Annual Report 2014
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OUR YEAR IN REVIEW CONNER PRAIRIE 2014 ANNUAL REPORT WE THANK YOU for supporting us as we build upon our strong foundation, and continue to grow and enhance what Conner Prairie provides. DEAR FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS, The year 2014 would prove to be a year of growth and expansion of exhibits and programs at Conner Prairie resulting in a record number of nearly 360,000 guest visits! We began the year with the amazing news of having received our largest private gift ever, a pledge of $1 million from Gary and Cindy Reynolds and Reynolds Farm Equipment. The company became the new corporate sponsor of our 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit – perhaps you’ve seen our new balloon with the large green tractor floating above the prairie? Back on the ground, the exhibit surrounding the balloon which tells the story of aeronaut John Wise and his first airmail flight in the U.S. was reconstructed to provide guests with a more hands-on and more interactive experience than ever before. Indoors, we were also focused on change and improving guest experiences. Thanks to the extraordinary fundraising efforts of the Conner Prairie Alliance, we opened the doors to our newly remodeled Discovery Station & Craft Corner. Here, our youngest visitors can climb, explore, pretend and play freely in a safe, year-round environment. Create.Connect, where we celebrate Indiana’s innovative spirit by connecting guests to the science and technology of the 1800s, moved out of its prototype phase into completion, and remains a consistent audience favorite. Together, both spaces help further Conner Prairie’s goal of being a year-round destination. More offerings were made available to our adult audiences with the debut of Prairie Plates, a series of unique dining experiences held throughout our grounds. Nearly 500 food enthusiasts attended one or more of the six Prairie Plate events, enjoying cuisine created by local food and beverage artisans. Our existing events grew stronger and new ones were created. Returning fall family favorite, the Headless Horseman, drew a crowd of nearly 30,000 guests over its 11-night stretch, while 6,000 attendees immersed themselves in the history and technological advancements of the transportation industry at the inaugural Festival of Machines. We thank you, our members, donors, corporate sponsors and visitors, for supporting us as we build upon our strong foundation, and continue to grow and enhance what Conner Prairie provides. Regards, Ellen M. Rosenthal Christopher D. Clapp President & CEO Museum Board Chair ATTENDANCE 2014 SNAPSHOT TOTAL ATTENDANCE (Excluding Symphony on the Prairie) 2014: 251,174 2013: 246,424 2% increase SCHOOL GROUPS & OTHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS 2014: 63,330 2013: 62,198 2% increase SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE 2014: 108,247 2013: 92,835 17% increase HEADLESS HORSEMAN 2014: 29,827 2013: 28,596 4% increase SUMMER CAMPERS 2014: 2,038 2013: 1,921 6% increase HISTORY ON TAP 2014: 1,033 2013: 657 57% increase HEARTHSIDE SUPPERS 2014: 739 2013: 600 23% increase TOTAL ATTENDANCE WAS NEARLY 360,000 (up from 2013’s nearly 340,000) ALL-TIME MONTHLY ATTENDANCE RECORDS 30,951 guests visited in July and... 60,944 guests visited Conner Prairie in October. MEMBERSHIP TOTAL MEMBERSHIPS 2014: 6,757 households representing 32,259 adults and children 2013: 6,737 ALL-TIME RECORD HIGH SUPPORT GIFTS, SPONSORSHIPS & GRANTS 2014: $3,215,388 2013: $2,199,810 46% increase CONNER PRAIRIE ALLIANCE gave $75,000 to Conner Prairie in 2014 primarily in support of the newly remodeled Discovery Station & Craft Corner. 380 VOLUNTEERS gave a combined 18,797 hours to help with programs and special events. For the ninth consecutive year, Conner Prairie operated with a BALANCED BUDGET. NEW PROGRAMS AND EXHIBITS EST PRIVATE G LARG IFT IN THE HISTORY OF CONNER PRAIRIE PRAIRIE PLATES celebrates the farm-to-table food and craft drink movement with unique dining experiences for adults throughout $1 MILLION our grounds, featuring the region’s top chefs and from Gary and Cindy Reynolds gourmet artisans. and Reynolds Farm Equipment - PLUS - REYNOLDS FARM EQUIPMENT became the new FESTIVAL OF MACHINES honors those who are preserving the heritage of classic vehicles and celebrates Indiana’s rich history of designing, building CORPORATE and innovating transportation. SPONSOR FOR THE DISCOVERY STATION & 1859 BALLOON VOYAGE CRAFT CORNER is a one-of-a-kind indoor play area where kids ages 8 and younger can create, climb, explore, play and pretend. 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT CONNER PRAIRIE MUSEUM, INC. Summarized Statement of Activities for the 12 Months Ending December 31, 2014 REVENUE Endowment Support $ 5,424,176 Gifts, Grants & Sponsorships 3,215,388 & SUPPORT Admission & Program Fees 1,799,872 Food & Retail 1,478,459 Rental & Other Income 674,723 Memberships 511,089 Total Revenue and Support $ 13,103,707 EXPENDITURES Education Programs & Guest Experience $ 9,672,824 Management & General 1,329,804 Marketing & Communications 1,242,588 Fundraising 732,106 Membership Services 120,280 Total Expenditures $ 13,097,602 Net Surplus $ 6,105 CONNER PRAIRIE FOUNDATION, INC. Summarized Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2014 ASSETS Cash & Investments $ 105,462,672 Property & Equipment, Net 15,091,634 Total Assets $ 120,554,306 LIABILITIES Accounts Payable $ 1,429,102 Total Liabilities $ 1,429,102 Unrestricted $ 118,503,518 NET ASSETS Temporarily Restricted 330,974 Permanently Restricted 290, 712 Total Net Assets $ 119,125,204 Total Liabilities & Net Assets $ 120,554,306 REVENUE & SUPPORT CONNER PRAIRIE MUSEUM, INC. Rental & Other Income 5% Memberships 4% Food & Retail 11% Admission & Endowment Program Fees 14% Support 41% Gifts, Grants & Sponsorships 25% EXPENDITURES CONNER PRAIRIE MUSEUM, INC. Membership Services 1% Fundraising 6% Marketing & Communications 10% Management & Education Programs & General 10% Guest Experience 74% CONNER PRAIRIE LEADERSHIP At Conner Prairie, every guest has the opportunity to pursue knowledge and fun in a way that is tailored to them. This pursuit requires strong, dedicated leadership. Conner Prairie leadership oversees operations and engages community members in supporting the museum. We are thankful that these individuals have committed their time and expertise to help shape Conner Prairie. BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR VICE CHAIR SECRETARY TREASURER Christopher Jay Mike Karen Donald Christine Clapp Ricker Blakley Hill Altemeyer Altman Terry Mary Bill Mike Bruce Tory Anker Ayres Batt Berry Bryant Callahan Alan J. Christopher Dave David Keith John Cohen Cooke Cox Day Gambrel Knight Timothy Rita Fred Bud Ginger Jane Lawson McCluskey Medley Melton Merkel Niederberger Gary Hilary S. John Phil Reg Richard Reynolds Salatich Sauder Scarpino Stump Thrapp Deb Dr. William Matt Waldkoetter Weldon Wyatt CONNER PRAIRIE FOUNDATION, INC. CHAIR VICE CHAIR SECRETARY TREASURER J. Christopher Morris Hilary S. Bud Christopher Thomas Cooke Mills Salatich Melton Clapp Fisher Richard Thrapp CONNER PRAIRIE MUSEUM, INC. ADVISORY COUNCIL William H. Jill Sean M. James M. Bryan Grossman Keefer MacDonald III 2014 CONNER PRAIRIE ALLIANCE PRESIDENT Meri Carnahan Jackie Pechette Deb Waldkoetter Bonnie Cohen Judy Ress Lynn Cowburn Melissa Roberts PRESIDENT-ELECT Marcilynn Keys Karen Crane Diane Robertson Brenda Delaney Pat Garrett Rooney DIRECTOR AT LARGE Rosemary Dunkle Ellen Rosenthal Melissa Risk Joy Elzer Mary Rymer VP APPLE STORE Cindy Faris Robin Scheevel Barbie Millington Emily Frye Anne Schuchman Julie Gerig Stacy Schultz VP COMMUNICATIONS Shelley Gordon Sara Silvey Mary Beth Garcia Nancy Haas Diane Singleton VP MEMBERSHIP Ginny Hacker Ellen Smith Maggie Gutowski Jane Haney Jean Smith Kathy Hartley Karon Smith ASSOCIATE/PATRON Louann Cissie Hennig Victoria Spartz REPRESENTATIVE Jan Webber Conni Hensel Sandra Strantz Reta Holden Jennifer Sumski SECRETARY Susan Hotwagner Susan Tiritilli Renate Hubbard Kathleen House Linda Tyler TREASURER Mandy Hunter Karen Vanneman Kathy Bergman Barbara Jackson Fay Duffner Varhan Polly Jontz Lennon Karen Wagner PAST PRESIDENT Debra Katz Carol Wakefield Jackie Clark Christine Lawson Jody Walker Kendra Lewis Leslee Walker Cheri Mahoney Penny Walker Lisa Allen Sue Maki Micki Wanzer Sally Anderson Deanna Martin Monica Weber Karen Arland Christine McComb Megan Wiles Nanette Barrett Ellen Mitchell Gail Wiseman Tammy Beauchamp Leslie Morgan Mitzi Witchger Bea Becher Marilyn Muhlenfeld Nancy Withington Becky Brammer Peggy Neal Cheryl Wohlmuth Mary Susan Buhner Carolyn Neale Joan Yahwak Rhonda Burke Jociel Nowacki Diana Yates Susan Bursaw Ann O’Haver Rebecca Young THE CONNER PRAIRIE ALLIANCE is a dynamic women’s organization that supports the programs and projects of Conner Prairie through creative fundraising. In 2014, the Alliance gave $75,000 to Conner Prairie primarily in support of the newly remodeled Discovery Station & Craft Corner (pictured above). Their primary fundraiser is the Apple Store, a seasonal food and gifts shop managed by the Alliance from September through October. Tasty treats include apples, cider slushies, caramel-dipped apples, popcorn, pies and numerous other items. 2014 CONNER PRAIRIE HORIZON COUNCIL PRESIDENT LEADERSHIP Matt Ottinger John Knight Kyle Blowers JP Patterson Corrina Cohen Matt Patterson PRESIDENT-ELECT Ryan T. Goode Cyrus Keck Robby Slaughter Clint Hangebrauck Cory Smith Joseph Hankins Laura Stranford Brianna Johnson Joseph Zielinski Denise Meyer HOLIDAY CHEERS—The Horizon Council hosts creative events, like Holiday Cheers pictured here, to raise money and offer unique adult experiences at Conner Prairie. Guests