Press Release, 23 November 2008
The Craftsbury Sculling Center has announced that they have recently been purchased by a local non-profit foundation, which will be headed by Concept2 founder Dick Dreissigacker. This change is exciting not only because of greater financial stability and an increased ability to expand our programming, but because of a revitalized vision:
- The promotion of lifelong sports from all ages, from introductory to elite.
- Using and teaching sustainable practices throughout the organization.
- Protecting and managing the lake, land and trails.
The current staff of the Center is working with the management of the non-profit to detail all the changes. We don't have all the details, but we can point to several themes that you'll find as parts of the new Center:
- Continuity of the programming, staff and beautiful setting. Over 34 years, we've continually worked to develop a style and method of sculling instruction. The goal of constantly improving instruction does not change with our structural shift. We can assure long time campers they will still feel at home in the program.
As to the surroundings, the lake and the beautiful grounds will be even more secure under the new arrangement than in the past as protecting these assets is one of the pillars of our new mission. Already, the non-profit foundation has purchased additional property to secure the geographic continuity of the Center.
- Expansion of the communities we hope to serve. Non-profit status will allow us to explore new areas that we haven't been able to serve as readily in the past - at all ages and ability levels: master or junior, novice and elite.
- Improvements to the physical plant. The non-profit aims to gradually expand the selection of elite level equipment at the Center, whether in the boathouse or weight room. Additionally, we're studying ways to incorporate more local, organic food in our menus, and reduce our environmental footprint. While we're already a Green Hotel, there's always room for improvement.
Questions, comments or suggestions are welcome at sculling@craftsbury.com