January 2017 Museletter IGNITE your curiosity. DISCOVER your story. Thank You:To Our Departing Board Members In December 2016, five of the founding members of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Board By: Matt Mayberry, CSPM Director completed their six years of board service. The CSPM Board exists to provide financial support for museum operations. This private, nonprofit organization was organized as a result of the economic crisis in 2009-2010 and the related budget cuts that threatened the City-owned museum. The departing board members are: Susan Bradt Laabs (treasurer), Marjorie Westbay (secretary), Harry Gautsche, David Buckley, and Sue Grant. During their tenure on the board, the CSPM has experienced tremendous growth and change. More than 90 percent of the museum’s exhibits have been updated, and successful new educational programs were launched, which have helped increase annual visitation by more than 50 percent. The board finalized a new strategic plan, Vision 2023, that identified financial strength, visitor experience, and brand identity as strategic priorities for the institution. The organization has met or exceeded ambitious goals related to fundraising and building renovation. From left to right: Sue Grant, Harry Gautsche, David Buckley, Sue Bradt Laabs, Marjorie Westbay The CSPM is much stronger, more resilient, and more engaging than it was in 2010. The museum’s many accomplishments are due in no small measure to the hard work, dedication, and passion of these founding board members. They are also a lot of fun to work with. A sincere thank you to each and every one of them for their service. In an upcoming issue of the Museletter, you will meet some of our new board members. pg. 2
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