Friends and Family:
We are in the final three weeks of planning for the 2021 LA Fleet Week. We are monitoring Covid-19 numbers and public health guidelines so that we may adjust accordingly. With the event being ninety-five plus percent (95%+) outdoors, we continue to plan for a safe and enjoyable 2021 LA Fleet Week.
Vicky’s is getting close to opening with the final piece of equipment, the steamer, due in this week. Kudos to the entire team that has been working on Vicky’s to get it ready for LA Fleet Week. Thank you to the Navy Supply Corps Foundation and Fast Lane Transportation for supporting Vicky’s concept. I hope you will join us, once we open, for a gourmet sausage and beverage!
Our attendance is still down approximately thirty percent compared to 2019, which is no surprise considering we are a tourism attraction. Thankfully our location as an outdoor venue has generated a lot of interest in terms of event space. We are currently booking different types of events including weddings, meetings, fundraisers, corporate, and others into 2023. With these bookings we are investing in improving the fantail space to be cross-utilized for both events and Vicky’s Doghouse.
Our development team grew last week with the addition of Amanda Perez as Plank Owner Coordinator. Amanda worked in our ship’s store up until a few years ago and then went to college to pursue her master’s degree. It is great to welcome Amanda back to the crew! Stay tuned for the upcoming release of the Haze Gray benefits system and make sure you become a Plank Owner of the National Museum of the Surface Navy.
Great job to each member of the VPAN team! A special thank you to our Veterans West guru Janice Bowman for having the vision to bring this program to the IOWA, the development team for their work on the grant, and the finance team for managing the financial aspect of this program.
It is once again the time of the year to nominate our volunteer crewmember of the quarter. There are many crewmembers that deserve this award, but only one will win it. Each department head submits their nomination for the award, then a committee decides who the honoree of the quarter will be. I am excited to see who will be chosen and thank you to each of the department heads for nominating volunteer crewmembers for this recognition.
Thank you to each of you for your support and contributions. You have made a significant difference on our impact on the community, veterans, and education. Have a safe and blessed week.
Jonathan Williams
President and CEO