From left, are Barb Boncek (ODOG), Janelle Malia (ODOG), Darcy Chester (ODOG), Nancy Eckstrom (ODOG), Steve Paul (ODOG), Ellen Feldman (SCORE) and Lynne Agnew (SCORE).
Mentors from Greater Binghamton SCORE recently facilitated a Strategic Planning Session with board members and officers of the Owego Dog Owners Group (ODOG). The SCORE Association, “Counselors to America’s Small Business,” is a nonprofit association comprised of volunteer business counselors that provide expert advice and guidance to promote the formation, growth and success of small business organizations nationwide.
The focus of this session was to crystallize key priorities for ODOG, and frame an action plan to accomplish its 2016 goals. ODOG, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation, has the mission to promote responsible dog ownership and a dog-friendly community.
ODOG was instrumental in the September 2015 opening of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park, a beautiful 2.4-acre off-leash facility within the Town of Owego Hickories Park, and has responsibility for its operation and upkeep. A critical goal for 2016 is recruitment of additional volunteers for the Dog Park Crew, which provides the full-time welcoming face to visitors, and performs the daily operational support and groundskeeping tasks.
Other important goals for 2016 include growing the general membership ranks, and increasing member participation on the committees that carry out the functional activities of the organization. Another critical ongoing focus is raising the funds to cover the operating and maintenance expenses of the Dog Park, as well as the educational programs that are planned.
“It is wonderful to see our community Dog Park used and appreciated by so many daily visitors,” says Nancy Eckstrom, president of ODOG. “We are determined to secure the continued financial and volunteer labor support it will take to keep this beautiful park the nicest one in the region.”
Information about how to become an ODOG member, or sign up for the Dog Park Crew, can be found at www.owegodogs.org.
ODOG meets on the second Tuesday of each month, at 6:45 p.m. at the Coburn Free Library, Main Street, Owego. The public is invited.
