SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM KARATE MANITOBA

December 11, 2011

Karate Manitoba held its AGM on September 10th, 2011. The Board is proud to welcome our new Finance Officer, Brian Dondo and our new Marketing and Communications Officer, Debby Kofsky.  The Board wishes to thank outgoing Finance Officer, Cindy Glacken and outgoing Marketing and Communications Officer, Jennifer Cook, for their contribution on the Board over their many years of service.

As mentioned in our November newsletter, the Board held a planning retreat October 29th and 30th, 2011. During the retreat, key areas of development were identified and prioritized by the Board for the coming year. Champions were appointed to be responsible for each area and to form teams. Given the new teams, the role of the Technical Committee was reviewed. In consultation with Jerry Marr Sensei, Technical Director, the choice was made to dissolve the Technical Committee, with Marr Sensei stepping down from his position, effective November 19th, 2011. The executive summary of the planning retreat will be posted to the Karate Manitoba website in the coming weeks.

The Board wishes to announce the following individuals have stepped down from their Board positions: Meron Solynynka (President) and Marr Sensei and Jodie Kuhl (At-Large Directors).  The Board extends its thanks to each of these Karate Manitoba members, who have for many years, lead and given tremendous support to our organization. We wish each of them the best in their future endeavours and we shall always remain open to the contribution that past years of experience can add to new initiatives.

In accordance with the bylaws, the Board has appointed Daniel Piché (previous Vice-President), to the position of President and Angelo Mendoza (At-Large Director) to the position of Vice-President. The Board is presently developing a nomination process to fill the remaining vacancies on the Board to hold office until the next AGM. We will be seeking qualified members from across the Province to join our growing team and help propel Karate Manitoba towards its renewed vision. If you would like to volunteer on the Board or in any of our newly established teams, please contact us at membershipofficer@karatemanitoba.ca.

Of special note, the Board wishes to announce that Colette Marr has left her position as Administrative Assistant.  Colette has been serving the organization as its only staff person for over ten years.  For her diligence and high degree of responsiveness to the needs of the Board and of our members, the Board wishes to thank her particularly for her invaluable support to our volunteer-based organization.  At this time, the Board also wishes to welcome Jill Lampi, as our interim Administrative Assistant.  Jill brings a wide range of knowledge that will support our many new and exciting technological initiatives.

Karate Manitoba is the Provincial Sport Organization for karate recognized by Sport Manitoba.  We create opportunities for growth, sharing of knowledge and support in the development of members, athletes, coaches and officials across the province from the grassroots to the competitive level, all within an open, inclusive, all-style karate organization. Working closely with our membership, we are building a thriving organization and solidifying Manitoba’s presence in the national karate arena.