Summary of the Feasibility Study

We appreciate your participation and feedback provided as part of the Feasibility Study to help determine the opinions of program supporters, area residents, and civic/governmental leaders for a proposal to complete urgent facility improvements and potentially renovate/rebuild the chalet.  It is now time to share the results of the study, to share the progress made since the study was completed, and to outline the next steps as the process moves forward.
 Below You Will Find…
  • Introduction of Mount Ski Gull’s new staff leadership
  • Results from the confidential interviews and written surveys
  • Frequently received comments and questions from respondents
  • A forward thinking and fiscally responsible action plan to move ahead
​“This is an exciting time for Mount Ski Gull and I am very proud to be a part of it,”
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​ “The Brainerd Lakes Area understands that MSG is a unique and special place for families and children.  It’s very humbling to watch a community commit to Mount Ski Gull and carry on from the point of surviving to thriving.  The road ahead is going to be awesome!”
​Our Treasured Resource In Transition
 
Carrie Wood-Grillo is the new Executive Director for Mount Ski Gull (MSG).  Carrie and her family have lived in the Brainerd Lakes Area for more than 15 years where they own and operate Minnesota Hockey Camps, the premiere summer hockey camp in North America.  
 
Carrie was previously the Executive Director for Hartnelldown Foundation for over 5 years. Her experience with recreational management and nonprofits will help MSG grow and achieve a brighter and more stable future.  
Joining Carrie, is Mata Agre as Director of Programming and Hill Operations .  Mata’s emphasis will be on creating, sustaining and growing all programs at MSG that help strengthen community outreach in response to MSG’s mission statement.
 
Mata will also oversee all day-to-day activities at the hill including employee management, safety protocol and ski/snowboard schools.  Mata is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College where she was a member and captain of the cross-country, Nordic skiing, and track and field teams.  Her experiences, education and enthusiasm make her a perfect fit for this new position at MSG.
Email Mata at [email protected]
​Get to know her at Linkedin or Instagram or FaceBook
Key Findings from the Feasibility Study
Demographics
1.       Individuals, from a variety of age groups, responded with a willingness to be interviewed or to complete a written/online survey.
2.       Respondents were largely those that have lived in the Brainerd Lakes Area for considerable time. That longevity enhances their commitment to the area and it was reflected in their very positive attitude toward Mount Ski Gull.

Awareness of Mount Ski Gull
3.       Respondents were aware of Mount Ski Gull’s mission and nonprofit status. Many shared their early connection as they were taught to ski there in their childhood.
4.       Of those participating, almost 82% are current users, or have been users of Mount Ski Gull, with 76% indicating their children and/or grandchildren are also users. There was a variety of responses to the question about frequency of use, but nearly 29% have used MSG over 21 times per season. This demonstrates a vested group that participated in the study.
5.       Regarding MSG’s fundraising efforts, 25% of respondent were unaware of the Paul Bunyan Extreme Race, suggesting there should be a strong marketing of the event each year, with emphasis on the fact the Mount Ski Gull is the sole proprietor, and the race’s participation enhances MSG’s fundraising.
 6.       There is greater awareness of MSG’s Fall Fundraiser, with 81% reflecting their awareness.
​Private Contributions Fund
​Magic Carpet!
The forthcoming 2018-2019 MSG snow season will have a major improvement with the installation of a magic carpet on the beginner’s hill.
The carpet is a positive sign of more improvements to be made at MSG.
Operations and Organization
1.       Of the programs/services offered by Mount Ski Gull, the Learn to
Ski program is seen as having the greatest value.  The Alpine and High School teams rank second and third in priority, with tubing, camps, and the fact that the winter sports offered by MSG are a value to local kids would be next in value to residents and visitors.
 
2.       There was a wide variety of suggestions for additional services that Mount Ski Gull could offer.  The majority centered on summer activities – mountain biking, hiking, chairlift rides, concerts.  The message is to create a year-round experience.
 
3.       In terms of marketing, respondents felt that utilizing social media (Facebook predominantly) and the MSG website are the most effective methods for marketing. There were also several specific methods suggested for additional marketing tools.
 
4.       Regarding the current board of directors, 66% felt their role in governance was appropriate and being accomplished. Nine percent felt improvement was needed by having strategic, balanced representation being the strongest recommendation. Some were uncomfortable responding without first-hand knowledge of the board members experience.
 
5.       That lack of first-hand knowledge was voiced even more strongly when asked about the staffing at MSG. Over 44% felt uncertain/unable to comment, 33% felt no changes were needed, and 20% encouraged change, predominately by increasing staff to ensure more safe operations at MSG.
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Case Statement and Potential Capital Campaign
6.       When asked whether the objectives presented in the case statement were clearly stated, 90% agreed that they were. Some suggested more detailed explanations of the specific needs, how the recommended improvements would meet MSG’s mission, and concrete costs are critical for the final case statement presented to prospective donors. Others made suggestions for the chalet design or improvements.
 
7.       When asked which of the objectives listed would be supported financially, the magic carpet for the beginner hill was the top priority by far. In general, the priority was for the exterior/equipment improvements, supported by the comments that without snow on the hill or operating equipment, there is no Mount Ski Gull.
 
8.       Almost 41% of respondents felt that the board of directors should pursue the larger range goal to include a new chalet, while 27.5% felt the present chalet should be repaired, and another 27.5% were uncertain.
 
9.       Respondents offered the names of 90 individuals they felt should be invited to help provide volunteer leadership for a capital campaign, if that is how the board chooses to proceed.
 
10.    Over 50% of those responding indicated they would offer a financial commitment to a campaign if invited, while 27.5% were uncertain, and 16% said they would not.
 
17.   There were no significant obstacles stated that might impede a successful campaign.
​Mount Ski Gull’s Board Response to the Study
The Feasibility Study Report was delivered on May 22 by Hal Johnson and Associates (HJA) of Bloomington, the firm hired to direct the study. The board of directors spent considerable time reviewing the 95-page document and its findings.  After reviewing the observations and recommendations, the board unanimously voted to retain HJA to provide counsel and direction for a capital campaign to complete the most urgent repairs and improvements on the MSG campus. 
Pre-Campaign Planning
With the assistance of HJA, Carrie Grillo, executive director, has formed a volunteer Campus Evaluation and Exterior Improvements Team. The team will revisit the proposed exterior improvements originally proposed in the case statement. The improvements will be reviewed and prioritized based on the potential return in investment (ROI). Multiple bids will then be obtained for the prioritized improvements. The team will also review options for leasing additional DNR land, clarify the question of building on land owned by the Lakeshore Conservation Club, and other potential site improvements that surfaced in the study.
 
In addition, a volunteer Chalet Design Development Team has also been formed.  The team will take a fresh look at the existing chalet and a potential new design.  They will interview all MSG user groups and create a program/space planning study to determine a revised size, scope, floor plan and potential project cost.  The team will also estimate how the chalet will impact future operating expenses, including staffing requirements.
 
What’s Next?
We anticipate the teams completing their research by the end of September, at which time the objectives for a capital campaign will be more clearly defined.  Stay tuned as good things are happening!