From: brock.man@comcast.net [mailto:brock.man@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 1:42 AM
Subject: Popcorn Sale Training
Dear Parents and Scouts,
For Scout year 2010-11 we will again participate in the annual Popcorn Sale. The sale has become very important to our Scouting program because it is our primary fundraiser that financially keeps our program going. The proceeds from the Popcorn sale can support all our activities and significantly reduce the out of pocket expenses for all Scouts.
The potential of the sale is unlimited and could eliminate the cost or substantially reduce the amount of money spent for uniforms, trips, and camp. The average operating cost to support one Scout is approximately $350.00 not including summer camp which averages around $375.00. This means we need on average to raised more than $500.00 per Scout and we are approaching more than 50 Scouts in the program.
Do the math and it's a huge number. However, if you do the math selling Popcorn, we can reach this number with determination and a little effort from every parent and Scout. You can start by attending Popcorn Sale training. This training will take place on 27 July. If you can attend please do so. The more parents we have that understand the program and know how it works the better it will be.
Additionally, I will need to rely on a Popcorn Sale Committee and a chairperson to run this sale so that I can focus on program activities. Mr. Maurice Simmons will be serving as the District's Popcorn Kernel or the Chairperson for the entire district. Mr. Livingston our Treasurer will be be very involved handling the funds, but we need a committee and a chairperson to organize the sale.
I can help you and give you direction, but I need the Committee to organize our show and sell events, collect money to turn in to Mr. Livingston, maintain an accounting of product to include handling distribution, and reach out to parents to get them involved. It may seem like a lot but if we have a good group who is willing to pitch in it will not be difficult.
With the number of Scouts we have and with parents participating means that 2 hours twice a month during October will suffice to give us enough Scouts and parents to participate in show and sell events or what we do at the Acme. In addition to Acme we did not spend a lot of time at the Bala Cynwyd Post Office which has been a good spot for us and we could use some new locations.
Just remember we make approximately $350.00 per hour and the more hours we can get in the bigger our profits. Also our organization can be better. For example there were times when we actually had too many Scouts on site. Fewer Scouts can actually work better by having Site Supervisors (parents) work with Scouts on improving their selling skills while freeing up other Scouts. Although it will be impossible to avoid our meeting times, the plan will be to reduce the number of Scouts selling during regular meetings so they are not missing program activities.
If you would like to be part of the Popcorn Sale Committee please let me know and especially if you would like to be the Chairperson. If you ever wanted to run your own business or know what it is like to run a business be part of the committee. This is no hype, the Popcorn Sale is nothing more than an actual business operation in place. Every principle that McDonalds or GM or any other business will use to have a successful business year are the very same principles that we will have to use.
We have to do market research to determine how best to reach our customers. We need to plan on hours we will be open for business. We have to come up with a marketing plan to attract customers or educate them about our product. We must train our sales force. We have to have product on hand in the right quantities and on time. We must keep our finances straight. We operate on commissions and if we lose money, that will not reduce the bills we have to pay. One great part of the process is that we can take as much product as we can but if we don't sell it we have to take it back. What we don't take it back we pay for it, so inventory control will be important.
Unfortunately so much goes on during the sale that we don't take the time to teach our kids about what is going on. For the Boy Scouts there are several merit badges they can earn by participating in the sale that include the Salesmanship, Entrepreneur, and American Business. It is important for our sons to understand business. When I was growing up the mantra was to get a good education and get a job. The labor market has changed significantly and getting a good education and a job is not enough. With layoffs and downsizing, having a job is no security anymore.
For those that have the spirit and the gumption to start your own business and be your own boss this may be the way to go. Having a job with an employer used to be the safe bet, but not in today's economy. Not all of our sons can grow up to be business owners, but we need to instill the idea that they do not have to work for somebody else, but somebody else can work for them.
The Popcorn Sale is more than just a fundraiser that takes up our time in the fall. It's an opportunity for us to increase the economic literacy of our Scouts. These can some of the teachable moments that can make a difference and we need to take advantage of them when we can.
Thank you,
Yours in Scouting,
J.R. Brockman
Scoutmaster
Troop 133
609-381-9981
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From: "Anthony Weiss" <info@mailva.evite.com>
To: "JR Brockman" <brock.man@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 1:31:12 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Evite invitation from Anthony Weiss
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