I’m a numbers person. It’s the reason I agreed to be our Chamber’s Treasurer when I joined the Board last November. Doing the books for my husband’s forestry company for two decades and the books for my own company, Red Tail Ranch Bed & Breakfast, has given me insight not just on keeping a clean set of books, but also a hard-won perspective on running fiscally responsible businesses.
Why is this so important? Since my husband and I are both self-employed, we get the clearest picture of our financial health and outlook by melding the numbers from our two companies. Since last March, small businesses everywhere have been affected by the pandemic. Red Tail Ranch is no exception. While I apply for grants, loans, etc., Kevin’s business is contributing more to help meet our needs. It’s a delicate balancing act. Being disciplined with our bookkeeping and always having a true picture of our financial situation has sustained us during these challenging times.
For a member-focused organization like our Chamber of Commerce, fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency are essential. Kudos to the previous board for their foresight in obtaining an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) when it was clear that our major fundraiser, the 49’er Festival, would have to go virtual in 2020. The proceeds of this loan are being held in reserve until we are confident that the 49’er Festival can resume as a live event in 2021.
The Finance Committee is tasked with ensuring that the board and our members have a clear picture of the organization’s financial status, fiscal policies, and outlook. All committees are preparing program recommendations and budgets, which will be rolled up for review by the Board, who will make decisions within the context of the Chamber’s overall financial health.
Your Board of Directors is committed to being fully transparent. We want our members to understand the Chamber’s financial health and how the board invests available funds for programs that will benefit your businesses. Our monthly board meetings are open and we review the financial picture at each meeting. To attend an upcoming meeting (still being held via ZOOM), email info@groveland.org.
Deborah Kalkowski is the owner/operator of Red Tail Ranch, a Yosemite Bed & Breakfast on Ferretti Road in Groveland. Deb can be reached at innkeeper@red-tail-ranch.com.