(This response was posted on the Club website as well).
Patrick, the Building Fund has 2 accounts. One is a checking account with less than $3,000 and the other is in a Money Market account (currently earning 4.4%).
Members (and non-members) have given much of their time and resources to get the Building Fund to where it is today. Even though there is potential to earn more in stocks or other investments, the current Board unanimously is not willing to risk any of these funds in anything that could potentially reduce the principle amount. What would we say to the membership if the fund decreased because we invested in the stock market and we picked the wrong stock(s)?
As the fund grows I am certain that the Board will look into other investment vehicles, including CD's. However, when I first took over as Treasurer in 2002, we had $50k in a CD (in a general fund, not the building fund) and I couldn't wait for the maturity date because the CD was making less than other accounts at that time. Timing is everything when it comes to locking into investments.
When it comes to increasing the fund exponentially, the Vision & Feasibility Committee is looking into developing capital campaigns (outside the membership). I hope to be involved in that aspect of the project when my tenure as Treasurer concludes this summer.
Q
|