The public is invited to learn more about Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and the activities it supports through its 2010/11 Annual Report and 2011 Report to Residents.
The annual report reflects CBT’s performance for the 2010/11 year, ending March 31, and details its financial investments, spending and program and initiative activities. Report to Residents contains a condensed version of the above plus highlights recent CBT-supported projects and initiatives, offering a reader-friendly and informative glimpse at CBT and its role in the Columbia Basin.
In 2010/11, CBT returned a record $11.2 million in direct funding benefits to basin communities, up from $10.9 million in 2009/10. Its investment program also continued to experience strong financial performance, with total revenues increasing to $28.4 million in 2010/11, up from $26.1 million in 2009/10.
“In order to fund our activities, CBT invests in opportunities on behalf of Basin residents, such as power projects, real estate and business loans,” said CBT president and CEO Neil Muth. “Thanks to the continued strong financial performance of these investments, CBT was able to provide a record amount of support in 2010/11, and will be able to do so again in 2011/12 with a record $17 million in new funding — the largest allocation in CBT history and a 13 per cent increase over last year’s budget.”
The theme of both reports, “Shaping Our Future Together,” reflects CBT’s role in helping to bring people, governments and communities together and in encouraging collaboration and partnerships. CBT’s staff, advisory committees and partners are working together with communities to identify priorities in the basin, while providing access to funding, information and expertise to strengthen the region.
“CBT continues to take steps to understand current needs and issues in communities, add new value to the efforts of Basin residents and have an impact on well-being in the Basin,” said CBT board chair Garry Merkel. “Where interest in working together is developing, CBT is prepared to facilitate and provide support for collaboration. We’re also committed to enhancing community participation in project decision-making, so that communities are determining how best to advance their priorities.”
The annual report is available at any CBT office or can be found online at www.cbt.org/annualreport. Report to Residents is being mailed to homes Basin-wide or can be found at any office or online at www.cbt.org/2011rtor. People can also obtain the reports by phoning 1-800-505-8998.
CBT delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.