February 22, 2016
Dear Cottagewood Community Foundation Members
and Friends of the Cottagewood Store,
2015 marked the 120th anniversary of the Cottagewood Store’s grand opening. Throughout the year, we
celebrated this important milestone for the Store with a calendar full of events, CTWD 120 merchandise, and
capped it off with a great 120 celebration. David mentioned in last year’s annual report that our ‘little Store is
thriving more today than at any other time in its history’, and given the strength of our financial position,
community dedication to volunteering and the exciting events we hold for the entire community…….that is
definitely the truth. The community thrives because of the store and events, and involvement from the
community is key. As I become the President of the Cottagewood Community Foundation, I want to thank
those Board Members stepping down (Kate Krejci, Heather Lepper, Libby Utter, Joe McRae), our Store Manager
Laurie Jenkins, as well as David Sigel for their dedication & leadership that has allowed our little Store to thrive.
They say change is inevitable, and that is the case for the Board as several new members join us in 2016. While
we all come from different backgrounds, the common thread we find between us is the enthusiasm, energy and
excitement to continue making this special place we call home thrive for the next 120 years! I would like to
welcome Erin Moos, Nick Dalsin, Sharon Garber and Abby Wallin to the Board and thank them in advance for
their leadership.
The generosity of our Cottagewood Community Foundation’s 260+ shareholding members is strong and we
want to take a few minutes to recap last year’s accomplishments, improvements and results, but more
importantly, give you a sense of where we are headed in 2016.
2015 IN REVIEW: The Bottom Line
1. Elevating our Events Reaching Further Out
Revamping Grill Nights to increase attendance and excitement was a key strategy in 2015. We are very
excited about the progress we made last year by leveraging ‘family fun’ events in conjunction with Grill
Night and will continue to focus on refining them further in 2016. Turtle Races, 1st Annual CTWD Dog Show
and Pony Rides are just a few of the events that made our Friday nights successful. Mark your calendar now
for our first Grill Night on Friday, June 3. In addition, we brought back Sleigh Rides (with s’mores!) and our
1st Annual Christmas Tree lighting in conjunction with our Santa Event. The result was a large crowd of folks
from both inside and outside of the CTWD community.
2. Continued Enhancement of the Store Grounds
Through the generosity of our members and local builders such as Streeter & Associates and Vine Hill
Partners, we were able to address targeted improvements to our little store. Following the great 2014
improvements inside the store, Streeter & Associates completed outside work on the patio by digging up
and re-laying all of the brickwork, as well as replacing and replanting the landscaping. Whether enjoying a
cup of coffee in the morning or having a Grill Night meal with friends, the enjoyment of this improved space
was felt by all.
CCF 2015 Annual Report
Page 1
3. 120th Celebration Success!
I think everyone would agree that the 120 Celebration was a night to remember. From the historical stories
that were told, to the food, drink and music that everyone enjoyed, it was a success. It celebrated not only
the 120th Anniversary of the Store, but also the 20th Anniversary of the CTWD Foundation being formed. In
addition to this event raising a great amount of money for the Store, we saw many new folks from the
surrounding communities attend and experience Cottagewood.
4. Increasing the Volunteer Network
The success of our events is a direct result of our volunteers. Given hectic schedules and family
commitments, we implemented a new way to solicit help through Sign-Up Genius. We posted all of our
events at the beginning of the year with a call to specific needs during each of those events. This new
system allows the community to see what CTWD volunteering opportunities exist for the entire year.
Planning becomes easier and gives the board a sense of where gaps exist. We continue to post volunteering
opportunities on Facebook and include on our regular e-mail newsletters during the season.
2016: Areas of Focus
1. Expanding the Community and Volunteering Network
The lifeblood of the store is the people, so we will focus on expanding community participation, both inside
and outside of Cottagewood, as well as making the volunteering process as easy as possible.
Utilize Sign-Up Genius to fill annual volunteering needs.
Leverage social and community partners to expand our presence in the surrounding communities.
2. Building our Events
We will continue to enhance our events and put a focus on family and community.
Grill Nights….Anchored by Community, Food and Fun
We will continue to make adjustments to the
menu and dates, as well as including a great family-fun event.
Special Events
Look for a few new events to make their way on the CTWD calendar. Planning is
underway for both a Fall Fest in September and an all new winter event next February.
Holiday Boutique & Santa The committee will be optimizing the hours of operation to capture greater
sales opportunities and we will include Santa, Smores, and Sleigh Rides that Sunday
Unique Merchandise Create new CTWD merchandise that takes home a memory and makes our store
special (Did you know it is the 10th year of Cottagestock?)
3. Transition of Financial Services to CliftonLarsonAllen
After numerous years of responsibility, Joe McRae has decided to turn his role back over to the board. We
want to thank Joe for his years of contributions. Last year the board made a decision to have
CliftonLarsonAllen take over financial services role. This is a big change for the store and the board is
confident that this is the right move going forward.
Financial tracking/reporting will transition to the services of Clifton Larson.
Able to leverage the support of CLA for tax filings and other key financial submissions.
More in-depth income and expense statement reporting and details.
CCF 2015 Annual Report
Page 2
4. Board Member Role Clarity and Committee Leadership
Board members have committed their time to specific committee and event leadership during 2016.
The annual golf outing will continue to be led by David and the new winter event by the Leppers.
Event Leadership
Chairs
Grill Night
Sarah Jewett, Abby Walln
CFF Member Party
Jody Grieger, Nick Dalsin, Erin Moos
July 4th Celebration
Sharon Garber
Fall Fest
Rob Burke, Perris Deppa, Erin Moos
Holiday Boutique
Finance
Membership
Chair
Tom Erdmann, Dan Goodrich
Dan Goodrich, Erin Moos
Marketing, PR, Social
Perris Deppa
Facilities Outside
Tom Erdmann
Facilities Inside
Nick Dalsin
Jody Grieger, Lisa Wells, Nick Dalsin
Volunteer Mgmt
Rob Burke
Lawn Sales
Tom Erdmann, Rob Burke
Store Operations
Jody Grieger
Golf Outing
David Sigel
Merchandise
Laurie Jenkins
Winter Fest
Heather and Cory Lepper
Santa & Sleigh Rides
Laurie Jenkins, Sharon Garber
Board Leadership
FINANCIAL UPDATE
The Cottagewood Store experience a strong 2015 in the areas of overall fundraising/member contributions,
events, and merchandise. 2015 income totaled approximately $260,000 which represented an increase of 19%
over the previous year. Expenses remained fairly consistent to previous years, with some increases in the area
of events (offset by income) and food. Moving forward with CliftonLarsonAllen, the board is excited to see even
deeper levels of reporting, as well as their suggestions of focus areas to make our operation as efficient and
effective as possible.
CCF CONTRIBUTION AND MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
The Cottagewood Store would not exist without the generous support of the community. When fundraising, the
goal of the Cottagewood Community Foundation is to encourage and value contributions of all amounts. Please
remember that the CCF is a non-profit organization with 501c3 status. Thank you for supporting the
Cottagewood Store!
The CTWD Board is excited to share with you a new membership structure for the Cottagewood Store. The CCF
Board has been working on these changes over the past 6 months. All the great benefits that you’ve enjoyed
are still in place and we’ve created new levels of sponsorship to encourage broader and deeper community
participation. Together we can continue to thrive.
Non-Member Contribution Option
Good Neighbor ($10-249 annual contribution) receives:
Personalized thank you letter from CCF Board member
Name recognition on board within store
Email welcome/recognition announcement
Email updates on store events
CCF 2015 Annual Report
Page 3
Member Contribution Options
New CCF Member (one-time $500 or more contribution) receives:
Part “owner” of the store, ensuring the financial stability of the store for years to come
Personalized thank you letter from CCF Board member
Name recognition on board within store
Two tickets to next Foundation/Member Party
Email welcome/recognition announcement, Email updates on store events
Eligible to serve on the Cottagewood Community Foundation Board
Personalized brick outside the store
For Current CCF Members
The following Annual Options and Benefits for Continuing Support are available:
Storekeeper ($250-499 contribution) receives:
Two tickets to next Foundation/Member Party
Eligible to serve on the Cottagewood Community Foundation Board
Member discounts on renting space and equipment
Email recognition announcement, Email updates on store events
Community Builder ($500-999 contribution) receives “Storekeeper” benefits plus:
Personalized brick outside the store
Community Sustainer ($1,000+ contribution) receives “Community Builder” benefits plus:
Name recognition on permanent plaque within store*
(1-4 years recognition, 5-9 years recognition, 10+ years recognition)
*Please note, individuals and families who have been consistently strong supporters of the store in the past will have the
option to be recognized on the permanent plaque
We request that every CCF member consider a tax-deductible donation of $250 - $500 or more to support
2016 operations.
We can accept securities, in-kind and matching gifts as well. Another great way to contribute is through a new
membership in the CCF. A gift membership for a child or grandchild would secure their brick in the Store’s
walkway, cementing their stake in the community literally and figuratively! Please be among the contributors,
and send your check, using the attached form.
If you have comments, ideas, or wish to become involved in the Foundation’s operation, we encourage you to
contact any board member. In the meantime, have a great beginning to 2016, and we look forward to seeing
you Saturday, April 30th, Opening Day 2016!
Sincerely,
CCF Board of Directors
Rob Burke, President
Perris Deppa
Sarah Jewett
Abby Wallin
CCF 2015 Annual Report
Dan Goodrich
Jody Grieger
Nick Dalsin
Sharon Garber
Tom Erdmann
Lisa Wells
Erin Moos
Page 4
Name: _________________________________
e-mail: _________________________________
Street Address: _________________________________
_________________________________
Phone: _________________________________
I/We would like to support the Cottagewood General Store as follows:
Storekeeper
For current CCF members. $250 - $499 to support 2016 operations
Community Builder
For current CCF members. $500 - $999 to support 2016 operations
Community Sustainer
For current CCF members. $1,000+ to support 2016 operations
New CCF Member
$500 to become a part owner of the Store and secure your legacy
(includes engraved brick in Store walkway)
Good Neighbor
For nonmember Cottagewood residents. $10 - $249 annual contribution to help
maintain Store and landscape (name recognition in-store)
Volunteer Interest
I’d like to help out at this event or in this role:
_______________________________________________________________
All contributions of $250 or more include two tickets to our spring Foundation Party
Make checks payable to The Cottagewood Community Foundation (CCF). The CCF is a 501c3 nonprofit
organization, and contributions are tax deductible. Please mail form and check to CCF at 20280
Cottagewood Ave., Deephaven, MN 55331. Thank you for supporting your Store and community.
CCF 2015 Annual Report
Page 5