2002 Annual Meeting
"Well, we kept the pilot fires burning!", thus summarized President Art Flathers the previous year.
In the morning of February 9th, 2002, the friends of NOBSKA gathered in the Whaling Museum of New Bedford for their annual review and planning meeting. NESF Chairman, Warren Hartwell opened the session by inviting Art to update the members on progress and outlook.
President's Review
Despite a lot of work by a small group of dedicated trustees,
we did not make much progress in raising the required funds,
and we have no immediate expectation in that area, but ...
"We're still here, and have our NOBSKA".
Art then outlined some of the year's activities:
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Although they want NOBSKA to vacate the Charleston dock,
we now have very good relations with the Navy and Park Service;
they are with us.
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Thanks to our new trustee we
achieved some TV exposure through interviews on board
NOBSKA, aired by NECN and Channel 4.
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The Executive Committee concentrated much effort on acquiring the
half million dollars or more to make NOBSKA floatable.
With Jim Campbell and Jack Aylmer we
approached many State and Federal Legislators, including
President Bush and Senator Kennedy.
We again pursued a
Title XI loan guarantee application from MARAD.
For the Mass Highway Department we conducted a financial
audit of Phases 1, 2 and 3 expenditures.
To help assure MHD and future donors that NOBSKA is a
sound investment
all new construction is to ABS standards
and we expect their certification of the work to date.
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As an alternative to raising money directly,
we explored whether the Park Service could
become NOBSKA's custodian.
Looking to the year ahead Art's major emphasis remains funding:
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All trustees will explore avenues
in search of corporate, foundation and
government support.
Specifically, we will continue to work with our contacts
in the dinner-cruise world and related fields.
Our aim is to increase
national awareness that SS NOBSKA is the
only remaining steamer and represents a key element
in our nation's nineteenth century expansion and industrialization.
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The Foundation also needs to find new quarters because
NESF's lease at the Sundial building expires at year end.
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Through the mayor of the city we will seek access to some of
New Bedford's renovation funds.
Art added that he also plans to meet with officials of
New Bedford to seek their advice since they have received over
$200 million in State and Federal aid in recent years.
Treasurer's Report
As if to stress the financial difficulties, Treasurer Robert Iadicicco painted a bleak financial situation. As it is, the organization's cashflow is half a million in the red. This cash deficit is offset by NOBSKA; a $4.4 million asset largely achieved with previous investments of public funds.
Restoration Status
NOBSKA's stalwart Technical Director, Robert Lamb, detailed the tasks remaining to float SS NOBSKA. More than 3 miles of seams must still be welded; additionally several frames have not yet been replaced. Once that work is done the outside of the hull can be cleaned up and painted. All in all, to make NOBSKA watertight requires another $750,000.
Promotion
From his perspective, Peter Yoars then reported that he is actively following various leads but could not promise any sponsor's commitment as yet.
Open Letter
NESF's previous Chairman, David Pritchard, demonstrated his continued interest with an open letter to the Foundation, in which he offered some suggestions and critique.
New Trustees
The members unanimously nominated and elected three new trustees for the organization: Messrs. Bob Astill and David Whitney will serve for three years, and John Boardman accepted a two year term.
Pump Award
A heartfelt applause greeted the receipient of the "Pump Award", Bob Astill, for his many promotional initiatives.
Discussion
NESF Secretary Barry Eager then led a lively discussion between the members and a panel of trustees. The floor pulled no punches in its questions and advice. But the panel gave as good as it got in pointing out that the members are free to take on some of their own suggestions.
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