As we look ahead to Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we are full of gratitude for those who served - and continue to serve - our great nation. We are also thankful for your continued support of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
The USS Yorktown recently served as the setting for the 2012 Carrier Classic. This nationally televised event, hosted by the nonprofit organization, Morale Entertainment Foundation, featured some of our nation's top basketball teams while raising funds and awareness in support of our military. We were honored to have been a part of such an important cause.
Last month, the Patriots Point Development Authority Board approved our Three-Year Business Plan, which proposes to increase attendance, revenue over next three years by over 17%. The plan will allow museum to begin the tasks to restore the USS Yorktown, develop new exciting programs and exhibits, and to repay debt obligations.
It sets a goal to generate $11.7 million annually in revenue by FY 2016 – up from annual revenues of $9.7 million - by increasing ticket sales to 260,000 per year, increasing camping registrations to 24,000 per year, increasing student enrollment in education to 20,000 per year, increasing the number of event rentals to 350 per year, increasing monetary gifts to support museum to $500,000 per year by working with Patriots Point Foundation and USS Yorktown Association, and increasing property lease revenue to $1.836M annually.
It's an ambitious goal; but one that is attainable and will allow us to remain focused on restoring our ships, creating a cutting-edge museum, and meeting our mission, while remaining a profitable state agency.
In the months ahead, we will receive a report from the MUSAIC Degign Group for the first phase of the Museum Master Plan study. This study will, ultimately, ‘bring the YORKTOWN to life’ through added technology and innovation. Moreover, the study will enable the museum to realize goals set forth by the Business Plan to increase visitation by another 30,000 over the next three years. In addition, our Environmental Assessment of the USS Yorktown will be completed. This study is the first step in the restoration of the ship and will be followed by a structural analysis. This data will ensure that the USS Yorktown remains at the heart of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum for generations to come.
On behalf of the Patriots Point Development Authority Board and our employees, we wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for your continued support.
Respectfully,
R. Mac Burdette