Salcha’s Neighborly Organization (SNO)
4-Phase
Community Development Proposal
December 2008
Version 5, by M. Wills-Markgraf
SNO Copyright
Mission:
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization’s mission is to use our non-profit status to provide and facilitate a ‘safety net’ of public services for our growing community of Salcha. SNO believes that by satisfying the need that nearly one-third of Salchans has for laundry and showers facilities, SNO will generate the funding needed to support a local public library with on-line access to adult education and a local shuttle connecting to the FNSB public transit. SNO believes that access to vital the public services of showers, public transit and adult education are vital for a healthy individual, a healthy economy and a healthy society.
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization proposes that with proper forethought, planning and assistance a non-profit can provide these needed services in Salcha. SNO recognizes that the price of sustainability and longevity lays in renewable energy resources and conservation. SNO wishes to be the poster child for a leading energy efficient design and construction. The cost of the renewable energy design, the conservation efforts and the commercial environmentally friendly septic system will be offset by the century of continuous public service to the community. SNO is not alone in believing that a healthy, intelligent society is the basis for all good economies. It is in the best interest of all involved parties to assist SNO in successfully creating the proper facilities to satisfy the needs of our community.
Measurable Goals:
1. December 2009, SNO will have completed all necessary research & designing; will have acquired, or be in the process of acquiring land from Fairbanks Northstar Borough Land Management Office, have all necessary quotes/estimates, permits and permission necessary to solicit grants.
2. December 2012, SNO will have successfully raised the funds and grant money needed to build a self-sufficient, leading energy efficient designed laundry mat; sustained with renewable energy power.
3. December 2013, SNO and the public library system will successfully relocate the modular library building from North Pole to Salcha. The downed logs will be properly stored and utilized by volunteers to build as a log cabin museum to display locally donated antiques.
Executive Summary:
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization works with all interested parties in our pursuit to bring public services to our community. SNO believes that the possible profits created by a laundry mat will sustain and maintain a public library building and other public services. SNO recognizes that many groups and private individuals have attempted through the decades to provide a public laundry mat with showers for Salchans. We at SNO believe that success will be found by working closely with the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the UAF and Cold Climate Housing Research. Also, our vision includes a ‘Volunteer Credit System’ that would allow locals to volunteer for credits that could be exchanged for any service charge. This will increase community involvement with SNO services and activities while offering an option for those in need.
SNO is already working with fellow organizations. We have cooperation and promises from the FNSB Land Management, FNSB Public Transit, Alaska Interior Public Library System, Fairbanks Food Banks, Fairbanks Resource Agency, UAF Cooperative Extension, Adult Education & Outreach Program, Valley Community for Recycling Solutions, Commission on Historical Preservation, Local & State Representatives, Salcha Seniors, and many local Salchans.
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization (SNO)
c/o Corporation Office
6824 Markgraf Street, Salcha Alaska 99714
Melissa Wills-Markgraf, Executive Director
(907) 488-6420 or melissa@salcha.org
Business Information:
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization is a new non-profit corporation. SNO, to date, is operating off of personal donations. SNO is in the process of negotiating a land lease from the Fairbanks North Star Borough. SNO has solicited the UAF to assist us in finalizing the planning and designing phase. SNO will be seeking grant funds to develop the renewable energy plant, laundry mat with commercial septic system, parking lot and the foundation for the modular library building currently servicing North Pole. The laundry mat will be self-service with closed circuit cameras. Volunteers will perform opening, closing and janitorial duties. SNO will contract any required fuel and maintenance work. Once the Library is up and running SNO will seek funds from the Alaska Public Library System for a part-time librarian to assist volunteers in the organizing and upkeep. The log cabin museum will be open seasonally and tended by volunteers.
Laundry services can be expected to annually gross somewhere between $9,600 to $153,600 ($4.00 per machine, 10 loads per day, 5 days per week, 48 weeks per year = $9,600
$9,600 x 16=$153,600). SNO will offer two (2) shower rooms with a possibility of 6 showers per hour which equals a possible 120 showers a day at $4.00 each. With just two (2) showers purchased per day it equals an annual gross profit of $1,920; at 20 per day it equals $19,200. With renewable energy resources SNO could be selling credits to GVEA. With the volunteer system there should be little need for any employment other than a manager to oversee all of the enterprises.
Executive Director, president Melissa Wills-Markgraf (907) 488-6420
Director, Recorder Maurice Mills (907) 488-7114
Director, Treasurer Fred Markgraf (907) 488-6420
Incorporation Financial Statement:
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization (SNO) was born a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation in July 2008. SNO has completed all necessary paperwork as a non-profit corporation; received our EIN tax number and is in good standing with IRS and the State of Alaska. SNO utilizes Quick books 2005 for all our accounting records. Records will be posted as acquired.
Business Description:
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization is controlled by the Board of Directors. SNO officers oversee the daily operations and volunteer participation. When the enterprises are complete, SNO will move to hire a manager to conduct the necessary oversight and duties.
Successful Characteristics:
1. Need. A laundry mat with showers is needed by nearly one in three Salchans.
2. Ability. The volunteer credit system will enable Salchans with or without money.
3. Renewable Energy. A renewable energy plant will lower annual costs and allow SNO to offer a place of comfort during dark days.
4. Development through self-education. Developing a way for Salcha to sustain a public library that offers a safe haven and on-line education.
Imagine, in 10 years, those Salchans who live without indoor plumbing will have a laundry mat with showers in their very own neighborhood. Wage earners will be able to catch reliable public transit to legal employment. Children will be able to hold activities and classes at the public library. Your neighbors will be working for their GED or Bachelor’s degree on-line. The UAF Outreach program will be here this weekend giving a class on renewable energy options. There is another community celebration coming up where your kids and neighbors are putting on a show. The neighborhood of Salcha is now a community with a ‘safety net’ of public services.
The History of Salcha’s Neighborly Organization (SNO):
SNO is an altruistic non-profit corporation desiring to provide public services to our un-incorporated community.
In 2000, a small group of neighbors gathered together to save the Salcha Fair Association (SFA) and to use it’s land and non-profit status to provide necessary public services to our community. Over the next few years the SFA created a public stage, a public well, a play ground for toddlers, and a good name. The overall community development plan submitted in 2000, to FNSB Office of Community Development, also included a community center. An idea, which had been proposed by many leading citizens of Salcha through the decades.
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization was created in response to the needs and suggestions given by locals. The needs overwhelmed the Salcha Fair Association along with the concept that one building could facilitate the community needs. SNO has spent the last twelve months researching and developing a new community plan that will promote community health and economic advancement.
Personnel and Organization:
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization Board of Directors shall be ultimately responsibility for overseeing the creation and management of all SNO enterprises in accordance with SNO By Laws, Articles of Incorporation, the laws of the USA, the State of Alaska, and by our good consciences.
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization will be managed by SNO Officers; until a manager is deemed necessary. SNO enterprises will be ran and maintained by volunteers. The Salcha Public Library will be supervised by a part-time librarian paid for by the Alaska Public Library.
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization will have a general bank account, a development bank account and a separate bank account for each enterprise (i.e. laundry mat, library, shuttle bus, etc.) All checks will require the signatures of both the president and the treasurer.
The president or manager will be responsible for organizing, training, supervising and negotiating credits with volunteers. SNO expects to utilize a computer program compatible with the elected ‘credit card system’ which will simplify this duty while increasing security. There will be levels of responsibility in the ‘volunteer credit system’; from clean up to certified supervisor with various training classes. Some of the duties of the management and volunteers could include: janitorial, inventory/stocking, organizing & supervising events and services, and with office work.
Marketing Information: Servicing Salchans
SNO holds no competition.
The only interest in providing public services to Salcha comes from Salcha’s Neighborly Organization (SNO) and our local government, the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Over the decades, many organizations have looked into a building a laundry mat. Several local businesses even installed a washer or dryer for locals to use; while they were allowed. This need is so great that word of mouth will spread before the building is completed. SNO’s development plan includes eight (8) washers and dryers. Already neighbors have complained that they need more.
SNO uses Salcha’s Virtual Community Center at www.salcha.org, local flyers, KTVF and the Fairbanks Daily News Miner to keep our community informed.
Market Research:
1. The Fairbanks North Star Borough web site donated the percentage of homes in Salcha without indoor plumbing; the number of residents; and the size of Salcha.
2. Forbes Laundry & Storage in North Pole, Alaska (the closest laundry mat) gave the price index used to compute possible gross profits. SNO chose $1.00 less than Forbes charges.
3. Alaska Public Library research librarians accumulated the books of knowledge regarding the ‘how’.
Currently Salchans travel:
! 20 miles to North Pole for:
— laundry & showers
— for a public library with internet access
—for public transit to Fairbanks & UAF
—for clubs and social activities
The Strengths of SNO:
! Essentials:
—It is a great concept to service a community need. Locals desire it, representatives want it, and SNO is working towards it.
—It is the basis for positive growth; independently, socially and economically.
—A renewable energy plant supporting public interests is a timely concept and a doable plan.
—A ‘Volunteer Credit System’ will generate interest, a work force and options.
The Weaknesses:
! Original:
—One must believe to achieve. A lack of community belief has hindered Salcha in the past. Currently, Salcha has new families, a new non-profit organization and a new energy.
—The idea that ‘green technology’ and conservation can reduce overall energy costs and create a sustainable program has yet to be proven as practical. SNO desires to be the local experiment that proves renewable energy is one path to a community’s independence.
The Advantages of SNO:
1. SNO can only achieve our dreams of servicing Salcha through donations, fund-raising and grants. Therefore, SNO will have little to no debt.
2. The ‘Volunteer Credit System’ will energize a work force.
3. ‘Green technology’ and conservation will enable sustain ability.
4. NEED–SNO was created in response to a need.
Market Segments:
Salcha is a small community of approximately a thousand (1000) residents. One-third are children and one-third live without indoor plumbing. Salcha resides along 72 miles of the Richardson Highway; located between North Pole and Delta Junction. There are several neighborhoods along this stretch that has polluted water. They will also be using the laundry facilities.
Target Market:
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization was created to bring public services to Salcha for all residents. SNO recognizes that the laundry, shower, public library, adult education and public transit will be most beneficial to the low income and the disenfranchised. SNO believes that empowering our neighbors will make our community stronger.
Marketing Mix Strategy:
The best advertising is a good reputation. SNO believes that the local will search these services out. SNO will also be advertising with street signs, flyers, the Salchan community web site, KJNP, and the Fairbanks Daily News miner.
Marketing Goals:
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization’s mission is to provide our community with the most amount of public services for the least amount of cost.
Products/Service:
1. Laundry & shower services
2. Shuttle services
3. Book sales
4. Vending machines
Free Public Services Provided:
1. Food Bank Boxes Distribution
2. FRA Winter Clothes Closet/event
3. Library Services with internet access
4. Connection to other organizations:
a. American Diabetics Association
b. March of Dimes
c. United Way
Pricing:
SNO is a non-profit corporation who will be able to minimize costs. Current projections are based upon competitor pricing; $4.00 a load, $4.00 for a 5-minute shower.
Suppliers:
All suppliers will be contracted after SNO seeks at least three (3) estimates, as applicable. Volunteers will also be supplying SNO with untold supplies; along with skill, labor and knowledge.
Financial Information:
1. SNO Financial year ends May and is submitted to the IRS by the end of June.
2. SNO will use Quick books 2005 on a designated computer.
3. SNO Treasurer will be responsible for data entering monthly actions and reporting to the SNO Board.
4. SNO will have yearly auditing by two board members; and every five years the records will be audited by a certified public accountant.
5. SNO will have a general account for general costs & fund raising; a development account for funds specific to building projects; and a community service fund to assist with the costs of bringing public services (laundry mat, library, etc).
6. All expenses will be paid for with a check containing the treasurer and presidents signatures.
7. SNO will have a grants account, program revenue/contracts account, investment income and gross assets (including donated items/ less expense).
8. All SNO volunteers seeking donations will be given an accounting sheet and manila envelope in order to track and safeguard receipts. This accounting will be given annually to the SNO Treasurer to be entered into SNO’s Quick books accounting program.
Corporation Beginning Balance: July 2008 $0.00
Start Up Costs:
Corporation filing fees $______________
Opening Bank Account $______________
Surveying Services $______________
Clearing Services $______________
Commercial Septic System $______________
Foundational Work $______________
Driveway & parking lot $______________
Renewable Energy Plant $______________
Exteriors $______________
Infrastructure $______________
Finish Work $______________
Computer programs/system $______________
Security System $______________
SNO’s Annual Budget: (SNO’s annual budget will need to be mirrored for each enterprise)
Insurance $______________
Electricity $______________
Cleaning Supplies $______________
Contracted suppliers $______________
Sub Total $______________
SNO’S Annual Income:
Laundry machines (8 washers/dryers) $9,600 --$153,600
Showers (2 rooms) $1,920 –$ 20,000
Fund raising $______________
Grants $______________
Library $__5,000–6,000
Educational $______________
Governmental $______________
Renewable Energy $______________
Public Transit $______________
Community Development $______________
Projected Totals
Annual Budget $______________
Annual Income $______________
Use of Loan or Grant Money:
The Delta Junction Office of the United States Department of Agriculture has suggested that SNO receive a $30,000 three-year loan at 1% interest from them to begin our fund raising efforts. The suggestion was to use this money for matching grants. All money donated, or otherwise received, by SNO will be used for it’s mission statement of bring public services to our community.
Start-up Costs:
At present all start up costs have been privately donated by local supporters. The land lease from Fairbanks Northstar Borough Land Management Office should be minimal. SNO is hoping to work with UAF and Cold Climate Research Center to minimize development costs. SNO is trusting that hard work, sharp minds and good intentions will win us the support and efforts of those with the power. SNO understands that our community development project has a large initial investment of time and money. The pay off will be an independent community able to support it’s own public services and buildings.
Profit and Loss Statements will have to be generated for the first time in May-June 2009.
Cash Flow Information:
Please recognize that currently Salcha’s Neighborly Organization has no assets except volunteers. SNO expects to have a land lease from the Fairbanks North Star Borough. SNO is striving to create a mini power plant and laundry mat. SNO is in the process of forming a contract with the Alaska Public Library to move and maintain the modular library building currently serving North Pole. SNO is planning on building a log cabin museum to house the many donated antiques that exemplify life in Salcha during the last Century. SNO has already joined other associations created to assists us in providing a public transit connection to Fairbanks and the UAF.
Revenues vs. Costs:
SNO is currently researching renewable energy options and designs. Listing fixed and variable expenses against our income will be difficult without these projections.
Assumptions:
Salcha’s Neighborly Organization (SNO) believes that it is in every ones best interest to implement public services in Salcha. SNO assumes that local representatives share our vision for economic growth and stability.
Growth Projections:
! Many areas in Salcha, historically known for sulfur water or no water, have recently been subdivided and sold. The families striving to create the ‘American Dream’ on these lots find themselves driving into North Pole for laundry and shower facilities.
! Salcha’s nearest neighbor and second largest employer, Eielson AFB, is also expanding and bring in new neighbors.
! Public Education and Transit opportunities will invite new families.
! People want to live where they feel secure. Providing basic public services will also invite new neighbors.
Financial Projections:
SNO wishes to project our financial status for the next 1-4 years, including sales, income, debts and expenses. We wish to break our projections down by market, production, enterprise, etc. This research will be accumulated over the Development stage.