2026-08-11T10:14:17-04:00 2026-03-31 030325875 DAVIS & HODGDON ASSOCIATES CPAS PLC 33 BLAIR PARK RD STE 201 WILLISTON VT 05495 990 2025-04-01 030347288 LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN INC LEAH 8028641848 1 COLLEGE STREET BURLINGTON VT 054015215 EDWARD LAWSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 8028641848 2026-08-05 true RYAN BLACK-DEEGAN P01598467 8028781963 2026-08-11 2025 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE EDWARD LAWSON 1 COLLEGE STREET BURLINGTON VT 05401 7294588 false X WWW.ECHOVERMONT.ORG X 1994 VT ECHO'S MISSION IS TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE EVERYONE IN THE JOY OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, WONDER OF NATURE, AND CARE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 14 14 75 115 94580 3724095 3133275 1192158 1256098 357722 277786 692258 662581 5966233 5329740 0 0 3084949 2981148 0 145106 2320679 2541186 5405628 5522334 560605 -192594 23695520 24524954 2080982 2139685 21614538 22385269 X ECHO'S MISSION IS TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE EVERYONE IN THE JOY OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, WONDER OF NATURE, AND CARE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. false false 4649602 1256098 THE PUBLIC FACE OF THE LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN INC. (DBA ECHO, LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN OR ECHO) IS VERMONT'S PREMIER SCIENCE AND NATURE MUSEUM, LOCATED ON BURLINGTON'S WATERFRONT OVERLOOKING BEAUTIFUL LAKE CHAMPLAIN. OUR MISSION IS TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE EVERYONE IN THE JOY OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, WONDER OF NATURE, AND CARE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. VISITORS CAN EXPLORE OVER 100 INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS, ENCOUNTER 50 LIVE SPECIES, ENJOY SEASONAL CHANGING EXHIBITIONS, AND EXPERIENCE IMMERSIVE SCIENCE AND NATURE MOVIES IN OUR DEALER.COM 3D THEATER. SINCE OPENING OUR DOORS IN 2003, WE'VE WELCOMED MORE THAN 3 MILLION VISITORS WHILE OPERATING 360 DAYS PER YEAR. TODAY, OUR EXHIBITS, PROGRAMS, AND COLLECTION OF NATIVE AQUATIC ANIMALS REACH MORE THAN 160,000 PEOPLE ANNUALLY. THIS INCLUDES 16,000 MEMBERS, 7,500 SCHOOL GROUP VISITORS, 30,000 REDUCED-OR FREE-ADMISSION GUESTS, AND 10,000 STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND FAMILIES THROUGH OUR STATEWIDE RURAL OUTREACH PROGRAM. ECHO IS A PUBLIC PLACE WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME AND BELONG, WHERE SCIENCE AND NATURE COME ALIVE, AND WHERE STEWARDSHIP FOR A BETTER TOMORROW TAKES ROOT AND GROWS THROUGHOUT VERMONT. THE NONPROFIT IS GOVERNED BY A 17-MEMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHICH RETAINS RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFINING ECHO'S OVERALL STRATEGIC DIRECTION, ENSURING THE INSTITUTION REMAINS ON TRACK AND ACHIEVES ITS GOALS. THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ECHO BOARD INCLUDE FINANCE, FUNDRAISING, STRATEGY, AND POLICY. AS A GENERAL MATTER, BOARD MEMBERS ARE NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN ECHO'S DAILY OPERATIONS, AS THESE DUTIES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MANAGEMENT. BOARD MEMBERS SERVE ON ONE OF FOUR COMMITTEES THAT MEET MULTIPLE TIMES EACH YEAR: POLICY & GOVERNANCE, PLANNING & FINANCE, AUDIT & ETHICS, INVESTMENT, AND STEWARDSHIP. THE ENTIRE BOARD MEETS QUARTERLY WITHIN THE FISCAL YEAR. PRINCIPAL PROGRAMS & ANNUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SUPPORTED BY MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS AND AN INFORMED UNDERSTANDING OF AUDIENCE NEED, ECHO PROVIDES HIGH-IMPACT SCIENCE-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN AND OUTSIDE OUR WALLS. ANIMAL CARE PROGRAM: PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND ECOLOGY BY CONNECTING THE PUBLIC TO 50 NATIVE SPECIES OF FISH, AMPHIBIANS, AND REPTILES WITH TWICE-DAILY ANIMAL CARE DEMOS AND BACK-OF-HOUSE TOURS. TURTLE HEADSTART PROGRAM: ECHO PARTNERS WITH THE VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE CARE FOR NEONATE SPINY SOFTSHELL AND MAP TURTLES THROUGHOUT THE WINTER. THE BIGGER TURTLES ARE RELEASED INTO LAKE CHAMPLAIN IN THE SUMMER, GIVING THEM A BETTER CHANCE OF SURVIVAL. ECHO EARLY LEARNING: EEL IS A FREE, ACADEMIC YEAR-LONG, CAREGIVER-CHILD PROGRAM TRAINING CAREGIVERS AND SUPPORTING HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT AND SCHOOL READINESS FOR EARLY LEARNERS OUTSIDE THE FORMAL CARE SYSTEM. THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS PLAY-BASED LEARNING FOR CHILDREN AND CAREGIVERS TOGETHER, READING READINESS, CAREGIVER LEARNING, AND RESOURCES TO FOSTER SAFE, SUPPORTIVE, AND ENRICHING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN AT HOME. STATEWIDE STEM OUTREACH: WE DELIVER HANDS-ON STEM PROGRAMS AND TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO RURAL, UNDERSERVED EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOMS WHILE CREATING A NEW CAREER AWARENESS CURRICULUM AND TAKE-HOME STEM ACTIVITY KITS. EACH YEAR, ECHO EDUCATORS WORK WITH OVER 60 EDUCATORS AND 900 STUDENTS. TEACHER INSTITUTE: TEACHERS FROM ACROSS VERMONT PARTICIPATE IN AN ECHO-LED, YEAR-LONG COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE TO INTEGRATE ENGINEERING DESIGN INTO THEIR CLASSROOM CURRICULA. TRAVELING STEM FESTIVALS: STEM FESTIVALS TRAVEL IN OUR STEM IN MOTION BOX TRUCK AND INCLUDE ENOUGH ACTIVITIES AND ENGINEERING CHALLENGES TO FILL A GYM. E-TEAM: OUR TEEN INTERN TEAM MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, TAKE MONTHLY CAREER EXPLORATION FIELD TRIPS, AND WORK IN THE ENGINEER IT PROGRAM SPACE FOR 4 HOURS PER WEEK. COLLEGE INTERN AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: ANNUALLY, 75 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS GAIN CAREER-RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN ANIMAL CARE, SCIENCE EDUCATION, IT, DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATIONS, AND EVENT MANAGEMENT. ECHO'S OPEN DOOR PROGRAM: A YEARLY COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM PARTNERING WITH 60+ SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES TO PROVIDE 30,000+ FREE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED ADMISSION RECIPIENTS, ECHO STRIVES TO MAKE THE SCIENCE CENTER ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL. CREATED TO BREAK DOWN FINANCIAL, GEOGRAPHIC, AND CULTURAL BARRIERS, ECHO FINDS AFFORDABLE AND EQUITABLE WAYS FOR ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY TO ACCESS OUR SERVICES AND RESOURCES. SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY EVENT SERIES: ECHO UNDERSTANDS THAT MANY OF OUR EXHIBITS AND PUBLIC SPACES CAN BE OVERWHELMING TO THOSE WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROWDED. UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE BARRIERS THAT FAMILIES WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER FACE IN PUBLIC SPACES, ECHO HAS CREATED SENSORY-FRIENDLY EVENTS THAT OPEN EARLY FOR FAMILIES WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES, AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO EXPLORE IN A MORE CALM AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. A CRUCIAL PART OF ACHIEVING THIS GOAL IS OFFERING FREE ADMISSION AND ONGOING TRAINING FOR OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. MASKS ON SUNDAY EVENT SERIES: ECHO IS SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY'S IMMUNOCOMPROMISED MEMBERS. QUARTERLY, ECHO OPENS FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO FIND A SAFE, FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT WITH THEIR PARENTS, SIBLINGS, AND OTHER CHILDREN. THIS IS A FREE AND EXCLUSIVE EVENT, DEVELOPED TO SERVE FAMILIES WITH A FAMILY MEMBER WHOSE HEALTH HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO COVID, BY A MEDICAL CONDITION, SPECIALIZED SURGICAL PROCEDURES, OR MEDICAL TREATMENTS THAT OTHERWISE PREVENT THEM FROM PLAYING TOGETHER IN OUR FACILITY. 4649602 true true false false false false false true false true true false false false true true true false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 26 0 75 true true true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false X 14 14 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false X DAVID BARDAGLIO 8028641848 1 COLLEGE STREET BURLINGTON VT 05401 SHIREEN HART CHAIR 2.00 X X 0 0 0 LARRY WILLIAMS VICE CHAIR/T 2.00 X X 0 0 0 DOUG GOLDSMITH SECRETARY 2.00 X X 0 0 0 DR REBECCA BELL BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 FRANCES BURG BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 JANE CLIFFORD BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 MONICA DELISA BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 ANDREW HANSON BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 KAMRAN HASSAN BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 HEATHER LOVEJOY BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 KIM NIQUETTE BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 DON RENDALL BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 LJ STILLER BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 JULIE WON BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 EDWARD LAWSON EXECUTIVE DI 40.00 X 207012 0 17474 DAVID BARDAGLIO DIRECTOR OF 40.00 X 119255 0 15874 KATELYN OLSON DIRECTOR OF 40.00 X 100554 0 16209 426821 49557 3 false true false ROTO GROUP LLC 70001 DISCOVERY BLVD DUBLIN OH 43017 CONSTRUCTION 768848 EF WALL ASSOCIATES INC PO BOX 259 BARRE VT 05641 CONSTRUCTION 549754 OUELLETTE PLUMBING & HEATING CORP 36 DORSET LANE WILLISTON VT 05495 CONSTRUCTION 143434 3 33071 188336 2911868 3133275 ADMISSIONS 713990 1151743 1151743 PROGRAM SERVICE REVENUE 713990 104355 104355 1256098 282332 282332 342177 342177 342177 342177 1586692 1000 1592238 -5546 1000 -4546 -4546 35842 33071 35842 657172 336768 320404 225824 94580 5329740 1481922 94580 619963 228687 180358 37987 10342 2293520 1807369 382116 104035 32344 25705 5218 1421 220290 174995 35602 9693 206307 162708 34269 9330 3291 3291 28700 28700 60048 50878 7152 2018 92036 90884 1152 133415 131981 1434 2154 1001 582 571 93343 92288 803 252 14799 14799 184131 182050 1584 497 2605 2566 39 18283 13801 2601 1881 111505 110895 610 1196241 1182723 10288 3230 71995 71995 TEMPORARY EXHIBITS 141097 141097 MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES 88051 63027 24987 37 BANK FEES 81844 78885 2692 267 BAD DEBT 56000 56000 161648 141592 19997 59 5522334 4649602 727626 145106 50269 53020 621294 384275 354748 71769 8698 12720 91831 97465 170211 170281 24636257 13876883 6396358 10759374 11565679 12369075 4436432 606975 23695520 24524954 484244 153718 120224 134338 1238435 1672583 238079 179046 2080982 2139685 X 18430884 19685817 3183654 2699452 21614538 22385269 23695520 24524954 X -192594 963325 X false true X true false X 3354101 4007914 2126423 3724095 3133275 16345808 3354101 4007914 2126423 3724095 3133275 16345808 162255 16183553 367169 586700 707650 755409 624509 3041437 19387245 8512952 0.83480 0.84960 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 1151743 178157 X X X false 11565679 1382951 -519507 -60048 12369075 11839093 585092 -803363 -55143 11565679 11868471 1198302 -1096656 -131024 11839093 9393242 3109700 -427419 -55012 -152040 11868471 8597804 669199 335616 -55640 -153737 9393242 0.86040 0.13960 true false 12190509 6893874 5296635 12006852 6576439 5430413 438896 406570 32326 10759374 LEASE LIABILITIES 179046 179046 X 6086555 963325 -146462 816863 5269692 60048 60048 5329740 5315824 -111505 -111505 5427329 60048 34957 95005 5522334 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 3, PART X ECHO ANNUALLY FILES AN IRS FORM 990, RETURN OF ORGANIZATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX, TAX RETURN IN THE U.S. FEDERAL JURISDICTION. ECHO IS NO LONGER SUBJECT TO U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX EXAMINATION BY TAX AUTHORITIES FOR THE YEARS PRIOR TO MARCH 31, 2023. IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF BUSINESS, ECHO IS SUBJECT TO EXAMINATION BY VARIOUS TAXING AUTHORITIES. ALTHOUGH THE OUTCOME OF TAX AUDITS IS ALWAYS UNCERTAIN, THE MANAGEMENT OF ECHO BELIEVES THAT THERE ARE NO SIGNIFICANT UNRECOGNIZED TAX LIABILITIES AT MARCH 31, 2026 AND 2025. SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XI, LINE 2D NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ROYALTY FEES -14,799 INTEREST EXPENSE -111,505 SPECIAL EVENT EXPENSES 35,842 BAD DEB EXPENSE -56,000 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XII, LINE 2D INTEREST EXPENSE -111,505 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XII, LINE 4B NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ROYALTY FEES 14,799 SPECIAL EVENT EXPENSES -35,842 BAD DEBT EXPENSE 56,000 GALA 68913 33071 35842 1260 3617 24367 2950 3648 68913 33071 35842 1260 3617 24367 2950 3648 35842 X X false false false false false false false false false EDWARD LAWSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 207012 4140 13334 224486 FORM 990, PAGE 1, ITEM C ECHO, LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A THE PUBLIC FACE OF THE LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN INC. (DBA ECHO, LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN OR ECHO) IS VERMONT'S PREMIER SCIENCE AND NATURE MUSEUM, LOCATED ON BURLINGTON'S WATERFRONT OVERLOOKING BEAUTIFUL LAKE CHAMPLAIN. OUR MISSION IS TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE EVERYONE IN THE JOY OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, WONDER OF NATURE, AND CARE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. VISITORS CAN EXPLORE OVER 100 INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS, ENCOUNTER 50 LIVE SPECIES, ENJOY SEASONAL CHANGING EXHIBITIONS, AND EXPERIENCE IMMERSIVE SCIENCE AND NATURE MOVIES IN OUR DEALER.COM 3D THEATER. SINCE OPENING OUR DOORS IN 2003, WE'VE WELCOMED MORE THAN 3 MILLION VISITORS WHILE OPERATING 360 DAYS PER YEAR. TODAY, OUR EXHIBITS, PROGRAMS, AND COLLECTION OF NATIVE AQUATIC ANIMALS REACH MORE THAN 160,000 PEOPLE ANNUALLY. THIS INCLUDES 16,000 MEMBERS, 7,500 SCHOOL GROUP VISITORS, 30,000 REDUCED-OR FREE-ADMISSION GUESTS, AND 10,000 STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND FAMILIES THROUGH OUR STATEWIDE RURAL OUTREACH PROGRAM. ECHO IS A PUBLIC PLACE WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME AND BELONG, WHERE SCIENCE AND NATURE COME ALIVE, AND WHERE STEWARDSHIP FOR A BETTER TOMORROW TAKES ROOT AND GROWS THROUGHOUT VERMONT. THE NONPROFIT IS GOVERNED BY A 17-MEMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHICH RETAINS RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFINING ECHO'S OVERALL STRATEGIC DIRECTION, ENSURING THE INSTITUTION REMAINS ON TRACK AND ACHIEVES ITS GOALS. THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ECHO BOARD INCLUDE FINANCE, FUNDRAISING, STRATEGY, AND POLICY. AS A GENERAL MATTER, BOARD MEMBERS ARE NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN ECHO'S DAILY OPERATIONS, AS THESE DUTIES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MANAGEMENT. BOARD MEMBERS SERVE ON ONE OF FOUR COMMITTEES THAT MEET MULTIPLE TIMES EACH YEAR: POLICY & GOVERNANCE, PLANNING & FINANCE, AUDIT & ETHICS, INVESTMENT, AND STEWARDSHIP. THE ENTIRE BOARD MEETS QUARTERLY WITHIN THE FISCAL YEAR. PRINCIPAL PROGRAMS & ANNUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SUPPORTED BY MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS AND AN INFORMED UNDERSTANDING OF AUDIENCE NEED, ECHO PROVIDES HIGH-IMPACT SCIENCE-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN AND OUTSIDE OUR WALLS. ANIMAL CARE PROGRAM: PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND ECOLOGY BY CONNECTING THE PUBLIC TO 50 NATIVE SPECIES OF FISH, AMPHIBIANS, AND REPTILES WITH TWICE-DAILY ANIMAL CARE DEMOS AND BACK-OF-HOUSE TOURS. TURTLE HEADSTART PROGRAM: ECHO PARTNERS WITH THE VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE CARE FOR NEONATE SPINY SOFTSHELL AND MAP TURTLES THROUGHOUT THE WINTER. THE BIGGER TURTLES ARE RELEASED INTO LAKE CHAMPLAIN IN THE SUMMER, GIVING THEM A BETTER CHANCE OF SURVIVAL. ECHO EARLY LEARNING: EEL IS A FREE, ACADEMIC YEAR-LONG, CAREGIVER-CHILD PROGRAM TRAINING CAREGIVERS AND SUPPORTING HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT AND SCHOOL READINESS FOR EARLY LEARNERS OUTSIDE THE FORMAL CARE SYSTEM. THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS PLAY-BASED LEARNING FOR CHILDREN AND CAREGIVERS TOGETHER, READING READINESS, CAREGIVER LEARNING, AND RESOURCES TO FOSTER SAFE, SUPPORTIVE, AND ENRICHING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN AT HOME. STATEWIDE STEM OUTREACH: WE DELIVER HANDS-ON STEM PROGRAMS AND TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO RURAL, UNDERSERVED EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOMS WHILE CREATING A NEW CAREER AWARENESS CURRICULUM AND TAKE-HOME STEM ACTIVITY KITS. EACH YEAR, ECHO EDUCATORS WORK WITH OVER 60 EDUCATORS AND 900 STUDENTS. TEACHER INSTITUTE: TEACHERS FROM ACROSS VERMONT PARTICIPATE IN AN ECHO-LED, YEAR-LONG COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE TO INTEGRATE ENGINEERING DESIGN INTO THEIR CLASSROOM CURRICULA. TRAVELING STEM FESTIVALS: STEM FESTIVALS TRAVEL IN OUR STEM IN MOTION BOX TRUCK AND INCLUDE ENOUGH ACTIVITIES AND ENGINEERING CHALLENGES TO FILL A GYM. E-TEAM: OUR TEEN INTERN TEAM MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, TAKE MONTHLY CAREER EXPLORATION FIELD TRIPS, AND WORK IN THE ENGINEER IT PROGRAM SPACE FOR 4 HOURS PER WEEK. COLLEGE INTERN AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: ANNUALLY, 75 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS GAIN CAREER-RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN ANIMAL CARE, SCIENCE EDUCATION, IT, DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATIONS, AND EVENT MANAGEMENT. ECHO'S OPEN DOOR PROGRAM: A YEARLY COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM PARTNERING WITH 60+ SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES TO PROVIDE 30,000+ FREE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED ADMISSION RECIPIENTS, ECHO STRIVES TO MAKE THE SCIENCE CENTER ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL. CREATED TO BREAK DOWN FINANCIAL, GEOGRAPHIC, AND CULTURAL BARRIERS, ECHO FINDS AFFORDABLE AND EQUITABLE WAYS FOR ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY TO ACCESS OUR SERVICES AND RESOURCES. SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY EVENT SERIES: ECHO UNDERSTANDS THAT MANY OF OUR EXHIBITS AND PUBLIC SPACES CAN BE OVERWHELMING TO THOSE WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROWDED. UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE BARRIERS THAT FAMILIES WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER FACE IN PUBLIC SPACES, ECHO HAS CREATED SENSORY-FRIENDLY EVENTS THAT OPEN EARLY FOR FAMILIES WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES, AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO EXPLORE IN A MORE CALM AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. A CRUCIAL PART OF ACHIEVING THIS GOAL IS OFFERING FREE ADMISSION AND ONGOING TRAINING FOR OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. MASKS ON SUNDAY EVENT SERIES: ECHO IS SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY'S IMMUNOCOMPROMISED MEMBERS. QUARTERLY, ECHO OPENS FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO FIND A SAFE, FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT WITH THEIR PARENTS, SIBLINGS, AND OTHER CHILDREN. THIS IS A FREE AND EXCLUSIVE EVENT, DEVELOPED TO SERVE FAMILIES WITH A FAMILY MEMBER WHOSE HEALTH HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO COVID, BY A MEDICAL CONDITION, SPECIALIZED SURGICAL PROCEDURES, OR MEDICAL TREATMENTS THAT OTHERWISE PREVENT THEM FROM PLAYING TOGETHER IN OUR FACILITY. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN PERFORMS A DETAILED REVIEW OF A DRAFT OF THE 990 WITH THE PREPARER, AND THEN MAKES A RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL BOARD TO ACCEPT THE DRAFT AND MOVE FORWARD WITH FILING. IN ADDITION, THE 990 IS MADE AVAILABLE FOR ALL BOARD MEMBERS TO REVIEW PRIOR TO FILING. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IS GIVEN TO EACH NEW RESPONSIBLE PERSON AND IS REQUIRED TO ACKNOWLEDGE IN WRITING THAT HE OR SHE HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS POLICY. EACH RESPONSIBLE PERSON MUST ANNUALLY COMPLETE AN INFORMATION FORM REGARDING THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. THE POLICY SHALL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY AND ANY CHANGES TO THE POLICY MUST BE COMMUNICATED TO ALL RESPONSIBLE PERSONS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A THE COMPENSATION OF ECHO'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS DEFINED IN A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, INC. AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. THE COMPENSATION IS NEGOTIATED AND REFLECTS WHAT THE BOARD PERCEIVES IS THE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION TO OBTAIN AND RETAIN A QUALIFIED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN THE BURLINGTON MARKET. ANY BONUS COMPENSATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS GOAL BASED. ANNUAL GOALS ARE MUTUALLY ESTABLISHED AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S SUCCESS IN MEETING THESE ANNUAL GOALS IS ASSESSED BY THE BOARD. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REVIEWS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S PERFORMANCE EACH FISCAL YEAR AND DETERMINES WHETHER BONUS COMPENSATION IS APPROPRIATE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B DIRECTORS ARE BROUGHT IN AT AROUND 60,000 WITH A TYPICAL 3% CPI ANUALLY DEPENDING ON CASH FLOW. IF THERE ARE FINANCIAL CONTRAINTS DURING THE YEAR, IN LIEU OF PERMANENT SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, SMALLER BONUSES MAY BE PAID. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 COPIES ARE MADE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ROYALTY FEES -14,799 INTEREST EXPENSE -111,505 SPECIAL EVENT EXPENSES 35,842 BAD DEB EXPENSE -56,000 INTEREST EXPENSE 111,505 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ROYALTY FEES 14,799 SPECIAL EVENT EXPENSES -35,842 BAD DEBT EXPENSE 56,000