Project Management...

I strongly believe that if we had a project management company in charge of budgets, expenses and time frames we could solicit much more in the way of donations from the public.

Donors would have some assurance that their hard earned dollars wouldn't be... mismanaged due to inexperienced personnel (that means us).

Toward that end I made one call to Andrews & Thornley and was referred to Leslie Alspach of Pound Management Inc. who returned my call on the Saturday of a 4-day weekend! He asked to take a look at the Blue Wing and brought his associate Matt Rush along. They are very interested in the building and the preservation project and would like to make a presentation to the committee.

From their website:
"At Pound Management Inc. we believe the best way for an owner to maintain control of a project is to be represented by sensible and knowledgeable management. Our purpose is to protect the owner's interests. From the beginning, when the need for the project is understood and the program is identified, realistic schedules and budgets must be created to guide expectations. On any scale a construction project is complex; it involves a multitude of materials, trades and professions, and there are numerous variables that can impact the owner's schedule and budget. The best way to manage these inherent risks is to reduce uncertainties and improve predictability within the process, from early design through to occupancy and maintenance. Experience is key and Pound Management Inc. provides the expertise and leadership to assemble and coordinate a team to achieve our client's objectives.

Through a collaborative approach we plan the work, then work the plan; it benefits the entire project."

I am not advocating any one project management firm, only that we need get one, soon, so we can promote their expertise and rationality along with our plea for money.