Personal notes from Phillip Stephens made during the meeting on 4/30 at Perkins in Deland attended by corporate representation from both West Volusia and Daytona YMCA associations.
The topic of discussion is the possible merger of the two associations. It was clear that our mission was to scope the opportunity and determine the benefits.
Rand Spiwak, Kathy Ambachtsheer, John Boswick, Bob Ludlow, Dennis Stark, Edwin Sanders, Ivan----, Bruce----, George Flack, and Phillip Stephens in attendance.
These notes are in no particular order and should not be considered as representations of opinions expressed by those at the meetings. They are only observations of discussions carried on regarding the subject of merging the two associations.
Advantages:
- Strong branches
- Derbershire is sold and the sale closes on May 9 which will leave Daytona debt free.
- Daytona is discussing partnership opportunities with hospitals and the speedway (vague mention)
- Associations encompass Ormond, Flagler, Daytona Beach , Port Orange , New Smyrna, Edgewater, Deland, Deltona, Orange City , DeBary, Enterprise , Osteen.
- Issues to face:
- West Volusia must consider action regarding their CEO search.
- Leadership
- Ken Barnes and Chris Seilkop were mentioned as possible applicants for the combined CEO position once the merger is complete.
- Each branch is lead by strong YMCA leader
- Unified programs leadership to involve:
- Governance
- Philosophy seems to be the same in that the branch boards are served by the Corporate Board.
- Alternate CVO leadership east and west and attempt to centralize corporate meetings to ease the attendance difficulties that may occur.
- Staffing
- Emotional issues may have to be addressed.
- Fund raising and marketing must be staffed
This is approximately a $14 million merger that will require strong strategic planning, annual budgeting.
- First year or so need to have a Co-CVO position.
- Facilitation of the merger was suggested that there be an individual hired that has no career aspirations but strong Y experience and could assist with the difficult decisions. Mentioned were Mike Jessic(?) and Jerry Harrellson
- CVO’s should meet
- Contact a potential facilitator
- Obtain full financial disclosure
- Perform due diligence as suggested by the Y USA
- Need to produce a list of needs of each association an match them as much as possible
- What is the valuing process
- Camp Winona could benefit both associations and could be better utilized—needs some maintenance.
- Program Specifics need to be shared amongst branches.
Merger could take a year but was suggested to begin now if each of the corporate boards approved the move ahead and try to end up with a complete merger at the beginning of 2008
Interim person can be a good stabilizer but the term must be specific.
How will the corporate board work??
