Friends of Shames Mtn

Further to my posting on another thread, please find the following press release from the Friends of Shames. Hope you guys down there are getting what were getting up here


Friends of Shames
"For the future of Shames Mountain"

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2009

FRIENDS OF SHAMES PURSUES SKI AREA OPTIONS

The Friends of Shames (FoS) steering committee continues to investigate multiple options for a sustainable future for Shames Mountain.

Friends of Shames is a steering committee made of up local people in the Terrace-Kitimat-Prince Rupert region committed to preserving this ski operation as an integral part of the community, local economy and key piece to the quality of life so many people in the region enjoy.

“The mandate of Friends of Shames is to pursue the best and most sustainable business model for future operations of Shames Mountain and work continues to pursue those options,” says Friends of Shames spokesperson Mary Bartlett.

“Those options are not limited to the co-op model, but could include other ways of creating a sustainable future for the mountain such as a non-profit society or a for-profit business model.” The committee anticipates having a decision on the business structure by the end of 2009.

The Friends of Shames are a separate entity from the Shames Mountain Co-op (SMC). Look for the upcoming FoS website to be launched in the coming weeks.

The committee looks forward to moving ahead with the Friends of Shames mandate and working with people who have passionately supported Shames for many years. Friends of Shames is committed to finding the best way to keep this incredible resource operating for years to come.

Contribute ideas or contact FoS at: info@friendsofshames.com

Media Contact:
Mary Bartlett
(250) 622-8807
marybartlettcfnr@yahoo.ca

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Press Release December 4, 2009

Friends of Shames Choose "Community Service Co-operative" Model

Following Town Hall meetings in Terrace and Prince Rupert, months of gathering information and researching options, several meetings with lawyers, business consultants, and current shareholders, the Friends of Shames (FoS) is confident that due diligence has been done and that the Community Service Co-operative is the legal structure to move forward with.

Who are the Friends of Shames?
The Friends of Shames (FoS) is a group of citizens from the communities of Terrace, Kitimat, and Prince Rupert who care about the future of Shames Mountain Ski Area. We believe that Shames Mountain enriches the quality of life for the surrounding communities and positively impacts the economic vitality of the region.

What are the Friends of Shames doing?
The Friends of Shames Steering Committee is gathering information for the purposes of:
- determining the strongest, most effective business model for ensuring the long term viability of Shames Mountain Ski Area
- developing a business plan that will see Shames Mountain owned and operated in a way that is:
- economically viable for the long term;
- managed to create benefits for skiers and the community;
- governed by people and the community, not by share capital;
- reasonably protected from being taken over and managed for purposes other than the good of the community and its skiers;
- reasonably protected from regional/global economic instability;
- able to partner with governments, community organizations and businesses;
- locally-rooted, but global in reach;
- values based, showing leadership in social and environmental responsibility;
- not too big to retain the local spirit, but not too small to meet the needs listed here; and
- affordable for users.

Where are the Friends of Shames going?
The outcome of the FoS work will be a well researched plan to keep Shames Mountain operating in a way that ensures its long-term viability with a commitment to the communities that support it.

Where are the Friends of Shames at?
So far the FoS has accomplished the following:
- gathered and shared information with the communities of Terrace, Kitimat, and Prince Rupert
- hosted Town Hall meetings in both Terrace and Prince Rupert to hear from the communities and share what the FoS is doing
- set up a website, facebook page, and contact email address to share information
- researched other ski hills, societies, charities, and co-operatives with similarities to Shames
- connected with the current ownership of Shames Mountain to ensure alignment of intent
- extensively reviewed business model options including Non-Profit (Society), Co-operative, and Charity business structures
- consulted with lawyers and consultants who specialize in non-profit and alternative business structures
- determined the "Community Service Co-operative" model as the best legal structure from which to build a business plan
- commenced the business planning process

More about the Friends of Shames:
email: info@friendsofshames.com
website: www.friendsofshames.com

Thanks TAYERS, have a great weekend!