Chair's Report

For the year of 2014

It is my pleasure to report on the progress of FreeNet as Chair for the past year.

I would like to start by acknowledging the support I've received since taking on this role. That support has come from former and current board members, especially former Presidents Gary Eikenberry and Chris Cope, who ably led FreeNet in the years preceding me, and continue to provide guidance. From myself, and on behalf of the Board and of you, the members, thank you both for your years of service, and for your continuing participation and perspective.

This last year has seen FreeNet settling in to operation as a direct supplier of DSL. The year has seen growth in the facilities to monitor and manage that service, to maintain and improve the quality of service, and most of all to provide support for you, our members. The extended team, in the office and beyond, has worked hard to ensure smooth transitions in service, support for members with questions, and improved communication between members and the organization. I think it speaks well for the organization that most new members tell us they joined NCF on the recommendation of current NCF members.

The progress over the year in the quality and variety of services FreeNet provides has been accompanied by growth in membership, and welcomed improvements in FreeNet's financial state. Of greatest importance is FreeNet's responsibility to continue to provide you, our members, with quality and reliable services, and to do so in the spirit of community. Another modest surplus in 2014 has strengthened our finances and ensured that FreeNet will be able to continue to operate for the benefit of our membership, and to continue our infrastructure upgrades and cautious expansion.

All in all, we close out the year in a strong position, well poised to face the challenges coming in 2015.

And last but not least, I would like to thank all the people who contribute to our ongoing success. We have an incredible group of volunteers who donate their time and expertise to keep the organization running smoothly. Our staff, too, are dedicated and committed to the organization and I'd like to thank them also. The combined effort of members, staff and volunteers means a quality service delivered with strong human values, which sets us apart from commercial Internet providers.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff, the many volunteers and the thousands of people in Ottawa who make up the National Capital FreeNet Community, I want to say thank you for your continuing commitment, your generous contributions and most of all, your ongoing participation in this great organization.

Mike Kelly,
Chair, NCF Board of Directors