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Thursday, March 6, 2025
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The Lakeside Association Board of Directors conducted business on Friday, February 21, 2025. Reverand Scott Low opened us in prayer, reminding us that we must trust God and trust each other to openly share our opinions and be unified in serving the mission for Lakeside. We reaffirmed our Board goals and took time to honor the Board’s mission work over the past two years. We share our progress with you.
CEO Charles Allen and CAO Meg Johnson presented their vision for the 152nd Chautauqua season and the Lakeside team’s new initiatives, namely Genuine Care Hospitality and Lakeside Ready. The Genuine Care process is designed to make every guest feel valued, welcomed and part of something special. The Lakeside Ready program is designed to bring alignment to all departments to ensure smooth operations and a high-quality guest experience. Everyone who enters Lakeside is a guest.
We received updates on the strategic priorities and fiscal performance year-to-date. Meg Johnson reported Lakeside ended Q3 of fiscal year 2024-2025 exceeding revenue expectations and maintaining disciplined expense management. Revenue is ahead of budget by $148,000 and expenses are under budget by $270,000. Lakeside Chautauqua Realty Limited and The Memorial Garden At Chautauqua Park, LLC continue to be self-sustaining entities for Lakeside.
Charles Allen, CEO of The Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation, shared that overall giving is strong for Lakeside year-to-date. The total raised as of December 31, 2024, exceeds the same period in 2023. Also, as of December 31, 2024, the endowment is at an all-time high.
The Governance Committee brought forward a resolution to approve the Executive Session Policy. Then, MaryAnn Kelmer, on behalf of The Lakeside Property Owners Association, shared extensive community feedback.
Over lunch, Director Doug Adams, on behalf of the Capital Improvement and Business Case Task Force, reported on the recent community survey findings. Survey engagement was high, and data collected is valuable. Many survey sharing sessions will be available to you throughout the season.
Following lunch, Charles Allen led an Imagine session on shoulder season opportunities for Lakeside, focusing on bringing in more camps and retreats.
Finally, the Board honored the service of Directors Paul Hubbard (5 years), Cindy Mahl (6 years) and Michael Peterson (3 years), who will complete their Board service on March 31, 2025. All leave strong service legacies. We approved two new Directors, Corey Clay and Greg Bricker, who came through the nominating process, and confirmed Director Bret Johnson, as the newest representative of the Lakeside Property Owners Association. We also approved these three individuals submitted by the Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation nominating committee to the Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation Board of Directors: Molly Allen, Paul Seling and Lorraine Schuchart. Look for a press release with more biographical information about each new Director.
Prior to adjournment, Kay Panovec closed us in prayer asking God to guide the Board and the Lakeside community as we lean into the future with clarity, patience and a spirit of unity.
As we head into sunnier days and the solemnity of the Lenten season, we wish you, and your loved ones, peace and blessings. We continue in gratitude to our founders for conceiving Lakeside Chautauqua and to all of you for your support of the mission with your time, your talent and your treasure. The mission is worth it.
It is a privilege to serve the mission of The Lakeside Association alongside Charles Allen, CEO, and his thriving team. We share joyful anticipation for the start of the 152 Chautauqua season, and we look forward to being with you on Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile.
Faithfully Yours,
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