Greetings, from Oregon DU!
Greetings, everyone!
Although we are still in the lingering grips of winter as I write this, there is a definite hint that spring is on the way. Our snow banks have been slowly receding, local creeks and streams are running full, tree buds are starting to swell and some early songbird migrants are showing up, braving the chill. Passing a small pond the other day, I noticed a row of Canada geese lining the edge of an ice patch, while on the open water, common mergansers in full regalia were starting their annual mating ritual. Although most of us enjoy many aspects of winter and its myriad opportunities for outdoor adventures, I suspect that we welcome the advent of spring.
As I mentioned in my holiday note, Oregon DU chapters are charging along, indicating a nice positive trend. So far this third quarter, the financial proceeds are up, bolstered by significant increases in attendance. Being always mindful of those well-proven factors that really help raise duck dollars, such as filling the hall with aggressive pre-event ticket sales, carefully monitoring the budget, and nurturing our precious sponsors will help the bottom line. |
SC Gene Bieraugel
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Recently, a Western Regional personnel change occurred, allowing me to welcome Jason Rounsaville as Director of Fundraising and Volunteer Relations, DFVR, as an adjunct to our Oregon Leadership team. A superb example of the DU family, Jason started as an Oregon DU volunteer, filling positions of ever-increasing responsibility before making the leap to the DU professional staff as a Regional Director. With Jason on board, we bid adieu to our long-time DFVR Peter Churchbourne who rotated to a similar position near his home on the East Coast. So, hello Jason. So long Peter, and thanks.
As a closing note, I encourage you to monitor what’s happening to the national budget. Indications are that many conservation programs that benefit wetlands and waterfowl may be seriously cut, and this would impact the mission of Ducks Unlimited. When and if DU asks you to help with public policy issues such as this, I urge you to respond to that call.
Gene Bieraugel,
Oregon DU State Chair