“In 2010 GH had to face significant financial challenges caused by Alia’s passing: a decrease in the size of the Emerald Mountain groups, a decrease in contributions revenue, and lost revenue from programs that Alia had been planning to teach. We have not yet resolved our real estate tax-exempt status dispute with the Town of Chester, so taxes and legal fees have remained higher than expected. However, some of these financial problems have been offset by the increase in mission-related third-party business, gifts from donors, and the Boston Diamond Approach group’s use of GH. In 2012 the new Diamond Approach New York group will have its first retreat at GH.
All in all, GH is in good shape. While we are still in the process of closing the books for the year, it looks like we met the 2010 budget, excluding the impact of Alia’s death and the unresolved real estate tax conflict, which we hope will be settled soon. Bookings are strong for 2011, Steve is having a positive impact on operations, and we are optimistic that this year will build on our past successes. We are in conversation with several interesting and impactful mission-related groups…”