FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(ATLANTA,
GA) Professional Dog Show Superintendents from across the
country met August 20, 2002 in Atlanta, GA to discuss various issues impacting
both superintendents and the Fancy.
Eight
of the 11 active superintending organizations were in attendance.
Representatives from Bradshaw (CA), Garvin (OR), McNulty (NY), MB-F (NC),
Onofrio (OK), Peters (NC), Rau (PA) and Rogers (MS) were involved in the
meeting.
The
meeting was very positive and the discussion was thoughtful and candid. A wide
range of topics were on the agenda. They included: the superintendent’s role
within the sport, the superintendent’s relationship with AKC, the impact on clubs and exhibitors that any new licensing or
processing fees imposed on superintendents may have, the “Banner” program,
Junior Showmanship, and the feasibility of forming a formal superintendent’s
association.
The
Superintendents agreed that forming an Association could be a very positive
action. Many in the sport do not know or understand neither what a
superintendent does nor their function within the sport. An association would be
a very efficient vehicle for Superintendents to present information to the
Fancy, discuss issues facing the sport, aid in the education of newcomers, work
towards a common goal and enhance our relationship with our clubs and with AKC.
Two subcommittees were named to obtain information on forming such an
association and to present a first draft of a Constitution and By Laws.
One
of the high priority topics for discussion were several proposals that have been
floated regarding the raising of licensing fees or the imposition of processing
and recording fees. Fees of this type will have a great impact on the sport. In
addition, any such fees would have to be passed along directly to the club
(since it is the club on whose behalf we accept entries) and from the club to
the exhibitor with a raise in entry fees.
The
“Banner” program was also discussed. All superintendents present absolutely
agreed with the idea and concept of branding. We also agreed that we could have
been of great assistance to AKC if we
had been consulted for our input before they were ordered and the program
implemented. As the group pointed out, “There is a certain experience and eye
we bring to the table that is very valuable and we are eager to be called upon
for our input and to have that input taken seriously. We are, after all,
professionals and have dedicated most of our lives to this sport.”
As
discussions on other topics are completed over the next few months there will be
further releases posted on each Superintendent’s web site. A meeting has also
been planned for January 2003.
(From left to right, kneeling :Terry James, Onofrio, and
Bob Christiansen, MB-F;
2nd row: Jane Garvin, Garvin Show Services, Tim James,
Onofrio, Dorie Crowe amd Tom Crowe, MB-F;
3rd row: Eileen McNulty, McNulty, Jim
Garvin, Garvin, Dale Berkheimer and Kathy Berkheimer, Rau,
Bob Peters, and Pete
Peters, Peters;
Last row: Jack Bradshaw, Bradshaw, Kevin Rogers, Rogers and Fred
Lyman, MB-F.)