On July 1st, 2017 the RSO begin its new fiscal year, signaling the offical end to a very successful 60th season. We asked Garry Kleer, president of the RSO board, for his thoughts on the state of the RSO and the improvements the organization has made in recent years.
When you look back over the two years you have served as President of the board, what are you most proud of?
Bringing financial stability to the organization and instilling financial responsibility to the Board when making decisions.
What does the RSO truly bring to this community and region?
The Arts are an important economic development tool for our community. The RSO brings music education to our community and most importantly our school kids.
What challenges did the RSO face under your leadership? What challenges does the organization still face?
They were more budget related challenges. We were overspending and taking money out of the Endowment to balance the budget. We have stopped that practice and now operate with a balanced budget. The RSO needs to develop new revenue streams for the future.
Name a few of your favorite memories over the past two years.
—Watching Monica grow as the Executive Director. Each year she has become more confident in her ability to lead the organization.
—The concerts get better each year. Under Guy’s leadership, the music and the musicians keep producing a high quality product.
—Our special events are truly special. The creativity, organization and the delivery have made these events one of the most anticipated in our community and has helped the RSO get over the financial hurdle we were facing.
—Our budgeting process has been enhanced and our record keeping improved which has been and will be important to the financial stability of the RSO.
—Board participation…we have a really good Board who step up to do whatever is asked of them. They, along with the staff, make the RSO work.