1 SPRING 2015 The Official Publication of the ProfessionalSnow Ski Instructors of America Eastern / Education Foundation 2015 Eastern Membership Survey Results 7 regions + 4 disciplines + 3 age groups = complex equation for successPro By Michael J. Mendrick, Executive Director irst and foremost, thank you to the nearly 2,000 Eastern Division members Below is a summary of some of the key questions and results along with that took the time to complete our most extensive membership survey observations and potential indications of those results. Fever in April. The 42 questions covered everything from events to member The PRIMARY value I get from membership in PSIA-AASI is (please services to dues value to recognition and rewards for snowsports instructors and select the most valuable element): you provided us with an awesome supply of both data and comments. In fact, more than 4,500 individual comments, suggestions and concerns were shared Answer Options Response by members. These comments have been shared with all Eastern leadership and Percent play an important role in helping us determine what to work on for you in the Improvement in my teaching and ability to help others become better skiers 53.7% or riders (professional development & certification) coming months in prep for next season. • Overall survey demographics: Discounts on products, gear, services, recreation and lodging 13.2% • Total surveys completed – 1,988 Improvement in my skiing or riding (personal improvement) 24.4% • Approximately 70% of surveys completed by members age 50 and older The experience of attending events with fellow members (social, camaraderie) 8.7% • Nearly half of surveys completed by members in their first 10 years of Executive Observations: membership “Improvement in my teaching” is far and away the highest rated value of • 80% of surveys completed by members in the Alpine discipline PSIA-AASI membership by all levels of experience and all age groups. That said, • Nearly half of surveys (48%) completed by Level 1 members it becomes a somewhat lower value as members remain in the organization for longer periods of time. Conversely, “Improvement in my skiing and riding” and The 2015 Eastern Division Membership Survey reaffirmed that members have social elements of membership become a greater value the longer a member is a high regard for the member service and educational programming we provide to in the organization. Also, it is clear that most members are not in it for “the stuff” them. The survey also reaffirmed that many of the same issues and concerns that (discounts, gear) - they are in it for the experience that membership provides. members expressed when we began doing annual surveys in 2010 remain today. It also illustrates how we really have (at least) two primary membership segments Indications: we are trying to serve - both with different needs, issues and concerns. We have We should continue to focus on ways to improve the membership experience younger (16-29) and newer (first 10 years) members that are concerned about the in terms of helping instructors become better teachers, skiers and riders while not cost and time obligations of becoming involved, staying involved and progressing in discounting the value of social elements and “community” as members progress certification levels. We have veteran members (20-plus years) and older members in experience. (50-plus years) that are concerned about the level of recognition and reward they “It is clear that most members are not in it for are receiving for the many years of financial and physical effort they have put into their membership. One common issue with all member segments is the overall ‘the stuff’ – they are in it for the experience that cost of becoming and remaining a member relative to “what they get out of” being membership provides.” a member (value as THEY perceive it). page 4 >> Congratulations to Survey Response Winners! he following lucky members are the prize winners for taking the time to complete the Spring 2015 Eastern Membership Survey. They were three of the nearly 2,000 members inside Tthat provided us with awesome information and suggestions on how to make our orga- nization better for YOU! President’s Message 2 > Daniella Midulla wins $66 Eastern dues for 2015-16 Zipperline 7 > Deb McNamara wins a $200 Amazon gift card Around the Regions 9 > Matthew Connolly wins a $100 education certificate for a 2015-16 event Election Results 12 Your Turn 22 Thanks to ALL for participating in this year's survey. 2 spend quite a bit of time reviewing the survey results president’s message which will assist the Board in setting our short and long PSIA - Eastern term goals that will best meet your needs. Check out Education Foundation and Eric Jordan the cover story for an overview of the survey results. PSIA/AASI - Eastern Division Speaking of our upcoming Board of Directors meeting, we will have some new faces on the Board Staff for Region 1 and 2. First, I would like to thank both Michael J. Mendrick Tom Butler, Region 1 and Curtis Cowles, Region 2 for Will theyExecutive feel Director it on the their past service on the Board. Both Tom and Curtis Don Haringa spent many years on the Board and were both great street?Director of Education & Programs Sue Tamer assets to our organization. Region 1 will have two new By Peter Howard,Director of AlpineOperations Education & faces with Peter Howard as the new Region 1 Director Certification Chairman and Peter Holland joining the Board as Region 1 Rep. Board of Directors reetings Eastern members, I hope you had Region 2 will continue to be represented by Katherine President an enjoyable and rewarding season! We Rockwell MacLauchlan as well as the addition of Ted Eric Jordan Vice President Gsaw record snowfall and experienced Fleisher who will begin his first term on the Board as Region 2 Director. I am looking forward to working Ross Boisvert countless “all time” powder days throughout the en- Immediate Past President tire East coast. In fact, our friends on the West coast with our new Board members so that we can continue Ron Kubicki were extremely jealous of us since we had the best to build on our momentum and bring you the services Region I conditions in the country this season. The amazing and benefits you want at the best possible value. Director – Tom Butler conditions were well received by resorts and guests Keeping with our Board of Director theme, we Representative – Ross Boisvert throughout the division which in turn increased the have been extremely busy trying to wrap up our new Region II Director – Ted Fleischer demand for lessons. Let’s hope this trend continues affiliation agreement with the National organization. We have spent the past 6 months negotiating terms Representative – Katherine Rockwell and that we can experience seasons like this on a (Secretary, PSIA-E) more regular basis. and conditions that will meet the long term needs of Region III We all know how crazy and hectic the season can your division and, most importantly, our members. I Director – Dave Beckwith be at your resort and the PSIA-AASI Eastern office is am pleased to report that we have been able to find Representative – Dave Welch no different. Your office staff in Albany deserves a acceptable terms on all our major concerns. As I Region IV big thank you since they have yet again delivered an- write this message, we are nearing the end and are Director – Bob Shostek Representative – Steve Kling other great season with exceptional member service. literally down to one sentence that is located within the transparency section of the agreement. I am confident (Treasurer, PSIA-E) Another big thank you needs to go out to the entire Region V education staff since they are the ones responsible for that we can wrap this up quickly and there is a very Director – Wendy Frank delivering our exceptional educational events. good chance that by the time this message is published, Representative – Dick Fox Thanks also to the nearly 2,000 Eastern members your leadership will have executed our new affiliation Region VI that took the time to complete our annual member- agreement that will serve us well for decades to come. Director – Brian Smith Representative – Jack Jordan ship survey. This survey is extremely helpful to your That’s all for now. As always, please feel free to contact me or your regional representative if you Region VII leadership team since it allows us assess our strengths Director – Paul Crenshaw have any suggestions, thoughts or concerns. I can be and weaknesses as well as set our priorities for the Representative –Ty Johnson upcoming season. We have a Board of Directors meet- reached at [email protected]. ing scheduled for June in Saratoga Springs, NY. We will Committee Chairpersons Umbrella Steering Committee Ross Boisvert Alpine Education & Certification Committee Peter Howard Snowsports School Management Committee Doug Daniels Alpine Education Staff/BOE Keith Hopkins Children’s Committee Jeff "Jake" Jacobsen PSIA Representative Bill Beerman Adaptive Advisor Kathy Chandler Nordic Coordinator Mickey Stone AASI Advisor Ted Fleischer Race Programs Committee Brian Smith Area Rep Program Coordinator Joan Heaton 3 The Official Publication of the ProfessionalSnow Ski Instructors of America Eastern / Education Foundation executive tracks MICHAEL MENDRICK, Pro EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Volume 41, Number 5 Michael J. Mendrick, Editor The official publication of the Professional Ski Instructors of America-Eastern Big Push Perceived as Having Education Foundation 1-A Lincoln Avenue Little Pull with Public Albany, NY 12205-4907 Phone 518-452-6095 A “good start” but broader nationwide effort needed to make an impact Fax 518-452-6099 www.psia-e.org By Michael J.