InRHA Meeting 12/8/07

 

Call to order: 7:20 pm

 

Shannon Fowler updated members on recent resignations. Ann Saylor, Treasurer, was replaced by Cheryl Bluett. Angie Honeywell, Secretary, replaced by Debbie Hundley, and Miriam Farrell resigned her elected board position.

 

Cheryl Bluett reported that our balance is currently $ 4, 955. 74. Due to the expense to operate the “Big Three Classic, and our current balance, InRHA opted to not participate as a host for 2008. The show will continue to be used as a qualifying show for InRHA Year End Awards and Affiliate Finals.

 

            - March 13-16, 2008, Gordyville Breeders Cup

            -April 25-27, 2008, Big Three Classic, Gifford, IL

            -May 31-Jun 1, 2008, “In Crossroads Reining”*

            -July 11-12, 2008, IL State Fair, Springfield, IL

 

*IN Crossroads Reining: This show will replace the New Castle Reining. New facility shows promise to be similar in scale to Gordyville. Since this is a new facility, we want all members to know that Bob Kaiser, will be overseeing the grounds. This can give us all confidence that the ground will meet our expectations. We are also fortunate to be one of the first groups to book this facility. We have been assured that we will keep our dates for future bookings as long as we can deliver the numbers. (This eliminates any area NRHA event conflicts to compete with our dates.) With that said, please promote this show so that we have a great turnout at this premier event. Steve Jackson is promoting the facility through the IN Horse Council, several groups have shown interest and this facility will start booking up. For Year End Awards you must show at Cloverdale to be eligible.

2008 Membership Drive: Part of the solution to building the InRHA bank account back up is promoting new members. Ron Bluett volunteered to spearhead the membership drive. We all agreed it would be beneficial as part of the membership drive to remind members that NRHA does not put on local shows, that it is the financial responsibility of the affiliates, so please show your support through membership.

 

Suggestion for Non-Approved class at show for Non- NRHA members; Members felt there are past members that have not renewed their NRHA card due to high dues. Suggestion was made to have a Jackpot at the shows to entice new members to InRHA.

NRHA classes at IN AQHA shows: Sherry Dooley has offered to help investigate this possibility. All agreed it would be a plus. Ron Bluett motioned to move forward. Randy Fowler seconded the motion. The motion was tabled until further information could be shared with the board. Randy Fowler volunteered to help in the show office when and if we go forward. All 15 members present graciously accepted his offer.

 

Corporate/Associate Sponsors: Brose McVey brought up the need to have Associate & Corporate sponsorships. All members agreed that this need to be further discussed at the next board meeting. Terry O’Brien suggested sponsors receive some type of recognition such as a plaque.

 

Jim Hundley suggested we contact the Convention & Visitors bureau for the Cloverdale area and investigate if they have any funds to help promote the facility and the new event.

 

Ron Bluett will initiate a direct mailing to promote the new show. He will utilize our list and list of attendees from previous shows.

 

Web site: Current cost is $267/yr. Deana Neal volunteered to keep it current since she was familiar with the format.

 

Looking into appealing to NRHA to change to Eastern affiliate. Shannon Fowler & Debbie Hundley will compose letter and ask NRHA consider the change. Also suggested to invite new NRHA Board member, Dale Lopp, to one of our meetings to be a keynote speaker. Dr. Tim Bartlett will also contact NRHA on this issue to investigate our options.

 

Vice President: Jim Hundley

Treasurer: Cheryl Bluett

New Board Members: Tyler Baumgardt & Randy Fowler.