from the president The spring equinox falls on Thursday, March 19. This event marks the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also the start of the winter season for five board members who have been engaged in leadership roles for the past three years: Mark Brandom, John Pennington, Tracy Beckette, Tim Malyszko and myself. It has been a truly enjoyable time to help set the direction of the Club. I feel we came in when the Club was on a big upswing, and we have been able to stay the course. I mention the above because our annual Board of Governors Election is on May 7. We have made great strides to enhance this event. Electronic voting is now available, but it is not a substitute for this very unique tradition. Past President McCarthy’s column mentioned that our members get to experience MAC democracy in action. The Board has worked hard to make sure our next elected Board of Governors will be assets for the Club. The election process is a true election with winners and losers. But make no mistake that all the qualified people who put their names up for election are winners and are committed to making the MAC the best it can be. If you have not experienced election day downtown, please put this on your calendar. Members voted this past year to make all married couples equal. Maybe your significant other has heard about the election but could not participate in the past because of the bylaws. YOU voted to change that. I would like to see all married couples downtown for election day. I would like to see you both walk through the “storied gauntlet” together. If you voted online, you can still attend and walk through the gauntlet. At the end of the day, we will gather in the Missouri Room and announce the 2020-2021 new Board members. One tradition that continues from the days of Past President McCarthy: fried shrimp will be in abundance, along with other food. By the time you read this article, Phase Two of the West Clubhouse fitness upgrades will be open. The redo was a direct response
to the 2017 member survey, and our goal is to continue to enhance the members’ experience. The Jack Buck Grille upgrade and a functional and professional women’s locker room at the Downtown Clubhouse are on the capital project to-do list. Staff and Board members work together to prioritize and deliver the best value that we can based on the capital resources available. Please continue to use the Club, invite friends and host business functions at your Club. It will only make us stronger and allow us to improve the member experience. I want to thank staff for all they have done while we have had construction work. I recently read an article in the Private Club Advisor where it was stressed that members should treat each other and staff like you would your family. Little things mean a lot. Let’s make sure we respect all the people at the MAC – both staff and members. A thank you here, picking up your towel and putting it in the proper basket, not leaving trash laying around and other proper decorum makes us better. Let’s continue to make the MAC the place you are proud to bring guests. The members spoke with their support of the Preservation Foundation, especially the Robert J. Trulaske Jr. Family Foundation, and we hit our goals. The project to restore the exterior of our beautiful Downtown facility will be rolled out soon. If you get a moment when you are downtown, walk outside and look at the Missouri Athletic Association name embedded into our building. Step back and look at the diamond designs on the top floors. Our building is the Cherry Diamond on Washington Avenue. Your support allows us to give this downtown icon a facelift. Thank you, Todd and Lauren Keske, who were the presenting partners at the Gala. Their support of the Club has provided a remarkable contribution, and they exemplify the MAC tradition of excellence. The exterior of the building will forever be a testament of their commitment. Thank you to all members who have continued to support the Club through
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contributions to this campaign and other needs. The Preservation Foundation is a vital mechanism that continues to allow investments in projects and restorations all year. Our staff was outstanding in organizing the evening of dining, dancing and camaraderie. The MAC is premier, and our staff allows us to boast this without any doubt. On April 3, we will honor six women from the region at the Women of Distinction Luncheon in the Missouri Room. Please call catering to register for this program. Thank you to the Women’s Initiative Group for their work organizing this event. We had the largest number of nominees in this program’s history. On April 13, we will host the United States Basketball Writers Association College Basketball Awards. This is always a sold-out event that highlights the end of the collegiate basketball season. Thank you to the members and organizations that have supported this event through sponsorships and attendance. It has been recognized by past participants as the finest college awards program in the country. Going forward, it will only get better. I have been the chairman of this event for three years. In order for events to continue to evolve and grow, I feel leadership needs to change, and I am honored that Governor Aaron Pawlitz accepted my invitation to be this year’s vice chairman. He will take over my role going forward, and the event will only get better under his leadership. Enjoy the beginning of spring. I look forward to seeing members at one of the many reciprocal golf courses, the 1903 patio, rooftop events downtown, election day, or working out in the West’s new fitness areas. The Missouri Athletic Club is your Club.
Kevin Cantwell, President Missouri Athletic Club
Since 1903, the Missouri Athletic Club’s mission has been to be the premier athletic, dining, and social club for business, professional, and civic leaders and their families in the St. Louis region. 4 F Cherry Diamond F MAR 2020
