The Swift Current Broncos held a press conference Feb. 4 to announce their membership drive that will focus on regeneration of the franchise’s voting membership.
“Today we are starting a new membership campaign and we’re dubbing this ‘Saddle up for Success’,” said Liam Choo-Foo, Chairman of the Board. “We see this as a very natural step in the flow from our town hall meeting that occurred last spring, where the board announced renewal and a new vision for this hockey team.
“At that meeting we heard from our Bronco Nation the importance of renewing our membership as we renew excitement of this organization, so we are trying to be responsive to our Nation in providing what they asked for.”
Since the original members of Bronco Nation stepped forward 25 years ago to bring the Broncos back from Lethbridge, the original 200 members have dwindled to fewer than 100.
“We’re also cognizant of the fact that at that meeting we announced a new strategic framework: a new vision and a new mission for this franchise. In the Mission, we want this to be a sustainable franchise going on into the future, and we see this as a very significant step.”
Memberships are $2,000 each with a maximum of 10 shares allowed per individual, business or organization. They are non-transferable and non-redeemable, having no cash value.
“You’re buying the right to have a vote that counts; you’re buying an opportunity to influence the organization directly … and you’ll also have the opportunity to get a charitable tax receipt as part of your membership.
“This provides us with a two-pronged approach to that. Obviously it provides and influx of resources to us to ensure our fiscal sustainability as an organization, but I think long term and more importantly it provides us with a renewal of our membership so the Bronco Nation will be strong, will have supporters and will have members long into the future.”
Cheques are payable to the City of Swift Current, and receipts will be issued by the City once applications have been approved.
“We’re going into an exciting time for us, with play-off hopefuls, and we think it’s a prime opportunity for people to get involved,” said Diane Sletten, Assistant General Manager.
“We’re looking at being sustainable into the future, and that includes having that strong membership behind it. The money we raise is kind of a bonus; it really is to have that membership behind us. The fact that the City of Swift Current has come on board with us in issuing charitable tax receipt is a huge benefit and a bonus for any individual or business that wants to become a member of the organization.
“It’s a short application process ... so they can get that application and information on our web site at www.scbroncos.com, or come into the office and we can get them that package. The cheques are made out to the City of Swift Current but they bring their cheques back to the Stable and their application. It does go to the Board for approval first, and then once that’s all approved we will pass that information onto the City so the tax receipt can be issued.”
The Board is planning a membership celebration in the fall that will include a presentation of membership certificates.
“We’re seeing a little bit younger demographic coming in, and certainly with that comes that whole renewal we were talking about,” said Choo-Foo. “We’re looking forward to Bronco Nation saddlin’ on up and coming forward.”
For a printable application form, visit www.scbroncos.com and click on Membership Renewal under Fan Zone.
