WSRC Strategic Plan - World Shooting and Recreational Complex - planning report

Discussion in 'Trapshooting Forum - Americantrapshooter.com' started by Columbus, Aug 11, 2019.

  1. Columbus

    Columbus Forum Leader Founding Member Forum Leader

    This is just a small portion: You can find the complete report online.

    WORLD SHOOTING & RECREATIONAL COMPLEX
    STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT
    AUGUST 2019

    Strategic Goal # 1
    Adopt a business strategy for management and operations
    After enduring the state budget impasse, it became very evident that WSRC needed to take a “business approach” to survive. Reduction of state funding for operations and aging infrastructure are two areas that need immediate attention. Therefore, a number of action items were created to accomplish this goal.
    Action # 1: Create a comprehensive marketing plan to include the following actions:
    • Develop a facility/event marketing strategy for surrounding counties
    • Develop a regional marketing task force
    • Pursue free marketing opportunities including social media
    • Engage Chambers of Commerce
    • Include familiarization tour (Governor and other influencers)
    • Include a direct link to the IDNR calendar (website coordination)
    • Develop search engine optimization strategies
    • Identify and partner with shooting-focused groups for marketing (e.g., Lindenwood University shooting team)
    • Create a regional activities welcome packet
    • Raise awareness of current public shooting activities to change perception from “shut down” to open for business
    • Utilize southern Illinois tourism
    Action # 2: Develop diversified and sustainable funding
    Action # 3: Improve existing infrastructure to enhance ease of access to location
     
  2. BRAD DYSINGER

    BRAD DYSINGER The Philosophist Founding Member Member Trapshooting Hall of Fame Member State Hall of Fame

  3. Flyersarebest

    Flyersarebest Moderator Founding Member Forum Leader

    It always looks good on paper doesn't?

    There is probably a copy of the first year's propaganda laying around someplace. That looked good back then too.

    Well, it looked good for the four or five guys that live near that outpost anyway. To the 2000 that haven't shown up since the move?

    It looked and smelled like crap. Good thing we didn't step in it.
     
  4. Jakearoo

    Jakearoo Mega Poster Forum Leader

    Doesn't look good on paper to me. Sounds like they are in trouble and are a bunch of old men saying "we need to be on the internet! That will save us! Quick, hire some young uns to do it for us."
    Maybe they can take out a twitter account and post provocative things. Works for some.
    I agree with Brad, good luck.
    Maybe it will fall from its own weight and the CC will take over by default.
    Jake
     
    wpt likes this.
  5. Columbus

    Columbus Forum Leader Founding Member Forum Leader

    I tried to post a copy of the entire report but it's a pdf file and admin yanked it. It's 30 pages long.

    Prepared for
    Illinois Department of Natural Resources
    by
    World Shooting & Recreational Complex Task Force
    in partnership with
    Southern Illinois University Carbondale
    Presented August 5, 2019

    TASK FORCE MEMBERS

    Bob Appleman
    IDNR
    Patsie Hopkins
    Former State Representative Costello’s Office
    Marc Silverman
    Friends of the WSRC
    Deborah Barnett
    SIU – Economic Development
    Scott Ishman
    SIU – College of Science
    Neal Smith
    Little Egypt Golf Carts
    Randy Berterro
    Former Mayor of Sparta
    Marc Kiehna
    Randolph County Commissioner
    Zach Snow
    National Shooting Sports Foundation
    Sharon Blackwell
    Sparta Chamber of Commerce
    Bobby Klausing
    Sparta Commissioner
    Karen Stallman
    SIU – Community Relations
    Kevin Blosser
    Sparta Center, Admiral Parkway, Inc.
    Dan Krankeola
    ILLINOISouth Tourism
    Gretchen Steele
    Delta Waterfowl Foundation
    Monica Brackman
    WSRC Executive Director
    Lynn Andersen Lindberg
    SIU – Economic Development
    Ryan Stehl
    IDNR
    Mark Brown
    IDNR
    Bill Opel
    Friends of the WSRC
    Mickey Stewart
    The Great Outdoors Company
    Scott Bryant
    Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources (IFOR)
    Logan Park
    SIU – Forestry
    Debra Sutter
    Sparta Chamber of Commerce
    Brad Carlson
    IDNR
    Ed Pautler
    OKAW Valley Beagle Club
    Mary Jo Trimble
    IL Fed. For Outdoor Resources, FTCI
    Bart Carson
    WSRC Shoot Manager
    Nathan Reitz
    Illinois State Representative
    Terry Waldron
    Trapshooting Hall of Fame, Director
    Janelle Chapman
    Pepsi MidAmerica
    Corey Rheinecker
    Sparta City Manager
    Andy Waterman
    ILLINOISouth Tourism
    Mike Eichholz
    SIU – Zoology
    Charles Ruffner
    SIU – Forestry
    Jon Weatherford
    WSRC Seasons Event Center
    Joann Emge
    Sparta Community Hospital, CEO
    Doug Sachtleben
    Randolph County Assessor
    Jon Weaving
    ILLINOISouth Tourism
    John Evans
    Retired IDNR
    Paul Schimpf
    Illinois State Senator
    Jerry Willis
    County Journal
    Lynn Gipson
    Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA)
    Jason Schlimme
    Mayor of Sparta
    Kathy Wills
    Senator Schimpf’s Office
    Carl Handel
    IDNR
    Stephanie Schroeder
    Retrievers Unlimited HRC
    Emily Zollner
    Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA)
    Kyle Harfst
    SIU – Economic Development
    Dan Siegler
    Zander’s Sporting
     
  6. Flyersarebest

    Flyersarebest Moderator Founding Member Forum Leader

    Like the Zen Master said
    We'll See

    I wonder why they included this bullet point
    • Raise awareness of current public shooting activities to change perception from “shut down” to open for business
    Why would anyone think the place would or was, shut down?

    That could never happen AGAIN, could it?

    Damn straight it could and they know it. They are going to end up behind the eight ball again. Mr. Fishburn isn't stupid. You don't get to be in his position without thinking ahead. The guys running that circus aren't about to tell the "membership" that. The propaganda machine just keeps smiling and tell anyone that doesn't know better that the place is going in a "fantastic" direction.

    Like I said before, the Captains of the Titanic and Exxon Valdez thought the same thing.

    Good Luck!
     
    wpt likes this.
  7. Columbus

    Columbus Forum Leader Founding Member Forum Leader

    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

    Located near Sparta, Illinois, the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) is a unique, 1,600-acre site located in southwestern Illinois and is less than 50 miles from St. Louis, MO. The complex is open for public use, shooting events, and other organized activities. Thousands of visitors from throughout the world visit the complex each year, contributing to the regional economy and serving as a premier destination for both shooting and non-shooting guests.
    A Task Force met for more than a year to engage in strategic planning for the Complex’s facilities and recreational uses. These stakeholders developed vision and mission statements as well as identified strategic goals for the next 12-15 months. The results of the strategic planning process are summarized in this report and also incorporate SIUC students’ marketing research and public input.
    • Adopt a Business Strategy for Management and Operations
    • Create and Diversify Year-Round Full-Time Shooting Opportunities
    • Develop Non-Shooting Recreational Interests
    • Provide Additional Education Experiences
    • Expand Entertainment and Event Activities
    Strategic goals provide the framework for developing measurable objectives and implementing tasks that get the work done. One of the primary challenges at the WSRC is the lack of consistent funding for key operations including infrastructure, marketing, and staffing. Results from the Strategic Planning Task Force, public input, and marketing analysis conclude that the WSRC is a unique complex that holds great potential for increased economic opportunities. To capitalize on these opportunities, a business approach to the Complex’s operations, combined with expansion of both shooting and non-shooting events, was cited as critical to its advancement.
    Acknowledgements
    Thank you to Illinois State Senator Paul Schimpf for his dedication to the people of the 58th District. Thanks also to Interim SIUC Chancellor John M. Dunn for his commitment to continuously improving the region. Without their leadership, this project would not have come to fruition.
    Photos and Images
    Friends of the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Lynn Gipson (ATA), and Illinois Department of Natural Resources,
    Content and Editing
    World Shooting and Recreational Complex Strategic Planning Task Force
    Monica Brackman (WSRC), Lynn Gipson (ATA), Gretchen Steele, and Mickey Stewart
    SIU Carbondale:
     
  8. Flyersarebest

    Flyersarebest Moderator Founding Member Forum Leader

    I see Gipson's name on there but I don't see his other company

    Getsome Reality
     
  9. Columbus

    Columbus Forum Leader Founding Member Forum Leader

    AND ONE MORE:

    upload_2019-8-12_0-29-21.png
     
    Just Joe likes this.
  10. BRAD DYSINGER

    BRAD DYSINGER The Philosophist Founding Member Member Trapshooting Hall of Fame Member State Hall of Fame

    First of all I was really impressed with the level of Trap Shooting and Gun Club management experience I see in the assembled group. That alone should save Sparta. Nothing lacking there.

    Unfortunately putting a group like this together must be being taught in business schools because I've seen this approach a lot in small towns and local governments. Our county only has 19,000 people in it and the local economic development is always putting together a group (the current one is the vision group) that will revitalize our small county. There current idea is If they can only raise a million dollars they can attract the next big business to the county. Never mind that the current employers can't find enough employees, and most of the unemployed around here can't pass a drug test anyhow.

    No Sparta's problem was told back in 2003 when the first ATA group got together. Location, Location, Location. A place in the middle of nowhere, in the most anti gun state in the Midwest, far away from its customer base is the problem. The answer has always been there and still is no matter how you spin it or how many groups you get to look at even if the EC doesn't like to hear it.
     
  11. HistoryBuff

    HistoryBuff US Navy Retired US Navy Retired Founding Member Forum Leader Official Historian Member State Hall of Fame

    Maybe . . . just maybe . . . . an ATA Vice President is paying attention to the warning signs and attempted to insure the Grand American tournament would be held during his presidency.

    Maybe Mr. Fishburn was asked to submit a proposal to the Executive Committee along with upgrades at the Cardinal Center (additional trap fields, additional camp sites, etc.) whereby providing the ATA with a contingency plan. It's reported that he and his tournament guys flew to Sparta for a meeting during the Grand.


    As Mr. Dysinger stated, the shortcomings of the WSRC were known well before the vote to relocate to Sparta. Red flags were raised when the ATA polled its members. Location being a top issue. A red flag was raised regarding the Illinois gun laws. Past President Arvas continued to focus on this very issue in the ATA minutes. All the reasons why not to relocate to the current location were ignored by ATA leadership.

    The ATA had appropriate criteria for relocation, however, they lowered their long established standards (used since 1924) and made the decision to move, knowing the troubling issues.


    Maybe one of our leaders identified some potential trouble on the horizon and is paying attention to details.

    Perhaps a decision maker searched the population of Randolph County, Illinois and saw a trend. And, with all the other negative indicators, made the decision to attempt to secure a contingency plan by contacting Mr. Fishburn.

    POPULATION-Randolph Co., IL-1.jpg
    The World Shooting & Recreational Complex has made attempts to attract visitors since it opened its gates. Weddings, class reunions, concerts, shooting sports, year round restaurant, etc.. have not helped improve its sustainability. The Complex faces greater challenges in the future as a result of a declining population.

    It's nice to think that maybe someone in the ATA is paying attention and thinking of the future.

    I'm probably wrong though.
     
    cwtech, wpt, Flyersarebest and 2 others like this.
  12. The Phantom

    The Phantom Village Idiot Village Idiot Forum Leader

    Flyersarebest likes this.
  13. User 1

    User 1 Forum Leader Founding Member Forum Leader

    Heck ..... there are more people trying to save the place, than shoot there to support it .....

    They build a shooting "complex" ..... then put this ..... "Develop Non-Shooting Recreational Interests" ..... in their pipe-dream "business approach to survive" .....

    Who would have ever guessed the ATA's "60,000 member fantastic direction" would not support the "World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC)" .....

    They forgot to add Elon Musk ..... He may show them the secret way to always produce red ink and "survive" .....
     
  14. The Phantom

    The Phantom Village Idiot Village Idiot Forum Leader

    They're ignorant, but they sure are arrogant.

    Maybe when they get everything worked out at Sparta, they'll come over and teach Mr. Fishburn how to do it.
     
  15. wpt

    wpt Forum Leader Founding Member Forum Leader

    Prepared for
    Illinois Department of Natural Resources
    by
    World Shooting & Recreational Complex Task Force
    in partnership with
    Southern Illinois University Carbondale
    Presented August 5, 2019 ....

    The Biggest problem is they fail to see the real problem which was, is, and will continue to be location (LOCATION) until they get the hell out of Sparta, Ill or Illinois totally and completely for that matter ... The additional "Task Force Members" will not, have not, and will never be able to draw the crowds again because of the lacking of services in and around the general area of the facility ... They built what is considered by some (very few)to be the absolute best and most up to date facility in the middle of no place, Illinois and that is the PROBLEM, not the facility itself but the location of same ... They said build it, they will come except they failed to tell anyone where it is ... The Shooters who have ventured to the WSRC were less than impressed on many occasions so they will not be coming back for what ever reason, it does not matter ... You cannot have a big shoot if you do not have a gathering of a lot of shooters, vendors, etc because they are what makes the shoots big, little, successful or not at all ... Professing to have things headed in a "Fantastic Direction" is like spitting into the wind or pissing into the wind, all you are going to do is get wet ... The State of Illinois realizes they made a mistake, now its up to the ATA to realize they did also which is evidenced and confirmed by the lacking in attendance over the years since the relocation ... The WSRC was supposed to put Sparta on the map, well folks it didn't happen and it is not going to get any better any time soon or later for that matter ... There are more and more members losing respect for those in charge of operations and the functions on the Association, that will be part of the factor that will keep them from being a strong Organization like it once was ... WPT ... (YAC) ...
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2019
  16. HistoryBuff

    HistoryBuff US Navy Retired US Navy Retired Founding Member Forum Leader Official Historian Member State Hall of Fame

    You all realize don't you that for pointing these issues out, we risk being called haters and non-supporters.

    But somebody has to help point out the issues since the Board of Directors are asleep.

    I noticed that the "Task Force" overlooked an important factor mentioned in an above post.

    LOCATION . . . . . LOCATION . . . . . LOCATION !!
     
  17. DoubleG

    DoubleG Active Member

    Great time to come up with a business plan. 10 years after you start!!!
     
  18. The Phantom

    The Phantom Village Idiot Village Idiot Forum Leader

    Illinois DOES NOT HATE guns!
    Illinois is NOT 6 BILLION Dollars in DEBT!
    SPARTA FOREVER!


    upload_2019-8-12_12-6-53.png
     
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  19. BRAD DYSINGER

    BRAD DYSINGER The Philosophist Founding Member Member Trapshooting Hall of Fame Member State Hall of Fame

    Columbus I think what you have uncovered on this thread is maybe a lot more important than we realize. I would like to know how many of those mentioned are ATA members, and when has saving Sparta become the central goal of the ATA.

    I thought the ATA's mandate was to promote trap shooting, but when you read the goals of this group the Promotion of Trap Shooting seems limited to what is good for SPARTA, no where else.
     
  20. Columbus

    Columbus Forum Leader Founding Member Forum Leader

    Absolutely, nothing in the Vision statements or Action plans do anything but try to make the WSRC viable.
     
  21. History Seeker

    History Seeker A NoBody Founding Member Official Historian

    They can't leave after they charged ALL the members for the horse barn.

    Remember the$250,000.00 they gave to start with ?

    And this year with over $30,000.00 DONATIONS by the shooters at the Grand ?

    Gouged the members so they could support that STATE owned building for sure.

    Take a good look at my avatar, the ORIGINAL Logo of the Trapshooting Hall of fame before SOMEONE changed it, and put ATA in the middle replacing the 1969. HOFLOGO-11-5-2010.jpg
     
    jhunts likes this.