You can’t measure success without first outlining goals. So when I became president, the first thing I did was to outline 5 goals for the year. So let’s see how we did…

Goal 1. A new website
Accomplished. In a addition to being recruitment tool and our main public relations outlet, probably the single most important aspect of the new site is our event calendar. Now everyone (member and citizens) know exactly what is going on and when. Best Website Story: a contribution from a school girl in California who found our site while researching fire safety tips for kids. You can find her contribution under ‘helpful links’. Yep, we’ve gone global.

Goal 2. Completing our 501c3 designation
Almost there. I guess anything worth wanting is worth waiting for…and the wait is almost over.

Goal 3. A Bunker Program
Accomplished & Ongoing. Thanks to a SAFER grant, we were able to have the seed money to start a buildout of existing (under utilized) space and converted it into 2 dorm rooms for live in college students. Policies and procedures are now being drafted, and our first ‘testers’ will take up occupancy in June for the summer semesters. The thank yous are many to everyone who has made this happen. It was a year long process but a necessary one as volunteer shortages in the fire service continue to be a nationwide epidemic. It is also recognition of the fine firefighters and emts that Niagara University has provided to UMT over the years. We continue to rely on Niagara U students as natural resource for our recruitment, so it only seems right that we do everything we can as a fire company to help those who want to help us.

Goal 4. Upgrading the Constitution 
 Ongoing. As we continue to evolve we must always keep an eye on updating our needs and wants as an organization. Our constitution needs to reflect today’s ever changing demands on membership. This goal in my mind is something that will never be fully achieved, but rather constantly challenge us to improve. While we made some movements, more are needed in 2013 and beyond. This year every member was handed a copy of the constitution and charged with submitting changes to the BOD.
Key among the issues needing attention: membership responsibilities and active duty status requirements. 

Goal 5. Board of Directors meetings
Ongoing. We have had more Board of Director meetings in the past year than I think we’ve have had in the past 3 years. Averaging 2 per month (and for a while there every monday for months) I cannot thank the Board enough for their willingness and availability to help conduct the business of the company. If misery loves company, then I have enjoyed spending countless hours with these men. Any success I can point to this past year begins and ends with their input and guidance.

Lastly, our budget goals were 95% of where we estimated, so we did a whole lot with the little we have. When you consider  that UMT was again one of the busiest fire companies in the county with an operating budget under $240,000 you have to marvel at how everyone manages to get it done under budget. I know I do.

So to everyone I say, thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to serving another year as President of Upper Mountain Fire Company.

Sincerely,

~Greg Sitek
#175
President
Upper Mountain Fire Company