President's Report 2008/09

Board President Trish Stovel

This past year has presented us with many challenges to which the Board, staff and our valued volunteers responded with vision and cohesion. In a climate of economic slowdowns and fi scal restraint, the organization has needed to make strategic decisions and choices.

Within the multisectoral tables convened by the Community Council, the Quality of Life CHALLENGE has seen the most changes. It has faced reduced funding, staff changes, and ultimately a recommendation that this poverty reduction initiative be a strategic initiative of the Community Council. Staff will support the Leadership Roundtable as they implement their Phase Two Business Plan and strive to enhance community affordability by reducing costs of living and increasing sustainable incomes.

On behalf of the Board I would like to acknowledge the tremendous effort invested by the Leadership Roundtable and in particular the Caucus composed of Maureen Young, Val Green, Claire Rettie, Sue Stovel, and Brian Hill. Our deep appreciation is extended to CHALLENGE funders including The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, who have been generous, supportive and patient as the CHALLENGE has gained its Phase Two footing.

Like most other organizations, the Community Council sustainability has been negatively affected by the shift away from core funding and more to project funding. We spent considerable time and effort preparing proposals to a wide range of funders. Despite the excellent direction of our Executive Director Peggy Mahoney and the enormous effort of staff, we have seen few fruits from this labour.

This spring, as the Board was facing fi scal realties, we learned that two of our staff would be leaving. Jane Worton, who was our immensely capable Research Director and the backbone of the Quality of Life CHALLENGE, has joined a local research fi rm. She will be leading their social research projects so we know our paths will continue to cross. Anna Russo, who brought tremendous capacity to the Communications Department and to CR-FAIR, has decided to further her education at UVic. She will continue to work for us on a part-time basis. To both Jane and Anna we wish all the best in their exciting new endeavors. We will miss them both.

Given the serious funding issues the Community Council is facing, the Board decided not to replace either of these positions, rather to shift roles and responsibilities within the remaining staff team.

Throughout these challenges and changes the Board of Directors has been steadfast. Not only do they possess a remarkable range of experience and skills, they have been exemplary in their leadership and more than generous with their time. It is a privilege to work with such a wonderful group.

I wish to thank the staff of the Community Council for their tremendous work, commitment, and adaptability in these turbulent times.

Last but not least I wish to thank the members of our ‘community’ who by virtue of your involvement and membership, continue to place your trust in us to build with you a strong and caring community.

Trish Stovel
President, Community Council Board of Directors
September 2009