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Priority will be given, therefore, to enhancing and strengthening existing systems, a step which is particularly appropriate in light of the dramatic increase in the size of shop operations in recent years. Current plans include the possible installation of a computerized retail system and the relocation of administrative offices from the Museum of Natural History to a nearby commercial building.

[[underlined]] Mail Order Division. [[/underlined]] Since its inception five years ago, and with the expansion of Associate Programs, the Mail Order Division has experienced substantial growth. Due to establishment and start-up costs, mail order operations were not expected to realize a surplus of income over expenses until sometime in FY 1981. Enthusiastic acceptance on the part of the Associates and the general public has resulted in the Institution being able to realize a slight surplus in FY 1980. Improvements in marketing systems and automated order processing are expected to continue to have a positive effect in future years. However, mail order operations are subject to greater risk than either museum shops or concessions, both of which are more directly related to institutional visitations.

[[underlined]] Concessions. [[/underlined]] Concession income is expected to continue to grow moderately. At present, a number of alternatives are being considered for strengthening food service operations which should result in additional revenues and extended public services in future years.

As existing contracts expire, they will be reviewed with a view towards replacing concession operations with internally managed facilities.

[[underlined]] Parking. [[/underlined]] Parking revenues are expected to grow during the next two years, largely because of scheduled rate increases. The longer range outlook, however, is for a downward trend as the energy shortage and associated costs alter visitor community and travel plans.

[[underlined]] Belmont. [[/underlined]] The Belmont Conference Center will continue to incur a slight loss due to the limited size of the facility. With the approval of the Board of Regents, current plans entail finding a suitable buyer for the property, and the projections for future years reflect the discontinuation of this activity by FY 1983-84. 

[[underlined]] Auxiliary Activities Resource Growth [[/underlined]]

Unrestricted trust operations for this group of activities are expected to increase from present levels of revenues generated by about $7,500,000, and expenses are projected to increase about $7,000,000. The resulting growth over FY 1980 in the net surplus expected to be available for application to various activities and programs of the Institution is about $500,000.