[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As Eastern National reaches the end of year three of our strategic plan, more strategic projects are coming to fruition and having a measurable impact upon the organization’s mission delivery and potential for growth.
Partnerships
On July 1, our stores at National Park Service sites rebranded as America’s National Parks® stores! This smooth transition for our brick-and-mortar stores completes Phase 1 of the rebranding project, and work has begun (and will continue throughout next year) on the second phase: additional in-store signage and the transitioning of our digital presence to the America’s National Parks® brand.
Working in partnership with park leaders, the regional management team completed or nearly completed over 100 annual operating plans so far this year.
People
Eastern National completed a workforce planning audit, laying the groundwork to begin succession planning—in other words: How to get the right person in the right job at the right time. Additionally, staff development has continued throughout this year to apply and build upon the Back to Base Camp training held with store managers last January.
Operations
After exhaustive research, demonstrations, and testing, we’ve selected Erply Business Software as Eastern National’s next Point-of-Sale system. Planning has begun on the next steps leading to training and 2020 implementation—stay tuned for more information soon!
Our continued improvements in inventory management will enhance the impact of the new POS system, and we significantly expanded the use of Office 365 tools to simplify collaboration and streamline processes among Eastern National staff.
Finances
Data collection for the Grow Sales Evaluation concludes at the end of September, and the focus will shift to analyzing results. Preliminary analysis has already led to targeted trainings and other immediate interventions to grow sales and improve operating income; the impact of this study will only grow over time.
Now fully launched, Outer Banks Forever (OBXF) has developed and is implementing strategies to grow an audience of supporters that are passionate about the Outer Banks Group of parks, to educate and engage that audience in our work, and to build a strong brand. OBXF is also executing a development plan to ensure a robust fundraising infrastructure, including a fully integrated donor database software.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]