As we approach our Annual General Meeting, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past year at Velo NB and share an update with our members on the work your Board has been undertaking behind the scenes.
This has undoubtedly been a year of transition and challenge for our organization. In November, Velo NB experienced the departure of four Board members, including our President, who stepped away to pursue an exciting opportunity with Cycling Canada. At that time, I accepted the role of Interim President and have now served in this position for the past six months.
While operating with a smaller Board has required flexibility and perseverance, I am incredibly proud of the commitment shown by our remaining directors and staff. Despite reduced numbers, the Board remained focused on moving the organization forward and continuing the important governance and strategic work required to strengthen cycling in New Brunswick.
One of the most significant undertakings this year was a comprehensive review and modernization of our Constitution. This work was important to ensure that our governance structure reflects the needs of a modern provincial sport organization and positions Velo NB well for the future. Alongside this work, we also reviewed and updated our Board recruitment strategy and developed a Board competency matrix to better identify the skills, experiences, and perspectives currently represented on the Board, as well as those we hope to recruit moving forward.
Throughout the year, the Board continued advancing the priorities identified in our Strategic Plan. I am pleased to say that we have made strong progress across many of our objectives and remain very much on track with the goals we set for ourselves.
Some of the key initiatives completed or substantially advanced this year include:
- Review and approval of new Event Organizer Guidelines
- Development of a comprehensive annual communications plan
- Continued work on a Club Engagement Strategy
- Development of a policy regarding non-sanctioned events
- Development of an Event Quota Policy to support fairness and balance across cycling disciplines
- Continued governance modernization and policy development
These initiatives may not always be the most visible part of our work, but they are foundational pieces that will strengthen the organization and support sustainable growth for years to come.
I also want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our clubs, organizers, volunteers, coaches, officials, athletes, and community partners across the province. Cycling in New Brunswick continues to grow because of the passion and dedication of so many individuals who give their time and energy to the sport.
As we look ahead, I am optimistic about the direction of Velo NB. We continue to build stronger governance, clearer strategic direction, and better organizational systems that will help us better support all cycling disciplines and communities across the province.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Velo NB this year and to all members who continue to support cycling in New Brunswick. I encourage you to join us at our AGM as we reflect on the past year, recognize achievements within our community, and look ahead to the future together.
Sincerely,
France Gauthier
Interim President
Velo NB