CAN YOU RECALL the days as a child when you would get really upset because a crayon was broken? For me it was tantamount to my earth shattering. How good would it be to have that as our biggest worry today? However, what did I learn from my patient and practical teachers? While yes, the crayon is broken and perceivably would not work the way it was intended, it would still work. I just needed to be creative and figure out how.
Right now, our world and the private club community has been disrupted. The coronavirus pandemic and its subsequent quarantine implementation have hit social and recreational clubs in our wheelhouse—social interaction. This has been very difficult, but it has also proven to be an unprecedented opportunity.
Disrupted clubs can still serve and engage their members. By reimagining ways to enhance the member experience, clubs will find new and better ways to do it. This exploratory process and execution will determine the ultimate success of the club. It has been amazing and inspiring to see the resourcefulness and resolve of the entire private club community during these unprecedented times.
This is also true of your Association. NCA’s effective and responsive leadership on the coronavirus pandemic through our Coronavirus Resource Center, Town Hall Webinar Series, Blueprint for Reopening Private Clubs and COVID-19 Club Update newsletter have provided clubs, boards and staff the information and tools necessary to protect and engage your members while ultimately preparing clubs for success. Be sure to read NCA Vice President of Communications Cindy Vizza’s article on how NCA has delivered to serve the entire private club community in their time of need.
Along with our education efforts, one of the most important services NCA is providing during this unpredictable time is lobbying on behalf of all private clubs. NCA Vice President of Government Relations Joe Trauger has been leading the industry’s efforts to make sure private clubs and their employees were afforded the same opportunities as other small businesses. Read Joe’s article about NCA’s comprehensive advocacy efforts to make sure your voice was heard.
Along with our COVID-19 education and lobbying, NCA has continued to serve as a valuable resource for clubs in other areas. We have provided insight for club leaders on the trends and issues that shape the club landscape, and resources to establish and implement best practices in modern club governance, planning and financial oversight. This includes our recently released State Legislative Response Manual and, in the coming weeks and months, NCA will enhance this by adding to our vast library of resources by releasing:
- An updated Truly Private Club Status & Tax-Exempt Status book
- Private Club Cybersecurity white paper in partnership with HFTP
- NCA’s new website that will give you access to more than 1,000 resources on all facets of the club industry.
Times like these make me grateful to be a part of the private club community. Even though right now our crayons are broken, your members and our members have been impressed by what we all have been able to color with them. Most importantly, through hard work and ingenuity, we have learned that broken crayons create new opportunities that lead to a bright future.
