St. Joseph Today is coming off of a banner year when event revenues increased sharply, a new Executive Director was hired, three new board members were elected, and a major new collaboration with the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council has pumped new lifeblood into the organization paving the way for further growth in the years ahead.
The organization conducted its Annual Meeting at the Shadowland Ballroom at the Silver Beach Center tonight, and welcomed new board members Al Mussman of Biggby Coffee and Zoup!, Simon Rusk from The Livery Microbrewery in the Benton Harbor Arts District, and Mark Whitwam of The Boulevard Inn & Bistro in St. Joe.
They also thanked outgoing board members Lynne Christiano who formerly owned Purely Michigan, Tom Jennings of Czars and Deb O'Connor of Whirlpool Corporation.
St. Joseph Today Executive Director Whitney Behnke delivered a "State of the Organization" update on the past year citing a number of metrics including such things as:
- Hosting of 26 events with 20 underwriting sponsors…
- $66,093 in net income from program revenues…
- 20,845 visitors to the St. Joe Today Welcome Center in downtown St. Joe
- Creation of nearly 3,000 group welcome packets…
- Distribution of 1,857 posters for 335 members in the community kiosks…
- The sale of more than $12,000 in SJT Gift Certificates…
- A 29% increase in Facebook fans of the organization…
- A 42% increase in Twitter followers…
- Creation of a new Instagram account on social media…
Behnke also showcased major upgrades in the look and feel of the Welcome Center and dramatic enhancements in the showcasing of member offerings at the center. St. Joe Today now sports 367 members in a 124 mile range from Grand Rapids to Three Oaks.
The organization's Treasurer Rick Dyer of Edgewater Bank addressed "the elephant in the room" regarding media reports of Behnke's arrest early Saturday morning. Here's is the message he delivered to the membership at the top of the meeting:
Good Evening. I’m Rick Dyer, Board Member and Treasurer of St. Joseph Today.
I would like to address an incident that occurred this past weekend. As you may know, Executive Director Whitney Behnke was cited for operating a vehicle while intoxicated early Saturday morning. We were made aware of the issue by Whitney later that day. She has been honest and forthcoming with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors about the incident.
Whitney regrets her actions, has taken full responsibility, and is deeply sorry for placing herself, her family, and St. Joseph Today in this position. Whitney has performed admirably in her role as Executive Director, but displayed poor judgement this past weekend. We will work closely with her going forward to ensure the energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism she has displayed continues, without the distraction caused by a poor personal choice.
Whitney will remain the Executive Director of St. Joseph Today, with the support and guidance of the Board of Directors.
Following the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors met briefly to install the new board members and elect the following officers for the coming year:
- Chair — Deb Sailor, Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
- Vice Chair — Mike Patel, Comfort Suites Hotel
- Treasurer — Rick Dyer, Edgewater Bank
- Secretary — Pat Moody, Mid-West Family Broadcasting
St. Joseph Today Board Members present include:
Front Row: (l-to-r) Al Mussman and Simon Rusk
Back Row: (l-to-r)
Deb Sailor, Rick Dyer, Mary Schaut, Dr. Dave Miller, Jerry Sirk, Nicole Beltz, Mike Patel,
Nancy McDonnall, Millicent Huminsky, and Chris Heugel
(Not shown are Mary Goff, Pat Moody, Gayle Olson, Susan Solon, and Mark Whitwam
