Board of Directors Meeting Friday, July 29, 2016 9:30 a.m. Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce 670 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, MA Agenda: 1. Welcome 2. Chairperson’s Report 3. Executive Director’s Report 4. Content Agenda: a. Minutes – Board Meeting, May 20 b. Financial Reports c. Staff Reports 5. Treasurer’s Report: 6. Subcommittee Reports: a. Advancement – Harry Whitin b. Economic Development & Community Revitalization – John Gregory c. Environment – Donna Williams d. Governance – Joe Barbato e. Historical & Cultural Resources – Anne Conway f. National Park – Dick Moore 7. Board Actions: a. Letter to Congressional delegation, re: development of new Park b. Strategic plan action steps regarding BHC, including transitioning BHC to a membership organization 8. Director Comments/Updates 9. Other 10. Adjournment Next Board meeting: September 30, 9:30, BV Chamber conference room. Please attend, as the FY2017 budget will be presented for consideration.

Executive Committee Minutes, July 15, 2016 Present were: Mike Cassidy, Dick Gregory, Harry Whiten, Todd Helwig, Charlene Cutler and Megan DiPrete. 1. There was a motion by Dick, seconded by Harry, to accept the minutes of June 17, 2016. Passed unanimously. 2. The financial reports were posted on the website prior to the meeting. There were no questions. Charlene mentioned that the FY16 NPS funds of $501,000 were now contracted and available; also NPS awarded a project grant of $4,583 for a cycling station on the bikeway which is in the process of being contracted. 3. Chairman’s Report: Mike reported that he drove to Worcester and signed the MOU with DCR on June 29th. However, we have not had confirmation that the state funding has been obligated for the project. Mike also spoke about a conversation that began with Jim Pepper and has included Ted Sanderson, Dick Moore and Mike. The topic is that BHC should write a letter to the NPS Regional Director Mike Caldwell and Meghan Kish, with copies to our Congressional delegation. The subject of this letter was discussed and affirmed at the recent meeting of the National Park Committee. Its content should include: inclusion of the entire Corridor in the Park boundary; including all the nodes in the boundary at the outset; discussion the need for adequate funding for the Corridor and the Park; request that the assessments and plans already completed by the Corridor be the basis for planning needs for the Park to save time and money, especially since most of them were required by federal legislation and some approved by the Secretary of the Interior. Mike and Charlene will work on the letter and the plan is to present it to the Board for approval on July 29th. There was a consensus to do so. 4. There were no matters coming forward from the committees. 5. Executive Director’s Report: Charlene reported that the FY16 funds have been contracted and obligation in the federal financial system. The strategic planning process is a bit behind schedule due to her work load. The subcommittees are meeting next week for a final time to discuss visions and the

strategies to achieve them. Charlene has been pulling together the rest of the document. In the Action Steps, she feels it is important for us to become a member organization and sketched out a Membership Program for the Board to consider at the July meeting. At this point, it looks like a final draft of the plan should be available in September. There was a consensus to approve the Membership Program and recommend it to the Board. Champlin Foundation has requested a site visit at the Kelly House for the barn replica project. It will be August 10th and include Megan and Lisa Primiano from RIDEM. The 2017 Calendar has been written and the photo contest ends Aug. 16. It is hoped that the calendar will be available for sale around Labor Day. Bonnie continues to get a lot of PR for BHC and Charlene passed around more newspaper articles that have been published in the last month, including two that covered our open house. The VIP Program has racked up $187,000 in impact so far this year. A new wrinkle has been Corporate Days of Service where Suzanne has arranged for volunteers from companies to assist at sites like Smith-Appleby House and Kelly House. If we (the Park) gets the same amount of funding next year as in FY16, the Corridor will probably be reduced to $450,000. Charlene is budgeting accordingly. Harry mentioned that we should put in a line item for the amount needed to be raised to cover the deficit between the two fiscal years. Charlene will do so. 6. Executive Committee Discussion: Advancement – Harry spoke about the need to get very serious about raising money for the nonprofit. Our annual budget should include setting a fundraising goal that must be met each year. We should be raising between $250-500,000 each year to support our operation. He is not sure how, where to start this process. Charlene mentioned that she had produced a number of documents to help boards in the past – one in particular broke out all the programming with the total costs (including salaries and overhead) and total impacts. That was useful in discussing what the funds were needed for and why the work was important. She’s also done a little brochure that explains how to ask for funding. Charlene will look through her old files for these

materials. Also, Charlene felt that $100,000 was a realistic goal that could be met next fiscal year. Boston Surface Rail - has requested a letter of support. It leases the Woonsocket Depot and is establishing private rail service between Woonsocket and Worcester on P&W rails and with P&W rolling stock. They request a letter that would support BSR keeping their company’s records private (a protective order) and also allow them an exemption from a portion of the code that controls local and state permitting. The concern is that if their market expands it might be appropriate to have local and state permitting. Therefore, Megan is suggesting that we use the draft strategic plan strategies that promote intermodal transportation, getting people out of cars, concerns about environmental pollution as a way to support the concept of mass transit but not specifically the protective order or exemption from permitting. There was a consensus to do so. 7. Other: Charlene handed out a list of upcoming meeting. She also mentioned that she will be on vacation from Aug 1-14. There will be no need for an Executive Committee meeting in August. At the September meeting, the draft FY17 budget will be available for review. Respectfully submitted,

Charlene Perkins Cutler Executive Director

Board of Directors Minutes, May 20, 2016 Present were: Dennis Rice, John Gregory, Harry Whitin, Donna Williams, Justine Brewer, Mike Cassidy, Todd Helwig, Gary Furtado, Jeannie Hebert, Megan DiPrete, and Charlene Cutler. 1. Chairman’s Report:

• Mike reported that he attended the NPS Park Stakeholders meeting on March 11; there was great attendance. There is another on May 25th at Alternatives.

• After several conversations with Jim Pepper and Ted Sanderson, Mike suggested that the Board write a letter to Meghan Kish, with copies to the Congressional delegation, making it clear what we want to see in the new Park. In particular, he noted that it was important for NPS to have discussions with the SHPOs in both states. John pointed out that we have not discussed what we want the Park to be like; Mike proposed that the Park Committee convene to produce a document for the Board to consider.

• Mike also informed the Board that he will be taking an interim position as the Planning Director for the City of Pawtucket this summer.

2. Executive Director’s Report:

The Move • Megan has done an incredible job on the renovation and orchestration of the move and

has the sincere admiration of the landlord, contractors, and especially her coworkers who love the new office

• The project was completed on time and under budget by a few thousand. • We have changed our address with all the state agencies, set up our MA employer IDs

for withholding and unemployment insurance. • We also have Laura Rooney from the Employers Association of the Northeast reviewing

our Personnel Policy for compliance with MA laws. Worcester Visitor Center • Devon has been critical to keeping the greater Worcester community involved and

informed about this project. He is highly regarded by all the partners. • We signed an MOU with the City of Worcester in April to form a partnership to operate

the Visitor Center. This was the agreement that the Board voted on last May…the wheels of progress move slowly sometimes, particularly with this project.

• Phase 1 of construction is underway to remediate the site and we may be able to include foundations and the pedestrian bridge over the Blackstone as part of this initial phase.

• Congressman McGovern called a meeting with all the partners and the new DCR Commissioner, Leo Roy, last Friday. Commissioner Roy initially wanted to make significant changes to the design of the building and landscape elements. The Congressman and the Partners made it clear that that was not an option but agreed to

modify materials so that DCR would feel more comfortable about potential maintenance issues.

• We are starting the process to fundraise for the exhibits, both inside and out. There is a lot of potential funding for this purpose and our position is strong given the number of partners we have and the very high quality of the design.

Work with NPS • General – Charlene meets weekly with MK to discuss matters associated with our

partnership. • Our Task Agreement for FY16 funds, $501,000 this year, is under review by NPS

contracting staff. We may have a signed agreement in two weeks. Even though it is late in the year, this process is still much, much easier than it was through the National Heritage Areas Program.

• The new Park has not been able to get timely authorization to hire more seasonal Rangers this year. MK and Charlene spoke about the possibility of BHC hiring temporary, seasonal Ranger assistant and the Park transferring funds to us to cover the expenses. Looking into this with our insurance company and calculating admin costs, it looks like it would be about $1,000 to handle 3 temps for 3 months. But the funds won’t be able to be transferred in time for this year…we may consider this going forward because the seasonal Ranger authorization appears to be a perennial problem.

• The new Park has been holding Stakeholders Meetings. There is another next Wednesday, the 25th here at Alternatives, 10-12. Charlene worked with MK to develop the “second” boundary for the Park, the Technical Assistance Boundary, which restates the intent of the Park legislation. Going forward it will be easier to show the Park’s involvement in all our communities, not just the ones where NPS has a legal “interest.” We’ve also been talking about freshening up our regional signage system and including both our logo and the NPS arrowhead on those signs.

Legislative Matters • In January, we requested that the 2017 Park budget recommended in the President’s

budget be increased to $1.6 million from $932,000. Our delegation did so. NPS responded that “it was not their priority.”

• In March, our 4 Congressmen sent a letter that they all signed to the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, requesting “that you ensure robust funding for the Blackstone Valley National Historical Park.” Further, they added “please direct the National Park Service to enter into and fund cooperative agreements with the local coordinating entity for the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor.” Because of the Earmark Rules, they can’t request an amount or assign it to an entity.

Strategic Planning • The Subcommittees have completed their initial work; very thoughtful and well done

vision statements and strategies to take us forward. • Next steps: Charlene is working on a draft, gluing the committee work and other parts

together. Then it will be passed to you and the subcommittees for comments. Those

will be incorporated and we will have a document to get out for public comment. The goal is to have the plan completed in the fall.

Marketing/Public Relations • Bonnie is doing a fabulous job. We’ve hit the front page of the Telegram & Gazette,

twice, as well as the Woonsocket Call and the Blackstone Valley Tribune. Lots of smaller articles.

• Trash Responsibly has focused on 25 cleanups in April and Map and there has been a lot of press associated with it. More recently, Bonnie has spun off the idea of Fish Responsibly, to focus on the monofilament line, bobbers and hooks left along our waterways by fishermen. This was picked up by WPRI Weather.

• Channel 10’s Paying it Forward segment is covering an event to honor Julie Riendeau, our VIP who has brought Blackstone 101 education into the Burrillville school system for 14 years.

Volunteers • In April alone, we had cleanups involving 603 VIPS who donated 2,554 hours worth

$52,000. • YTD volunteers have given 5722 hours, valued at $132,000. • The Paddle Club has just started its 16th year. It was awarded the NPS NE Regional’s

Hertzog Award for Best VIP Group (NPS Director Hertzog worked in the 1970s and started the VIP program). The Paddle Club is now entered in the National Hertzog Award competition.

• Suzanne is developing a program to link our partners with corporate groups wishing to donate service. Save the Bay has no volunteer program, so has been referring groups to us. Employees from Alix and Ani helped the Smith-Appleby House with their seasonal opening and cleaning.

• We also have VIPs who have offered programs to the public. New this year is Birding on the Blackstone, led by Roseanne Sherry, a series of 8. And there is planning underway for Wildflower Walks.

• 17 VIPs completed new or recertification for First Aid/CPR, offered by VIP Mark Dennen at no cost.

Community Planning and 106 Review • Even though Megan has been building the office, she still had time to provide technical

assistance to EPA and North Smithfield regarding the Stamina Mills, and the City of Woonsocket.

• She has been very involved in the Peterson Puritan Superfund Site; its reuse and visioning process in underway, and the partners include NPS, Cumberland, Lincoln and business and residents.

• Kelly House was removed from the RIDOT TIP list. We have applied to the Champlin Foundation for a $200,000 grant. Notification is in November so that project won’t be able to start until next year. This is infrastructure that is critical to the new Park.

Annual Appeal • Was mailed the week we moved to 4,000. There has been a slow response. Charlene

thinks the logical explanation is the time of year. While we chose to do this in the spring to set our cause apart from all the others soliciting in the holiday season, it may be that people are not focused on charitable giving now.

• Having said that, we are still ahead of where we were last year at this time with $13,175 in donations. We’ve had in-kind of $25,784, total benefit is $38,000.

GO! • Is on track and will be bigger by a considerable amount. There are over 60 separate

experiences or events that are confirmed and many more in the pipeline. Thank you Justine for Southwick’s Zoo’s donation of $500, and Gary Furtado’s Navigant sponsorship of $1,000.

Open House • Is set for June 16th, Thursday, from 4-7, with a brief program at 5:30. We will be

presented the Chaffee Award to Ed Augustus, Worcester City Manager. There will be other surprises, refreshments, networking. The invitation will be mailed next Friday and also constitutes a formal change of address notification to partners.

• Thank you to Todd Helwig, for Mirick O’Connell’s donation of $1,000 to support the event, and the soft drinks are being donated by Polar.

Conference Call • We have set up a conference call ability for the office that is free and can include up to

1000 people on a call. 3. Consent Agenda: There was a motion by John, seconded by Todd to accept the consent agenda, noting that the staff reports had not been posted. John and Gary suggested that a summary assessment of financial position would be a helpful addition to the financial reports. Charlene also suggested working with our accountant to create a more useful P&L report. Motioned passed unanimously. 4. Subcommittee Reports – Advancement, Harry Whitin:

• The Advancement committee has turned its attention to raising $400,000 for the Worcester Visitor Center exhibits by breaking out elements of the overall project into fundable units. For example, the outside sculptures may have interest to particular corporate sponsors and range from $10-15,000; the more expansive and technologically innovative interior exhibit may interest some of the larger Worcester Foundations. Harry is looking for suggestions from the rest of the Board.

• At the July Board meeting, Devon will have a Powerpoint about the Visitor Center exhibits.

• Dennis mentioned that we should also include on that agenda discussion about renaming the facility something other than “Visitor Center.”

• We have a problem explaining who we are and why we need money. It is essential BHC find a way to raise operating funds from corporate fundraising. This is an important aspect of our strategic planning and we need to involve more people in the process, as many of our Board members have fundraising conflicts of interest.

5. Board Actions:

• The Letter to Congressional delegations was tabled until the National Park Committee could meet to discuss what it is we are proposing for the new Park.

• There was a motion by John, seconded by Gary, to approve the MOU with DCR pending review of further edits by the Executive Committee. There is a push to get this done soon because it is the instrument by which $6 million in state bonding funds are obligated to the Worcester Visitor Center project. Charlene believes that any further edits from DCR attorneys will be minimal; she is concerned about the attempt to have us carry full replacement insurance and disaster insurance on the building, which we refused to do. Motion passed unanimously.

6. Other: The Worcester Historical Museum observes its 140th anniversary on June 15th. At the same time, Bill Wallace is celebrating 40 years as its executive director. The Board is invited to attend; several members of the staff will be present. Upcoming meetings: Open House June 16th, 4-7 with program at 5:30 Executive Committee meeting, June 17, 9:30 Advancement Committee meeting, June 17, noon Board of Directors, July 29th, 9:30 Respectfully submitted,

Charlene Perkins Cutler Executive Director

Stephanie Begin Administration

• Maintain Shop and keep track of all orders that come through the website

• Review and update website as needed

• Work with Paul Halagan on updating the blogs, integrating Facebook and other social media accounts with website, and updated/improving event calendar

• 2016 GO! marketing material and getting events and experiences added to calendar; reviewing final GO! experiences and events

• Finalizing 2017 Photo Calendar Contest and uploading to website

• Finding new photo sharing program

• Working with volunteers and having them upload more calendar items to website

• General office administration – keep track of petty cash, bill payments, W.B. Mason Orders, etc.

Suzanne Buchanan Volunteer Program

• Blackstone Bikeway Patrol continues to ride “outside” the box and explore different paths located within the boundaries of the BHC. This past month we explored Lonsdale to Slater Mill on the marked street path, offered a public ride with a Ranger along the Blackstone River & Canal through Ashton to Lonsdale, walked the Harrisville-Pascoag Pedestrian Path, and rode from Slater Mill to Blackstone Blvd on the marked street path. We have scheduled additional and unique rides throughout the summer.

• Assisted staff with the “Open House” event and presented the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club with the Northeast Region Outstanding Group Award.

• Corporate group from Columbia Needlethread Investments volunteered two days the for a day of service at the Smith-Appleby House & Slater Mill, see attached sheet for Volunteer One & Done report.

• Alex & Ani volunteered for a day of service June 21st at the Kelly House gardens, see attached sheet for Volunteer One & Done report.

• Whole Foods of Bellingham volunteered for a day of service at the Valentine Whitman House, see attached sheet for Volunteer One & Done report.

• Worked with Bonnie to develop a Cooperate Day of Service flyer to engage more companies to become involved in the community the work/live in.

• Held VIP orientation for 8 folks interested in volunteering, presented an overview of the program, as a result we have 3 new VIP’s who have begun to volunteer in the office, entering data, events and photo cataloging. Another orientation has been scheduled for August 1st, 6:30-8:00 PM at the Linwood office.

• Meet with Kim Sullivan of Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife and gave her a “river tour” for the upcoming GO program, Fly Fishing School along the banks of the Blackstone River. RIDEM,

Trout Unlimited Chapter #737, FOB will all partner as VIP’s to present this day long program.

• The week of July 11 – 15th, supported the SERVE16, youth volunteer program in Whitinsville. All were signed up as VIP’s, stay tuned for the final volunteer hours, not ready at time of this report.

• Continue to field new volunteer inquiries, returned calls and e-mails set up appointments to meet with potential volunteers. Send out BV 101 certificates & buttons. Maintain the VIP scrapbook. Provide information for the Corridor Current newsletter, submit monthly staff reports and participate in staff meetings and other BHC related business.

Youth Unlimited, Whitinsville Serve 2016

• 66 youth & leaders volunteered 7 hours per day = 462 hours per day x 4 days = 1,848 hours volunteered 1,848 x $23.07 = $42,633.36

• 10 Work site coordinators volunteered 9 hours per day = 90 hours per day x 4 = 360 hours volunteered 360 x $23.07 = $8,305.20 • 20 host team members volunteered 10 hours per day = 200 per day x 4 = 800 hours volunteered 800 x $23.07 = $18,456.00 • 8 food preparations, breakfast, lunches to go & dinner, volunteered 5 hours per day = 40 per day x 4 = 160 160 x $23.07 = $3,691.20

• 66 + 10 + 20 + 8= 104 Volunteers for 4 days of Whitinsville SERVE 2016

• 1,848 + 360 + 800 + 160 =3,168 Total Hours volunteered by Whitinsville SERVE 2016

• $42,633.36 + $8,305.20 + $18,456.00 + $3,691.20 = $73,085.76 Dollar Value of Time Provided by Whitinsville Serve

• $73,085.76 Total value of volunteer time volunteered by Whitinsville SERVE 2016 throughout the communities of Whitinsville, Uxbridge, Millville, Grafton, and Douglas -- all located within the boundaries of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

Bonnie Combs Marketing

Executed a very successful Open House event on June 15. The event garnered a lot of follow up press in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Blackstone Valley Express, Blackstone Valley Tribune, Worcester Business Journal, etc.

Attended the Blackstone Valley Fishing Derby on June 18, presented by the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and Fin & Feather sports. It coincided with National “Go Fishing Day.” We shared a tent with the National Park Service and give out “Fish Responsibly” canisters. We were invited to speak to the entire audience about our Fish Responsibly and Trash Responsibly programs, and what we do as an organization. We also set up recycling at the site for the day to divert all the bottles and cans from the trash. We also installed our THIRD monofilament recycling unit in the Corridor at Hopedale Pond!

Looking to do some community outreach this summer and promote our different programs and events, I proposed attending various Farmer’s Market by asking to set up a non-profit table. The first one was the opening night of the Canal District Farmers Market in Worcester on June 30 to kick off Plastic Free July. We made reusable bags out of t-shirts. The second was on July 13 at the Grafton Farmers Market on the town common. We made lots of new friends and potential volunteers.

On July 4, I marched in the 90th Anniversary of the Arnold Mills 4th of July Parade in Cumberland behind the National Park Service to promote Trash Responsibly and picked up litter on the parade route. Note: this was volunteer time but good promotion for BHC.

With an increase in group volunteer projects that are contributing large dollar values in in-kind service, I suggested we make a “Big Check” for photo opportunities to send to the media. Created our own and sent out for printing in time for a $73,085.76 contribution from the Whitinsville Serve Project that took place this week, July 11 through 14.

Created a flyer so that we can promote our corporate “Day of Service” opportunties. We had great success with companies including ALEX AND ANI, Whole Foods Market and Columbia Threadneedle Investments, so far.

After reporting fishing line litter at Blackstone Gorge to Jody at DCR, the following day he installed a monofilament recycing station!

Meanwhile, the press hits keep coming for our different projects including the Open House/Chafee Award, the 2017 Calendar Photo Contest, GO! 2016 and Fish Reponsibly.

Megan DiPrete Deputy/Community Planning

Note: Megan was on vacation from June 29 to July 11 Kelly House Replica Barn The design plans are complete, and have been approved by the RI Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission staff. Our request for grant funding through The Champlin Foundations is still in play, and a site visit is taking place in August. This funding is needed due to changes made by RIDOT which have eliminated access to nearly $900,000 in planned projects, including KHRB, Blackstone River Bikeway signage and wayfinding, and more. Community Planning – • Planning is underway with consultants (provided through EPA) for the next public forum

relative to the Peterson Puritan Superfund project. We anticipate the meeting will be held in September/October and will summarize previous public input through review of illustrative concept plans.

• Review projects and meet extensively with citizens in Uxbridge and in Burrillville. Large, locally-permitted projects have generated active citizen conversations. Also continuing work on upcoming hydro permit renewals, particularly (this past month) for Tupperware Hydro, and New England Hydro.

• Research relative to request to support petitions of Boston Surface Rail Co. • Continue to seek funding opportunities for Mumford River Walk project, a partnership

effort with the Town of Northbridge. • Assist NPS in developing relationships with Town of North Smithfield, and Town of

Northbridge to support execution of Cooperative Agreements and consider development of local historic districts.

Blackstone River Bikeway Continue efforts to support design and construction of the Bikeway. Coordinate with Central Mass. Metropolitan Planning Organization regarding needed efforts in that state. Ongoing coordination of efforts in RI moving to advance some segments ahead of the schedule contained in the State Transportation Improvement Plan.

Devon Kurtz Audience Engagement

Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center @ Worcester 75/100% Project plans have been under review and the comments are being compiled by massDOT – we’re right on track and hope to go to bid for Phase II by August or September. This is the bulk of the project – building, bridge, bikeways, and all! November, 2017 here we come. As far as the exhibits go – we’re planning on sending out an RFP for the final phase late summer/early fall. We are currently looking at various foundations and grant opportunities to expand our exhibits and to create greater visitor interaction. We were awarded a mini-grant from NPS to create a bike repair station and exhibit in the Worcester parking lot of the Blackstone River Bikeway. This provides us with the opportunity to create an example of what is being planned for the Visitor Center. This will include a public work stand with tools, a panel with bike etiquette and ABCs, and an information panel about the history of biking in Worcester. Bicycling Club of Massachusetts 1880’s GearHeads Focusing on the Junior Ranger program right – especially concerning the boundaries of the new park and how to introduce them to children. We are also planning a visit to Riverdale Mills to create our first biography of industry in the Valley today. Fold

Fold

Volunteer Report attachment:

1

Strategic Plan – Action Items to Achieve Visions and Strategies

Relevant to BHC’s nonprofit: 1. Inspire a wide and multi-generational audience to embrace the mission of BHC and actively participate and invest in its fulfillment by offering more and constantly changing programming, increase public relations efforts, and develop closer ties with cities and towns. 2. Expand existing partnerships and cultivate new ones. 3. Expand the relevance of BHC’s mission to a larger audience, reaching beyond the geographic boundaries of the National Heritage Corridor when necessary. For example, the upper reaches of the Blackstone River watershed, while not included in the NHC, have reasons to participate in certain environmental initiatives, as does a group like Save the Bay. From expanding the relevance, new advocates for BHC can emerge. 4. Advocate for funding from the National Park Service to safeguard previous federal investments in significant resources and to bridge the gap in operating funds until the nonprofit attains sustainability. 5. Become a self-sustaining nonprofit by: a. Becoming a membership organization. The members, Corridor Keepers, have the responsibility to elect the board, approve changes to the bylaws, and participate on committees. This is especially important as the nonprofit presently relies extensively on public funding. [See Membership Program on subsequent pages.] b. Selecting members for the Board of Directors who will:

• Value BHC’s mission • Commit to raising funds for the organization • Adhere to appropriate ethical standards, and • Be willing to commit the necessary time for Board activities.

2

c. Adpot a five-prong approach to sustainability by generating support from: • Foundations • Corporations • Federal and state agencies • Fundraising • Program income

d. Establish endowment fund accounts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to provide sufficient annual operating capital. Begin funding the endowment with a multi-year capital/special purpose campaign. e. Increase staff to expand programming that will attract and inspire a greater audience; increase staff to improve fundraising efforts.

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM All members and donors are listed in the BHC Annual Report. Anyone donating $30 or more automatically becomes a BHC Member. Program commences October 1, 2016. INDIVIDUALS & FAMILY Individual Membership $30 Benefits include:

• Assurance and satisfaction that your dollars are being used wisely to promote and preserve the natural, historical, cultural and recreational resources of the National Heritage Corridor.

• Corridor Currents, our enewsletter, and other communications. • Publications like the BHC Annual Report, Blackstone Heritage Corridor’s GO!

brochure, and others. • Invitations to annual meeting and other special events. • The privilege to participate and vote in BHC Subcommittees and at annual

meeting; eligibility to serve on the BHC Board of Directors. • A discount for the BHC Shop and special event tickets. • BHC car sticker

3

Family Membership $50 Benefits include:

• All of the benefits listed above, plus • Special GearHead Membership for kids ages 8-12; Sprocket Membership for

kids 7 and younger. This innovative program gives young members access to special activities on our website, invitation to Gearhead/Sprocket events, a GearHead/Sprocket patch, and a birthday card from the Head GearHead!

• A free Trash Responsibly™ car litter bag. PARTNER MEMBERSHIPS Nonprofit Partners $50 Business Partners $100 Benefits include:

• Basic listing in the BHC Visitor Guide distributed throughout the National Heritage Corridor and beyond, print and online versions (mobile device friendly).

• Listing on the BHC online Business, Corporate and Nonprofit Partner Directory with a live link to your own website.

• Exclusive invitation to advertise at special rates in Blackstone Heritage Corridor’s GO!.

• Recognition in the BHC Annual Report. • A “Proud Partner” certificate to display. • Invitations to member programs, events, and publications, enewsletters and

communications. • The privilege to participate and vote in BHC Subcommittees and at annual

meeting; eligibility to serve on the BHC Board of Directors. • Assurance and satisfaction that your dollars are being used wisely to promote

and preserve the natural, historical, cultural and recreational resources of the National Heritage Corridor.

Corporate Partner $250 Benefits include:

• All the benefits listed above, plus • A free BHC Calendar, with full-color, illustrated with spectacular photos from

the National Heritage Corridor and enhanced with interested facts about the region, as well as moon phases, holidays and astronomical events.

• An enhanced listing in the BHC Visitor Guide that includes your logo.

4

• Logo added to the listing on the Business, Corporate and Nonprofit Partner Directory.

• Additional recognition in publicity, special programs, and event sponsorship opportunities.

• Satisfaction knowing that as a Corporate Partner you are a leader in promoting stewardship of the National Heritage Corridor.

Corporate Partner $500 Benefits include:

• All the benefits listed above, plus • Your business name printed in Blackstone Heritage Corridor’s GO! brochure

(10,000 printed each year, plus online version) • Five (5) free BHC Individual Memberships and five (5) free Trash

Responsibly™ car litter bags for your employees or customers. • Greater public recognition and special sponsorship opportunities, like

speaking at BHC events.

Corporate Partner $1000 + Benefits include:

• All the benefits listed above, plus • Your business logo placed on Blackstone Heritage Corridor’s GO! brochure. • Ten (10) free BHC calendars. • Greater public recognition and special sponsorship opportunities, including

website page sponsorship/ad placement opportunities . • A customized corporate service day design for your employees, preserving

one of the tremendous resources of the National Heritage Corridor through the Volunteers-in-Parks Program.

Programming and budget changes if the membership program is implemented: Bylaws: Would require amendments. Website: Upgrade the shop to accommodate member pricing on items, categories of membership. Create Business, Corporate, Nonprofit Directory. Shop: Add GearHeads and Sprocket t-shirts: design and mfg. costs Projects: Publish a comprehensive BHC Visitor Guide

5

Supplies: Design and print a membership envelop/brochure; “Proud Partner”

Certificate; GearHeads/Sprocket patches and birthday cards; car stickers Workload: Generate system for membership acknowledgement with reiteration of benefits, track benefits to make sure everyone receives what is promised, method of renewals/records.