There’s Power in Numbers

I am sure many of you have heard the old adage ‘There’s Power in Numbers’, well this also holds true for us. It has been a year now since The Ontario Steelheaders elected its current Board of Directors. I can assure you all, that your Directors have been working hard over the past year on many projects to move this club and the fisheries in a forward direction. Your membership support has, and will continue to make this work possible.   Please keep in mind that all membership revenue is 100% directed to the Ontario Steelheaders to fulfill their goals and objectives. The revenue generated from membership fees, combined with donations, grants and bursaries from businesses, government organizations, as well as, other community group funds gives us the ability to really make a difference in this fishery. It is also in our best interest as concerned anglers, for our organization to show a wealth of supporting members on the roster. The power is in the numbers, as it demonstrates to government agencies and various organizations that we have a committed (and large) group of people who continue to renew their commitment, and support the objectives of the Ontario Steelheaders. In other words, it’s not just about money. The OS needs your support in many ways.   In the spring of this year, we had many members renew their memberships and also had the additional support of new members. There are still several memberships that are due for renewal, so please check with me to determine your renewal period. Please note that our membership dates run from May to May. As a special offer to new supporters, and in an effort to streamline renewal dates, any memberships received after September 1st 2011 will not be due for renewal until May 1, 2013. Please take advantage of this one time offer, and show your support. Join, or renew your membership with the Ontario Steelheaders and help us reach our goals! Our membership roster is well over 145 members, but could easily top 200 if we could get everyone to renew. Please take advantage of this renewal offer, it will permit you to continue to support the organization as you have in the past, and increase our active member list tremendously! I would also like to point out that Rob Heal owner and operator of “The Home Pool” Guiding and Fly Fishing Center, www.thehomepool.ca is offering a membership drive on our behalf. Rob is offering to include in his daily fee, the cost of a single Ontario Steelheaders membership for anyone that books with him for the months of October and November and again for April of 2012. Thanks again Rob for believing in and supporting this organization!!   I take the responsibility of Membership Director very seriously. I share the role of ensuring our members receive the information, handouts, memos, updates etc. that our directors prepare for us. You should note that the most recent membership application form provides an option for those of you who wish to opt -out of receiving mail through Canada Post and only receive email communications. I realize that for some of our members continue to depend on receiving our communications through Canada Post and this will continue. However for those of you who have selected to opt out and receive email communications only, I thank you, as this does reduce our overall operating costs. However, regardless of how you wish to receive your communications please ensure that I have received your most up to date contact information including valid E-mail addresses.   I continue to ask for any and all of your input regarding any suggestions that you may have, as this is YOUR organization and YOUR input is valued. Please send your comments to: membership@ontariosteelheaders.ca, or include them with your membership renewal.   I am looking forward to seeing all of you again at the fall derby on October 15, 2011. I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead of us in the coming year. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions regarding your membership or club communications, and I would be only too happy to assist.