President’s Column

As summer comes to an end at the Missouri Athletic Club, so does the Club’s 2022 fiscal year (FY). I believe that being good stewards of our Club’s financial resources is the primary responsibility of our senior staff and the Board of Governors. With that in mind, I am pleased to report that our Club is financially sound.

During our August meeting, the Board of Governors unanimously approved the Club’s budget for FY 2023 (Sept. 1, 2022-Aug. 31, 2023). Preparing a budget during an inflationary period, the likes of which we have not encountered in the United States for 40 years, was extremely challenging. As you are undoubtedly witnessing in your own families and businesses, the cost of seemingly everything is increasing significantly and precipitously. By way of example, hourly wage rates at the Club have increased by 30% in the past three years. Over the previous year, health insurance premiums for the Club’s staff have increased by 26%, and the Club’s property and casualty insurance premiums have increased by over 20%. In addition, we are experiencing 8%-9% inflation in food costs and other consumables. The bottom line—it now costs more to operate the MAC and provide an outstanding Member experience.

To help offset these rising costs, the Board of Governors approved a 6.5% dues increase that will be effective as of Sept. 1, and reflected in your Aug. 31 statement. The average increase across all Membership categories is less than $14 per month. The dues increase will allow the Club to continue to fulfill our stated mission of creating extraordinary experiences in all aspects of Club life. Furthermore, even though we are experiencing significant inflation, the Club and the Board of Governors are committed to continuing to enhance our facilities at both Clubhouses by funding capital improvements through operating cash flow. The recently completed improvements to the Jack Buck Grille downtown and the soon-to-be-completed renovation of the 1903 Dining Room at the West Clubhouse reflect this commitment. In FY 2023, we will continue to make prudent investments in our facilities.

As a final note on the FY 2023 budget, I would be remiss if I did not thank our Treasurer, Governor Steve Albart, the Finance Committee, General Manager Wally Smith, CFO Pam Roth and her entire accounting department for all the work that went into preparing the FY 2023 budget. A job very well done!

Now, onto some more fun MAC news. At the end of August, the Club wrapped up “Foundations’ Month” with the annual Foundation Golf Tournament. The event was a sellout and an enormous success. Thank you to Past President Bugh and Past President Eggerding for once again taking the lead on organizing the tournament and to Katie Mauer and her team for coordinating all the logistics. This year, a portion of the proceeds from the tournament were directed to the MAC Sports Foundation. In turn, the MAC Sports Foundation has pledged $50,000 towards a gymnasium flooring renovation project at the Youth and Family Center (YFC), located very near the Downtown Clubhouse at the corner of Cass Avenue and Ninth Street.

By way of background, the YFC is a neighborhood recreational and family center operated under the umbrella of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. In response to the MAC’s desire to be more civic-minded and engaged in positively impacting our downtown neighborhood, the Urban League introduced the MAC to the YFC because of the similarities in each organization’s mission to reach generations of families through athletic programs and lifeenriching experiences. Stayed tuned in the coming weeks and months for additional details about this very exciting project.

Looking ahead to September, the Monthly Membership Mixer on Sept. 8 at the Downtown Clubhouse presents an excellent opportunity to mingle with other Members and introduce prospective members to our Club. The Cigar-BQue, sponsored by the Mark Twain Society, offers a unique dining, libation and cigar experience on the rooftop of the Downtown Clubhouse garage on Sept. 9. Finally, as was highlighted on the cover of the Aug. edition of the Cherry Diamond, on Thursday, Sept. 15, MAC Wrestling Night returns to the Missouri Room. As of the writing of this letter, limited sponsorship opportunities remain available.

Finally, I would like to recognize a recipient of the distinguished employee award. This individual works diligently behind the scenes at the Downtown Clubhouse to serve our Members.

Liz Behlman Title: Assistant Pastry Chef Start Date: 1/30/2020 What you hope to be doing in ten years: “Running my own pastry kitchen!”

Thank you for going above and beyond, Liz! Your creativity in the kitchen and dedication to providing topnotch service elevates Club life for our Members and does not go unnoticed.

Members, I look forward to seeing you at the Club this autumn!

Brent Beumer, President Missouri Athletic Club