Kristen's Work Update

As of January 9, 2009, we had just over 6,500 members who renewed their membership (including affiliate members). We have had people renewing since then and paying the late fee, so my best guess is that by February, we will have probably around 6700, give or take. What the real question is (for staff anyway) will this be enough to sustain the staff that we currently have? Our Board President this year says that he doesn't think we have anything to worry about, that the Board will manage, but I have my doubts. I know his intentions are good, but the Board only budgeted to lose 1,500 members and once the budget is set, it is really hard to re-work it without having to cut back on staff. Knowing my luck, I would be one of the cut backs. That is just how Murphy's Law would be applied in this case, LOL.

Now, many of our members would probably likely see changes made in our budget, but I don't think that cutting staff would make them very happy. Why? Because many of them expect us to be set up like a company such as Comcast, where you can wait on hold for the next available representative and they will answer your questions. This is not practical for us for two reasons: 1) we have a relatively small staff in comparison to our membership numbers, despite the drop, which means that the hold time would increase dramatically and 2), we each have specialized departments, so the more calls we take, the more time it takes away from those members who call our department directly.

I already have my corner picked out by the Walmart close to our house. The residents are really nice! LOL I am doing my best to take it one day at a time and to take what is dealt to me.