BUSINESS PLAN
International Centennial Optimist Club, January 2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The International Centennial Optimist Club is a non-profit service organization whose purpose is to develop Optimism as a way of life around the World.
We will seek out positive people, youth leaders, and community builders through our social media network.
Our “ambassadors” will be matched with compatible contacts to advise, guide and mentor local implementation of projects and programs to Optimize better lives.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
The International Centennial Optimist Club (ICOC), is an incorporated 501c4 in Michigan. ICOC formed in July 2019 on the 100th anniversary of our parent organization Optimist International. Currently ICOC has 100 members representing 22 states and 5 countries.
Many of our members have expertise in leadership and Optimist resources. Overseeing operations are President Herb Strather, a long-time Optimist and one of the most successful real estate developers in Detroit, Chairman Michel Listenberger, experienced as President and CEO of two large International NGO’s, and President Elect Barry Burnham, a past Distinguished Optimist Governor and who currently oversees marketing of a network of 26 funeral homes in SE Michigan.
Our experienced and qualified members makes our daunting objectives achievable. By providing hope and positive vision, together we are bringing out the best in humanity, ‘serving the World through Optimism.”
MARKET ANALYSIS
Millions of people in the world live with depression, abuse, and neglect, children suffer in many inner urban, migration camps, and developing Nations. Young adults are dying from suicide and drug abuse. Hateful polarization is turning friends into enemies.
Although optimism will not totally cure these blights to humanity, optimism will facilitate solutions to all of the above.
There are several websites and social media platforms that talk of optimism and it’s benefits. Most are small web sites or blogs, a few are commercial and some are affiliated. The “happiness” movement in several Scandinavian and African Nations have put an emphasis on Happiness, which is a close sibling of “Optimism”. We hope to work in alliance with them someday. Other large civic service organizations serve the world, but “Optimism” has the built in marketing name and presence.
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
The ‘moving force’ of ICOC are the members. Each has a particular expertise in a language, a culture, a project, a program, self-development, community development, children’s health care, Junior Optimist Clubs, Optimist Sports programs, Oratorical, Essay, Junior Golf, Internet safety and many others. In addition to social media connections, many members have contacts in a diversity of geographies. Each Ambassador will connect with another individual in another community needing Optimism.
A sixteen member Board of Directors governs ICOC. Herb Strather is the President, two Vice Presidents are Esthermarie Hillman overseeing finance and administration (4-5 committees) and VP Yvette Reid overseeing our Outreach programs social media, ambassadors, and global programs (3-5 initiatives).
SERVICE OR PRODUCT LINE
Our service is to inspire Optimist projects and programs in local communities all over the world. To do this each member forms a personal connection with a child educator, community builder, or potential leader in another local community. As an ‘ambassador’ the relationship provides, positive support, planning ideas, program guides, networking ideas, and possibly matching grants (especially in ‘developing’ nations).
FUNDING
Internal ICOC income will come from members dues of $100 per year. ICOC donations for charitable, literary, or educational operations will go through our “Optimist World Campaign” within Optimist International Foundation. We will also be seeking Corporate donations to fund specific projects or programs. We are exploring necessity of our own foundation to meet corporate requests.
FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
Currently dues income is at ten thousand a year. We hope donor income could be another ten thousand a year. Good corporate sponsors depending on the projects could be anywhere from ten thousand to one hundred thousand. Following years are unlimited.
Respectfully submitted,
Michel Listenberger, OD, FVI
ICOC Chair