President’s Message May 2008  Dear Members, We are getting into the swing of the Brandywine sports season and our golf course, pub and grille is filling with familiar and new faces.  The tennis courts are now ready and our new tennis program is kicking off.  Soon our pool will be up and running and the swim team season will start.  In other words, it's a great time to be a member at Brandywine Country Club!    This month I wanted to let you know about two committees the Board has formed this year:   Strategic Planning Committee:  This committee, headed by John Devlin, is committed to developing and maintaining a strategic plan for our club for the near and long term future.  This document will be a dynamic guidepost for future boards.  The board is often consumed with operational matters, while the SPC will be taking the bigger picture, longer term view to make recommendations to the Board.  This way we will be poised for success and longevity and have a better understanding of how our decisions today affect our options tomorrow.   Advisory Committee:  This committee is chaired by Jim Wright and will be tasked with providing specific guidance and advice on issues presented to it by the board.  Over the years I have found that certain issues facing the club require a more thoughtful analysis than the Board has time to devote.  Jim's committee can take an in-depth look at a specific operational or policy issue and then report back to the board at the next meeting based on best practices at other clubs, financial implications, staff input, and other decision factors.  The committee will develop a white paper on the issue which will better guide the Board's decision.   Please join me in thanking John, Jim and their volunteer committee members for devoting the time and effort to these important committees.  Their efforts will provide immediate and long term benefit to our Club.  I'd also like to welcome Jim Wright back to the board; my nomination of Jim to fill an open Board slot was approved by the Board at last month's meeting.   As always, please contact the Board at board@brandywinecountryclub.net if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. Patrick Collins President