Chip Shots
February 2011 - An update for members from the president.
Following the posting of our first loss since the introduction of gaming machines last year and projecting another loss for this current financial year the Board took urgent steps to rectify our poor performance.
Those steps included the appointment of CEO Ron Stockdale in August and Gaming and Hospitality manager Sam Ciurleo shortly afterwards. Together with Chef Chris Vakidis they set about turning the Bistro performance around (the Bistro being the main contributor to the previous year’s loss). Other measures included a review and deferment of some capital works projects whilst still maintaining some level of ongoing development on the golf course (e.g. 8th bunkers & 14th tees).
I am pleased to report that the Bistro returned to profit in November and continues to improve with the figures for January being the best we have ever seen. The performance of the Bistro over summer has been spectacular and continues into February, a traditionally quiet month. Portarlington is now generally recognized as a place where you can get a good meal, a huge turnaround from 12 months ago. All other departments have had a bumper holiday season as well with the golf course hosting our usual hoards of holidaymakers and standing up as well as it ever has. The bar has performed well and gaming has exceeded our expectations.
Well done to all staff in all departments. It has been a hectic summer and you have all performed very well indeed. Your positive attitudes have been really encouraging.
As a result of all this our financial position has improved to the point where the projected end of year loss has been overturned and we are currently projecting a small end of year profit (and we still have over four months to go). Because of the turnaround the board has been able to again review the capital works program and release funds to reinstate some of the deferred projects.
One of the first projects will be to install a standby diesel generator to ensure the business continuity of the club. We have lost power at least six times in the last six months and each time we have lost income as the gaming machines, bar and bistro cannot operate without power. The unit to be installed will have the capacity to run the whole club - air conditioning included, and will pay for itself very quickly.
In preparation for operating our own Gaming license in 2011, we will be refurbishing the clubhouse including the Gaming Lounge, Bar, Bar Lounge, and Bistro Dining Lounge. TGS designers have presented their designs to the Board and are currently sourcing the required materials. The Gaming Lounge is due for refurbishment in April, to be completed before Easter with the rest of the clubhouse scheduled for a staged refurbishment starting in May with completion by the end of June. This will provide us with improved facilities leading up to the changeover in August 2012. All our competitors are revamping their venues and our refurbishment will ensure our club will provide a modern, welcoming environment, well able to compete with those around us.
With our finances heading in the right direction, our golf course in the best condition ever and nearing the end of summer with dams still full, our future is looking really bright.
Tony Meagher
President