Hello docents one and all (and volunteers and staff who may also be reading this),
Just a short catch-up for this month. I want you all to have plenty of time to shop, be with friends and family, and generally act festive — so I won’t take much time.
The big topic for the month is one that is just taking shape: CAC’s team effort to rejuvenate our walking tours (pre-eminently the so-called Core Tours). Walking tour revenue and attendance have been disappointing, though it is encouraging to note that in these last months of 2019 things have picked up demonstrably. Nevertheless, recent history has seen that the number of companies that compete with CAC — particularly for tourist attendance and dollars — has increased exponentially. There are now 26 viable competing enterprises: some are specialized (food-oriented, by bike, etc.) but most are generalist. Our prices are competitive for those other tours that charge a fee, but lots of our competition is FREE. That’s a toughie.
The CAC marketing-led research into competition and the analysis of findings were first presented to Lynn Osmond and VPs Lori Kleinerman and Michael Malak in November, and then to Docent Council and the Tour Directors during the past week. An article with more, and more specific, information will be posted on the Bridge. And “watch this space” for continued updates next year as docents apply themselves to those areas where we can help and your new president charts the course.
This is my last letter to you. I will have served three years as your president and will step down to become the Docent at Large during 2020. I said my piece at All Docent Day, when I had the chance to do so in person. For this wider but more removed audience, I will simply note that these years have been as rewarding as they have been challenging. It has been my pleasure to be of service. As an organization, and as an important constituency within it, we still have lots to accomplish. We have very wise and capable leadership composed of veterans and highly dedicated new recruits. We remain enthusiastic and passionate about our mission. We have great friends and support in one another. In a world that is often peremptory, judgmental, and intolerant, we are an oasis of civility and enlightened thinking.
My warmest wishes to you all/Constance
Thanks Constance for all you’ve done , especially the last three years.
Thank you for all you’ve done and will continue to do!
Constance, it has been a privilege to observe your acumen in leading the Docent Council. Both the Volunteer and Docents truly appreciate the incredibly collaborative achievements you energized during your term..
We have all benefitted from your service as our leader! Thanks for being such a fine role model.
Constance, your leadership skills really shined during these changing times for docents. You were the right leader at the right time!
Congratulations on a job superbly done, Constance! Now for a much deserved rest…..
Constance, I join my colleagues in thanking you for all you have done. From what I can figure, you are a big part of the reason that we transitioned through “The Move” in the most positive manner possible. I hope that in 2020 and moving forward you will find at least a bit more time to do things you most enjoy doing – including, of course, docenting!
Thank you for your superb leadership, Constance!