Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/958383
38 / MARCH.APRIL.2018 USICERINKS.COM S RINK MANAGERS, our responsibility is to ensure our facilities are utilized as much as possible. Some rinks do that completely internally, offering a variety of programs to attract customers to participate in ice sports and other leisure activities. Many of us, however, rely on outside associations and clubs to at least supplement these rink- run programs by renting available ice time to them. These outside entities, often estab- lished as not-for-profit organizations with bylaws and a board of directors, present special challenges for us in our attempt to maintain a harmonious and enjoyable environment. Renting ice time to business owners (camps, leagues, tournaments, etc.) or school athletic directors is pretty straight- forward. It starts with a 1-on-1 negotia- tion, then the rental contract is executed and the partnership is off and running. The business relationship may be tempo- rary or ongoing but it's easily manageable as each partner is a decision-maker who rarely changes. Associations and clubs*, on the other hand, are much more complex. While there is usually a board of directors who is charged with overseeing its operation, it is comprised of volunteers with vary- ing backgrounds, interests, experiences and priorities. Its hierarchy of elected positions is usu- ally filled by those who have experience on the board and have offered—or been asked—to take the leadership roles. In most instances, their tenure lasts as long as their child's involvement in the sponsored program, so the turnover is fairly regular. To address this, the rink manager must anticipate this transition and adjust to it. Communication and education are very important to maintain the conti- nuity of the business partnership with the organization. New leadership can often bring new ideas with a differ- ing approach so ensuring that they are speaking on behalf of the entire organi- zation should be a focus. "It's important that one person can't easily undermine the organization or bend its decision-making process to meet their personal agenda," noted Jon Pistey, Indoor Athletic Facility Manager and Coordinator of Facility Rentals at Roxbury Latin School in Boston. All Aboard! A How to do Business with a Board of Directors by Ben Ruggles, CIRM, PMP WORKING CLOSELY AND COOPERATIVELY WITH YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATIONS, FIGURE SKATING CLUBS AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WILL NOT ONLY CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM OFFERING FOR YOUR RINK'S CONSTITUENCY, IT WILL ALSO MAKE YOUR JOB A LOT EASIER.