Dear Member,
As we approach the end of 2012, our 20th Anniversary year, and prepare for 2013, we want to take a moment to update you on events affecting the Shivas Irons Society over the past several months. As most of you know, our President, Steve Cohen, has suffered a series of serious health issues which kept him hospitalized for most of the past several months. We are very pleased to report that Steve has progressed nicely and is now home (finally!) where he continues to steadily recover under the watchful care of his wife, Barbara and his health care specialists. It is uncertain at this moment when Steve will return to active involvement in the Society, though he has made it clear he wishes to do so as soon as possible.
In early October, and with Steve sidelined for an indefinite period of time, the Society’s Board of Directors convened a special meeting to discuss steps to be taken for the Society to go forward and to assure it continues to adapt and flourish in the years ahead.
We also addressed certain governance and operational changes that needed to be made immediately, and accordingly, the following steps have been implemented:
- Bryan Golden elected Chairman of the Board
- Scott Clark elected Vice Chairman and Secretary
- Rob Williams elected Treasurer
- Bryan Golden appointed Interim Executive Director until the longer term management structure needs for the Society become clear
In addition, the Board has committed to undertake a study of the Society’s operations, value proposition, services to the membership and opportunities to expand both membership and revenue in the future, with a view towards preserving the essential values and making changes where necessary and appropriate. We expect this study to go on for several months, at least, and do not expect any dramatic changes to the Society in the interim. Our commitment to you is that we will endeavor to sustain the principles and offerings that attracted you to the Society in the first place, and do whatever is necessary to add value in ways that will enhance the Society’s relevance, perceived value and ability to live up to our mission to provide “Opportunities for Community, Discovery and Transformation through Golf."
2013 will be a pivotal year in the existence of the Shivas Irons Society. As we chart the course ahead, your Board of Directors sincerely and urgently invites your participation and support. Times of need are often times of opportunity. We see such an opportunity, as we plan and prepare for the next 20 years to reinvigorate the Society and reposition it in ways that we believe you, our valued members, will find exciting and energizing.
It is the time of year for our annual auction and membership renewal drive. These events are critical to the future of the Society: We sincerely ask for prompt renewal of your membership in the Society, as well as your participation in the upcoming auction, and of course your continuing loyalty, participation, and patience as we define the way ahead. Please recommend membership to your friends, give a gift from our online Society store or from among the many great items in the annual auction, and volunteer whatever resources you can to help secure the Society’s future. Let’s show Steve Cohen that we are all so grateful for his work, passion, and leadership, and that in his absence, his legacy will be preserved.
As we move forward, we will communicate with you about the details of any changes and initiatives your Board decides to undertake.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please contact us if you would like more information on the Society. We hope to hear from you soon and wish you many wonderful experiences on the links that will get you to exclaim with us—“Shivas Lives.”
~ In True Gravity,
 Bryan Golden, Chairman |  Neil Jenkins |
Scott Clark, Vice-Chairman |  Rob Williams |
 Stephen M. Cohen, President |  Dr. Joseph Parent |