As we enter our thirteenth year of operation (No, I am not superstitious!), I think I’d like to comment briefly on what I envision ahead. It goes without saying — our very first order of business is finding a replacement for Cal Conniff who has been our Executive Director for the past two years. One of Cal’s initial acts was to move the Headquarters out of New York City and into West Hartford, Connecticut. In my opinion — this was not only necessary from many points of view, financially and otherwise, but has proved an outstanding success. For those who have not had the opportunity to visit 61 South Main Street, make every effort to do so if you are anywhere near the vicinity. It is a great location, a nice new building, a very pleasant office with adequate space, easy access, easy parking, in a fine community and with excellent Air Service in and out of nearby Bradley Field.
The move into West Hartford did not come about without considerable expense and I would hope we can remain in this location for some time to come. Cal feels there is a pool of exceptionally talented office staff available throughout the vicinity. If our experience to date is any criteria, this is certainly born out — for, in our present staff of Carol and Laurie, we have it golden. These two girls will be invaluable during the transition of a new Executive Director. Their knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset to our new man. Let’s hope we can keep them happy — I’m sure we will make every attempt.
Financially — we are sound. I couldn’t say this last December but a massive effort on the part of Cal and his staff — plus a more bountiful effort on the part of the Lord — have provided a rosier picture than we ever anticipated six months ago. We now have a modest reserve with which to face some adversities which are bound to crop up in the future.
We are fortunate to have Attorney George Hartzog in Washington watching out for our well being. Those Committee Chairmen, who are mostly concerned with the actions George is undertaking on our behalf, are getting to know him better and vice versa. Most of our business today is done by telephone and although those Chairmen who have most often travelled to Washington and somehow refuse to submit Travel Expenses are saving what could be a considerable drain on the Treasury.
Before I became a bit side-tracked, I started off by saying “what I think lies ahead.” To me, there appears to be two areas of immediate concern. Number One — Marketing and Number Two — Ski Safety. Tom Corcoran, of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, has consented to take over as Chairman of the Marketing Committee — replacing Bob Parker of Vail who, due to the press of other affairs, requested replacement. I certainly don’t intend to put words in Tom’s mouth but I think he would agree with the statement I made during the wrap-up session at Seven Springs.
“The skier market has not sustained the growth over the last five years it had over the previous 10 to 15, and we must put new people on skis and somehow lure skiing drop-outs back to the sport. The industry MUST come out with new and imaginative promotions and bold marketing campaigns to convince non-skiers, who have the potential to become skiers, that the sport is not necessarily cold, nor dangerous nor expensive.”
So you say, “That’s a pretty stupid statement, Norton! Any Class IV Junior Competitor knows that.” And I guess I agree but, so far, not a whale of a lot has been accomplished. However, I’m sure the balloon will go up under T.C.’s able leadership.
Phil Gravink, our Second Vice-President, from Peek ‘n Peak, New York, will be the new Chairman of the Ski Safety Committee — replacing Chan Murdock of Butternut Basin, Massachusetts. Phil has served as long-time Chairman of the Insurance Committee and will turn the function of that Committee over to Chuck Lewis of Copper Mountain, Colorado.
I trust you are aware of some of the actions of the American Ski Federation. One subject of concern to the A.S.F. is Ski Safety. If you will but stop and think for a moment, it is practically impossible to pick up any publication having to do with skiing that somewhere there isn’t mention of either new evaluation of skier accidents, discourses on anti-friction devices, integrity of mounting, adjustment and inspection procedures of release bindings, studies of the vasco-elasticity of the tibia, etc., etc. Phil Gravink shares my concern that, unless we stay right on top of all of these studies and recommendations by all of the so-called “experts” (and believe me the woods are full of them), some nut (although well meaning) will attempt to establish a Standard with which the industry will find it impossible to live. N.S.A.A. will continue to work closely with the American Ski Federation in the promotion of Ski Safety which covers the entire spectrum of skiing from boots, bindings, poles, clothing or what-have-you right through skier conduct on the slopes. Free style or hot dog skiing may be OK if performed by competent people under proper supervision on a carefully-regulated course. But too many would-be hot doggers are running wild on trails for recreation skiers and scaring the daylights out of people. The reckless skier is hurting the image of skiing which, still, is essentially a family sport.
We were very appreciative of the nice message from President Ford which arrived at the start of our recent Annual Convention. Now — if only the President and Congress can come up with an Energy Conservation Plan which won’t break our backs and with which every skier can live, we will be even more appreciative. Mr. President — Thanks, in advance, for your help.
