Hi Pamela et al.:

        I heard yesterday that the CEOs of some commercial
enterprises (esp. Sisco) are taking pay cuts; however, I
think it is unlikely that the directors and top
administrators of non-profits will follow suit.  The
difference: CEOs can (usually) fall back on the security of
their stock options . . . something not available to museum
administrators.
        It is true that museums and various non-profit
organizations were taking a hit long before September 11th.
After all, when the economy stinks, luxuries like museums --
and recreational travel -- pay the price.  (I wouldn't
consider spending extra cash if I felt threatened by the
slumping economy.  Would anyone?)  Nevertheless, I believe
Pamela is right that these museums businesses are using the
September 11th attacks as an excuse.
        They are 'projecting' a small (or no) recovery from their
current low attendance based on social reaction (buying gas
masks which are useless) and pending military reaction
(which always forces a reduction in 'leisure').  If they
held on one or two months, spending into their capital,
they'd find school groups visiting and tourism increasing to
near-normal levels . . . but those who are impatient need
resolution now by downsizing.
        (An additional factor: Some museum administrators are not
good financial planners, choosing to cover up their
inadequacies by firing staff rather than accepting a fair
share of the blame . . . but neither firing staff and
blaming people solves the immediate problem.)

Sincerely,

Jay Heuman, Visitor & Volunteer Services Coordinator
Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68102
342-3300 (telephone)     342-2376 (fax)     www.joslyn.org

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