AOS closing Florida Chapter! Budget cuts - Orchid Board

Tommyr · #1 02-15-2009, 02:46 PM

I heard this on the radio yesterday folks. WCBS AM 880 in NYC. Even orchid folks are effected by the recession....

cb977 · #2 02-15-2009, 03:43 PM

This is an excerpt from the AOS web site, in the President's Communications:

Quote:

Consequently, we have decided to concentrate on the activities listed above. We have significantly reduced our staff at the Delray Beach facilities and have put on hold or cancelled some of the activities at the headquarters.

However, I must reiterate what I said in last month's column. The AOS is debt free, and we will continue that way. We have more than $1.7 million dollars in restricted funds for programs such as the construction of a library, for research, for annual awards and other projects and we will continue to safeguard these funds as required by law. It is also our intention to remain in our headquarters facility and to maintain our gardens; so much of which has been donated by our membership, so that when we come out of this recession, we can continue to grow as our predecessors originally intended.

I underlined what pertains to the rumor about a closing.

cb977 · #3 02-15-2009, 03:45 PM

I'm going to move this thread into the Orchid Lounge.

AboutOrchids · #4 02-15-2009, 05:24 PM

I'm glad at least they have they foresight and willingness to maintain the gardens. Maybe they can find more volunteers to help them weather the recession also.

orchideric · #5 02-15-2009, 05:27 PM

The AOS may "maintain" the gardens but in May the grounds will be closed to the public. By all accounts they are staying open until that time mostly to honor wedding contracts and the like. The closure includes the orchid greenhouse and the AOS gift shop.

Hope that helps, Eric

Roly0217 · #6 02-15-2009, 05:34 PM

I received a message from the AOS yesterday. They are closing the gardens but the gift shop just like Eric says however they'll maintain minimal staff to care for the plants. I guess that I should go to the gardens before they close.

lily99 · #7 02-15-2009, 09:37 PM

I got at email from AOS about this yesterday. I am kicking myself for not going to the gardens when I was in Florida 2 years ago. I hope I didn't miss my only chance to see it.