News from the WCHA Board of Directors Meeting On Friday, February 29, 2008 the WCHA had its first formal Board of Directors meeting held during the AQHA Convention in San Francisco, California. The meeting was called to order by Executive Committee Chairman Richard Donnelly. Those in attendance representing the Executive Committee were: Peter Cofrancesco III, Jodi Sullivan, Wayne Halvorson, Tim Finkenbinder, and Richard Donnelly. Board of Directors present: John Ogden, Jack Brizendine, Dorn Parkinson, Jason Smith, Glenn Cantrell, Luke Castle, Jerry Bauerly, and Jeffrey Pait. Guests Included: Alex Ross from AQHA with interim visits from Frank Merrill, President and Ken Mumy incoming President of AQHA. The meeting was well received with many items addressed, reviewed, and initiated. The first point of order was a proposal from the Equine Chronicle offering a sponsorship in return for being WCHA's official publication. An offer was made to give WCHA one free page per issue for advertising purposes along with a reduced rate for up to two additional pages. As the discussion developed, AQHA President Merrill and Alex Ross shared with us that the AQHA Journal was going to introduce a new program starting in June of 2008 where they were sectionalizing the Journal into halter, rail classes, performance classes, etc. They suggested that we talk to Jim Jennings to explore possible advertising costs, which was done during the convention. The Journal presented the initial proposal giving us the first page of that section at a very favorable cost - free. We will be confirming with Mr. Jennings our conversation to get a clearer understanding of how their program will develop and for how long. It was agreed by all in attendance that we need and will increase the on-going formal communication to members and prospective members through increased frequency of publication of our WCHA newsletter, web site and other publications as our budget allows. Lots are happening and much of it is behind the scenes, building a solid foundation and infrastructure, but we need to do a better job at getting the word out and our intent is to do. Discussion was held regarding a meeting for halter enthusiasts, breeders, and trainers in the near future in Amarillo to discuss various aspects to increase awareness and interest into the halter segment of the industry with AQHA's support. This would be a coalition where both parties could work together to review concerns and address those issues. WCHA will be initiating a letter to the other western stock horse breeds requesting alliance affiliation within the next week. The letter was reviewed with President Merrill and Alex Ross. They commented the letter contained sufficient information to request affiliation status and indicated we should proceed as soon as possible. Committee Reports FINANCE COMMITTEE: Chairman Terry Fuhrman provided a review of the financial condition of our association. The association is running close to our proposed budget with the exception of membership. At the present time, memberships are the only source of income. The transition to Pro Management has taken place and new accounts have been opened. Forty thousand dollars has been put into a 6 month CD leaving us a balance of $27,917.21 to use for our annual proposed budget related operating expense. Mr. Fuhrman requested additional support from the membership and sponsorship/marketing committees to assist with revenue goals. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Chairman Jerry Bauerly reported the committee was pursuing several different avenues to gain support and the committee was well rounded with members from the various breed associations in order to cover those breeds. Mr. Bauerly requested budget consideration regarding postage and banners for each of the regions so they could be displayed at local shows in the various regions. He also requested some form of prize as an incentive for member recruitment. In the essence of time, we put that on the agenda for consideration during the next Executive Committee conference call. Watch for the Committee Members contact information in upcoming newsletters and on the web site, and reach out to them if you have additional Membership Drive ideas or potential members you would like them contact. We need everyone's support to make this work. STANDARDS COMMITTEE: Chairman Wayne Halvorson reported that continuing efforts are being made to put the final touches on the drawing that was originally presented by Jerry Vawter at our inaugural meeting in Tioga, Texas and then further enhanced by Don Bell. We are now working with K.C. Montgomery to digitally adjust a few of the concerns issued by fellow horsemen on the Standards Committee. JUDGING and EDUCATION: Chairman Tim Finkenbinder reported that during the Dixie National that he, Jason Smith, J.T. Mitchell, Tom McBeath and Linda Pigg conducted a seminar regarding fitting, conditioning, and showing which was well received during that major event and the goals and objectives of the WCHA. The Judging and Education Committee have developed the official Judging Guidelines and Code of Ethics. They are currently working on developing the Judging Application and Selection Process, including timing of the live judging portions, as well as a process to identify qualified temporary judges to judge events taking place in 2008. Watch for further updates relative to how to apply for your WCHA Judges Card in upcoming newsletters and on our web site. Updates to be posted shortly.. SPONSORSHIP and PUBLICITY: Chairman Peter Cofrancesco expressed a desire to address large corporate sponsorships other than the present horse related manufacturers. Once we have affiliation alliance status from the various breeds, we will be able to attain specific information regarding breed numbers, registry, and other needed marketing information in order to create informative pamphlets to support our request for funding and sponsorship. Mr. Cofrancesco approached the directors with information about a new scholarship program that he has titled Stars of Tomorrow and requested budget support for that event. The basis for the program will be a request from the members affiliated with a high school agricultural association (correct??) to donate weanlings, which would be given to selected youths who have requested participation in the program and where each youth would maintain and condition that weanling until its yearling year. After which, it would be sold at a sale with the proceeds going to the scholarship fund. This was very well received and applauded by President-Elect Mumy. EXISTING EVENTS: Jason Smith along with Dorn Parkinson, substituting for Chairman, Doug Landon, reviewed their proposals for Events to take place in 2008, primarily using some of the AQHA Regional Experience venues and the Texas Classic as locations for introductory events. The events scheduled for 2008 will consist of 4 classes, (2 non-pro and 2 youth classes), with the first event taking place during the Regional Experience in Amarillo in May. The classes are targeted at the entry level exhibitor and will provide monetary awards as well as recognition. We will use temporary sanctioned WCHA judges, who will judge using the WCHA standard and provide 'reasons for placings' for the classes. This concept was well received and supported. Advertising for the Region 8 Experience and Texas Classic is underway. Watch for further details, including eligibility criteria, in upcoming newsletters and our website. BREEDERS PROGRAM: Chairman Luke Castle reported that this Committee continues to explore options for a breeders program to launch in 2009. The Committee is currently scheduled to meet in the Dallas area on April 26th and spend a day or two evaluating options, charting next steps and making final plans to be announced in the August timeframe. The program is scheduled to be launched at the Congress, which will allow breeders sufficient time to include our program into their future. Because of time constraints, the meeting was closed at approximately 4:30 p.m. to allow the Directors to prepare for the open meeting for members who had came to the convention to hear an update on what has occurred and what our short-term future plans are for the continued success of WCHA. OPEN MEETING After introduction, discussion began specifically around sponsorship for those new events. It was made very clear that any WCHA event held this year would have to be self funded as WCHA's budget did not allow for any specific payouts for any events. Our budget was projected and implemented based on what our direct costs are for operations. After explanation of what our budget contains and allows, we were very fortunate and grateful to receive sponsorship for the existing events from a few of our members: Each class will cost $400 for payout for the first three places. It was suggested that the Regions that could add WCHA classes to their schedule that there be 4 classes (2 non-pro and 2 youth). Chester and Ann Prince were the first to contribute $1,600 for the Region 8 Experience. Harry Knight will contribute and support Region 6. Peter Cofrancesco will contribute and support Region 5. Jerry Bauerly along with Richard and Debra Donnelly will contribute and support Region 3. Dewey Smith Quarter Horses and Mike Smith Oil Field Services will contribute $1,000 for other expenses relating to new or existing regional events as needed by WCHA. WCHA is very grateful and thanks the members for their generosity. The other agenda items that were not addressed were tabled and will be reviewed during the next conference call of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors have been invited to participate in that conference call on March 10. Being no other items to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. (click on image for larger picture)