Introduction:

The strategic plan as presented here in Dec. 2023 is a 3–5-year plan. Its purpose is to define and prioritize projects and goals that will ensure the future of the NESM.

The strategic planning committee:

Bo Adams, Stefan Beaumont, Carrie Burkett, Peter Clark, Greg Connolly, Tom Cottril, Brian Fowler, Susan Fox, Elizabeth Kane, Jessyca Keeler, Tim Scott, Tim Whiton

Process

The committee met regularly over the past several months to discuss a variety of topics. We identified areas to be addressed by the board of directors that will move us forward to create a growing and sustainableorganization.

Each one of the following subjects should take into consideration the following:

  • Prioritization
  • Effort assessment
  • Timeline development
  • Staff, volunteer, contractor plan
  • Budget
  • Funding source
  • ROI analysis

Operations:

There are key areas of our physical plant that need to be addressed.

Franconia Branch Museum Building

  1. Cost plan
  2. Climate control
  3. Roof replacement
  4. Insulation
  5. New front entry
  6. Landscaping
  7. Back entrance
  8. Tram car rehabilitation

Paumgarten Building

  1. Cost plan
  2. Climate control
  3. Generator
  4. Internet
  5. Space – it’s full
  6. Exhibits

Eastern Slope Branch Building

  1. Cost Plan
  2. Wet basement
  3. Basement handicap access
  4. Public access plan
  5. Expand display area front of the building
  6. Exhibit update
  7. New interactive exhibits
  8. Assess library space & basement for use as interactive stations, reading room, kitchen, etc.
  9. Investigate exterior lighting for better visibility
  10. Could the building support a mezzanine?

Retail Operations:

  1. Grow business – Double sales by 2028
  2. New POS system
  3. Product mix and review plan
  4. New product development plan: more unique / local items?
  5. Retail consultant?

IT:

  1. Improve internet service in Franconia
  2. Develop website plan
  3. Ecommerce platform review and plan
  4. Assess all IT services for replacement or upgrades including member database, administrative services, banking, and hardware

Collection:

  1. Develop/revise collection policy
  2. Develop collection plan
  3. Make collection more accessible
  4. Collection awareness plan
  5. Storage plan (existing)
  6. IT plan for collection management
  7. Monetization plan and policy
  8. Create long-term storage plan
  9. Assess and research digitization plan

Outreach:

Plan for each: Editorial, policy, funding requirements, staff/vendor requirements.

  1. Journal
  2. Podcast
  3. Newsletter
  4. Film
  5. Events
  6. Social media
  7. Education program
  8. Exhibits
  9. Preservation plan for archives

Funding:

  1. Membership growth
  2. Donations, corporate, Valar, etc.
  3. Partnerships/Sponsorships
  4. Grants – Professional grant vendor
  5. Capital campaigns, plan
  6. Development Director position
  7. Journal/newsletter ads
  8. Endowment- build to $3m
  9. Plan for using museum space for community events and fee structure
  10. Investigate fee structure for archive access and such things as broadcasts.

Staff:

  1. Future requirements
  2. Cost analysis
  3. HR policy

Branding:

  1. Create new Mission statement
  2. New name for the museum
  3. Expand beyond skiing
  4. Tagline development
  5. What is our organization? What can it be?
  6. Concepts for discussion, e.g. “Center for Snowsports History and Culture”
  7. Plan to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in all we do.
  8. Create a new image of winter sports enthusiasm for all ages and demographics throughout our communications

Digitization Plan:

  1. Purpose
  2. Process
  3. Cost analysis
  4. Funding plan
  5. Timeframe
  6. Create criteria for contractor selection