April 2014

This is the twenty fourth and last President's Letter that I have written. Presumably my term will expire with the adjournment of the April Meeting. I don't mean to tergiversate but my term actually is of indefinite duration, “elected … for a term of one year or until their successors are elected and take office.” However I don't expect that to be a problem. The Nominating Committee has recruited an excellent candidate for President (Bob Horton) who I am confident will pick up the mantle as soon as I lay it down.

I am grateful to you for your confidence in me and your support for the past two years, without which I could not have undertaken the fundamental changes that have been wrought in many aspects of the Society. During the nearly three years I served as Secretary before you elected me President I observed a number of areas which could be addressed to the benefit of the Society. These areas fall into one of two categories: improving both the value, and the perception of value, of membership in Skyscrapers, Inc.; and managing the Society's business in a manner congruent with accepted practices of a corporation, which indeed Skyscrapers is.

Many of the steps taken actually address both of these categories simultaneously. The format of meetings was changed to focus on matters astronomical and business was conducted at Board meetings by the people you elected to do that. The time freed up was filled by improved programs of broader appeal including more member presentations of high quality. 

A strong focus on member activities produced well attended members-only observing sessions, technical symposia on several topics, and a major effort to improve access to the instruments.  These steps have paid off with a strong improvement in the rate of new memberships and the enjoyment of existing members. 

The Board has been able to focus on items of real and enduring value to the Society now that business is being conducted in a businesslike manner. The number and quality of initiatives is much higher under this new approach than was the case previously. It has also been possible to take in stride those unexpected challenges that have arisen and find satisfactory solutions where the prior approach to management would have hamstrung those efforts. 

You have been faithfully served by dedicated elected officials (both the Board and the Trustees) who have all worked very well together with no agenda except a shared objective of making Skyscrapers better.  You have also served each other well by volunteering for star parties, AstroAssembly support, grounds maintenance, etc. It has been a pleasure to be associated with such a fine group of people.

Thanks for all you do for Skyscrapers.