The previous couple of months have been great for the NCF.  Moving into our 
new quarters has resulted in improved team morale, a better team environment 
a better image to the world and finally a better level of service for members.   
I don't think that there can be any doubt that moving to 1960 Scott was the 
right thing for the NCF.

Financially the NCF has been holding its own.  Donations for traditional 
services has been shy of last years totals for each month beginning in July.   
Septembers total of $13,700 is about 9% shy of last years September donations.   
Overall dial-up use has decreased with some of the heavier users appreciating 
the value of DSL to their internet use.  With the office move we have also 
been distracted from providing the necessary follow-up to encourage renewing 
members to donate.  It is hoped that we can restore the level of member care 
to our previous level once we rebuild our volunteer team.  

High speed service continues to win friends and influence people.  Danial is 
doing a great job at providing member support.  We are slightly ahead of 
forecast with respect to members using DSL.  The total fees for DSL in 
September were $16,381 which along with record hardware sales have helped 
cover the cost of operations during the month.  

Although high speed in improving the image of the NCF it is still the dial-up 
service that helps the most people and is our bread and butter.  Approximately
90% of the NCF's expenmses are paid for by member donations.

Expenses have been high during the period as we have setup the office, 
progressed with application development and paid for increased marketing.  
In total expenses for the year to date have come in at $361,000 versus 
income of $360,000.  

The Ribbon Cutting was successful in being a tangible milestone associated 
with our move.  It not only encouraged us to finish the office setup but 
also helped the NCF to renew old acquaintances.  Barbara Clubb (OPL Chief 
Librarian), Rick Charelli (Councilor) and Kim Dixon (VP Marketing at 
Talkswitch) were all in attendance as well as numerous friends of NCF 
and media groups.  

Although given our tight finances I would normally council caution and 
going slow,  I feel that the organisation is now firing on all cylinders 
– providing competitive services and competent support and now is the 
time to market like crazy.  Investing in ads, posters and articles to 
raise the awareness of the NCF.  The ball is starting to roll (neighbours 
telling neighbours, more average families joining) but we need to keep 
pushing it so that it picks up speed.  As we have said for some time, 
the solution to many of NCFs difficulties is to grow the membership.

Looking forward to seeing you at our offices on Tuesday night.

john