FCASH Board Blog

The Board Blog on our website has been updated. The user name and password are the same for each of you:
User name: news@fcash.org
Password: fcashblog

Please let me know if you get this and if you are able to get into the site. I will not post any new posts until I know that it's working. Cross your fingers!

Cynthia
ccooper@fcash.org

Interesting piece of news today - the RJI is going through a pretty serious look at itself on what is working, what is needed, etc. with the various industry clusters.  FCASH is designated as the Arts and Culture Industry Cluster and like the Water Technology, existed before the RJI or the cluster idea.

From what I learned today FCASH - the Arts and Culture Cluster, is one of two of the most developed clusters, the other being Water Technology.  Who'd a thought?!

The RJI is now being run by Mike Dozier, formerly from the City of Clovis Economic Development Department.  the Clusters are being divided up and half are being "staffed" by the EDC and the other by the RJI office.  The Arts and Culture Cluster is staffed by FCASH.

The HII - the Human Investment Inititative, is a "shere unto itself" and Deb Nankivill, from the FBC, and Ken Newby, from Deloit, are overseeing it.  Lee Ayres is also deeply involved and committed to the project.  It's a grand idea, but it has run into serious problems, primarily from an attitude perpetuated by Deb where the nonprofits involved in the social services have been discounted.  It's a longer story than I'll go into at this time, but I will tell you FCASH is seen as one of those organizations that is doing it right.

Mike Dozier is planning a survey for the clusters, to get feedback one what's working, etc.  as we are in the midst of a sector survey, we may or may not wish to partipate.  I'll have the survey before the Board retreat [2/25] and will review it so we can determine whether we need/want to take part.  I'll post the info on the Board Blog for you to look at and get the Exec. Comm.'s feedback, as well.

The real focus is to see how to engage folks to partipate in the clusters.  We already have a pretty engaged community and with our recent survey will like already have the feedback they are interested in.

 

Advocacy/Outreach
Key contacts and “friends/or future friends for the cultural arts,” (those we have strong relationships with.)

• City of Fresno
• Mayor Ashley Swearengin – Cultural Arts Agenda, appt. pending – plan to schedule after Board Retreat.  Invite to a Cultural Roundtable - the City’s Role in a Thriving Cultural Comm.
• Craig Scharton, Downtown and Community Revitalization Director [formerly Econ. Dev. Dept]
• Elaine Robles-McGraw, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager
• Elliott Balch, Downtown Revitalization Manager
• Travis Sheridan, Local Business Initiatives Manager
• Randy Reed – Communications Director
• Michael Lukens - Press Secretary
• Councilmember Borgeas – have met w/ Andrea, wife Anna in my Hospital guild.
• City of Reedley – interested in possible “Reedley Coalition”
• RJI – Mike Dozier, new CEO, former head of Clovis Econ. Dev. Dept. – instrumental in FCASH receiving funds for EIS.  Appointment pending.  Interested and willing to speak at FCASH GM
• County Supervisors: Pouchigian – Sally Caglia setting up appointment.   Anderson – agreed to present her Cultural Arts Agenda at 2009 conference.  Will recruit other supervisors.

[Note – large number of new COF administration came out of CF or the RJI]

Key Issues
Fresno Regional Foundation – Sandra Flores – pushing to have more donor advised funds go for social services.  Requested a Cultural Arts Roundtable.  Schedule in March.

Key Alliances
Creative Fresno Board – I have been invited to serve on the board of CF.  By accepting, FCASH will have  the means to tap in influence this high-leverage group.

2009 Conference
Conference Coordinator:
I request the Boards authorization to hire Betty Geortzen, event planner, for $3,750 to  plan and implement the production/logistics of the 2009 conference, thus freeing my position for outreach and sponsor recruitment.
Target date – Friday, September 18th           Target attendance – 450, increase of 100

Impact of the economy & other factors

• Jazz Fresno has laid off John Baker
• FNAC (the Fresno Nonprofit Advancement Council) is closing the office and laying off Kate Henry.  The library is the primary access and needs to be relocated by the end of February.

 

Finance
Eliminated bookkeeping services of Jane Hoffman.  Experienced continued frustrations and discretions.  A payroll service is being set up to handle payroll of associated taxes.