Membership: What Am I Paying For?

by Mike Dunlap

So what does my $25 membership get me? In 2013 it contributed to the $44 cost per member that the team incurred to pay for training, social events, and team swag. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to keep the membership fees down and still maintain the level of quality and training opportunities that keep our members coming back.

Here is a breakdown of the 2013 season costs:

Expenses:

Bank Fees - $5
Tri Camp - $386 (food for the entire weekend and gift certificates
for outside instructors)
Indoor Olympic/Sprint Time Trial Triathlons - $40 (spin room rental @ Y)
YMCA Kids Tri Sponsorship (Bronze Level) - $250 (supporting the next
generation)
Swag (shirts this year) - $1592
Post Office Box - $50
Pay Pal Fees - $67
New Uniform Subsidies - $235
Ironman Party - $43
End of Year Party Food - $710
End of Year Party Awards/Gifts - $420
End of Year Sponsor Gifts (that we gave Sponsors) - $72

Income:

Sponsorships - $1250
Membership fees - $1415
Gear sales (left over uniforms etc) - $110
Tri Camp ($15 early registration fee, $20 late) - $420

Total Expenses - $3880
Total Income - $3195

2013 Summary:

In 2013 we had some unusual expenses and spent $685 more than we took in. Uniform subsidies, new signs and banners, and team shirts were the bulk of this---all of which will hold us over for the 2014 season. The good news is we're staying on top of of the finances and making sure we live
within our means. Let's not overlook the VERY large role that our sponsors play in our success.  We would only be able to do half of what is listed above if it weren't for them.  Please make sure you're making every effort to support them as much as they support us.

Free training opportunities:

Additionally, what isn't listed is all of the free items that were not charged

• Training seminars at Schmidty's 
• Swim taping at the YMCA
• Brice Prarie time trial practices
• Endurothon series leading up to IM
• Organized swims at lake Neoshonic
• and more

If you'd like to see the budget in more detail contact me at
michael.dunlap@us.af.mil.

Spread the word to your friends about joining Bluff Busters. It's one of the few opportunities in life where you get more than you pay for!

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