Dear %PERS_NAME%,

As we arrive at the close of 2009 and see glimpses of economic recovery, many of us still face challenges. Experts describe this new era for our work as the new normal. New conditions, new challenges, new expectations in this time demand we become more adaptable, strategic learning enterprises with the capacity and strength to capitalize ideas, leverage opportunities and respond effectively to the circumstances emerging in our communities. It is with this in mind and vast input gathered from members over the last three years in hand that the Board of Directors and staff set about framing out the overall strategy, goals and service offerings for the next three years. And I'm pleased to bring you up to date on recent developments in these strategic efforts.

We have taken a hard look at our revenue base, and like most of you with sources of income in flux, have frozen three fulltime staff positions, created a more scalable staff structure guided by a more experienced executive team, cut back our expenses, quadrupled travel subsidies and renewed grant programs for members, and invested savings in a much more robust database and web platform – all in an effort to provide you with access to your peers in the field, better tools and resources to build capacity 24/7, year-round.

Three-Year Strategy

Through a series of retreats that began in the fall of 2007, the Board of Directors and staff have worked with member committees and task forces to establish a powerful new mission, vision, and values statement for the organization; strengthen board governance; open up new avenues for members to participate in shaping the future of the association, and rethink and enhance communications and core programs, including the annual conference. Our collective efforts have resulted in the adoption of a new three-year Strategic Framework.

A short summary of the framework is attached. This summary and the full version of the Strategic Framework are available at www.artspresenters.org/about.

Central to the framework are the following goals: strengthen relationships and networks among members and the wider field; deepen and expand the capacity of individuals and organizations engaged in presenting; and promote the value of and raise the visibility of the field of presenting. Core service areas include:

• Online and face-to-face peer networking and knowledge exchanges;
• Research and discovery of new and proven practices through grants, awards, travel subsidies, convenings and individualized learning experiences;
• Public affairs and advocacy on issues that critically impact presenting and the performing arts on a local to global level and help members make the case for the arts in their communities.

APAP365 – a new online destination for members

APAP365 is a new web platform designed to be the online home for your professional life in arts presenting. Members have shared a tremendous desire for tools focused on doing business and networking with colleagues. We're very excited about the BETA version of APAP365 launching this month – in time for the APAP ConferenceNYC – with enhanced search and improved functionality and navigation. This is the first stage in the development of a robust set of peer networking tools – including groups, online forums, and blogs – as well as an unparalleled knowledge exchange center with professional development opportunities and resources to enhance your work. Watch for more communications in the next few weeks – you'll be asked to update your artist rosters and staff lists so these tools can help deliver the best-in-class service.

Moving forward – What's next?

The board and staff have been hard at work looking at ways to increase the value of your membership and meet pressing demands that have emerged from shifts in the presenting landscape – while acknowledging the real constraints we all have as our communities adapt to a set of new conditions and the global economy regains momentum. In January we will introduce for your input some ideas and concepts we're considering to achieve the best alignment of improved services with the income streams and resources for a changing marketplace and an evolving presenting field. We're all in and look forward to working closely with you to actualize the mission of the association and put the presenting field in thriving mode for the future.

Best regards,
Sandra