence strongly divided voting on inportant issues. Therefore, it is inportant that we all become familiar with board candidates and vote in the upcoming election .
The Intermountain Division is in a strong and stable position. We are current with tax filings and dues payments and all of our major programs are functioning well. We have a few programs that are just getting underway and they will become stronger with time and development. We have an outstanding Division staff and dedicated program supervisors and I appreciate everyones efforts. The Intermountain Division has great members. Many who contribute within our Division and some who contribute at the national level. We have the best ski areas and some outstanding back country to patrol.
Although I have one more year to serve in my current two year term, I have made the decision to step down at the Board meeting in August, 2023. This has been a very difficult decision for me. However, I have serious family matters that I must attend to. I am confident that qualified individuals will step up and be candidates to fill the position and that the Board will select an outstanding new Division Director in August. It has been an honor and a privilage to serve as your Division Director. I look forward to seeing everyone at Brighton in August and perhaps on the ski slopes in the future. In the calendar, just below, click on the red box for details and to register for the Summer meeting.
Best Regards,
Bill Sinykin