LEWISBURG, Tenn. - The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association held its International Board of Directors meeting on Saturday December 6, 2014. The major point of business at the annual meeting is the election.
The newly elected executive members are as follows:
President - Mr. Stephen B. Smith (TN)
Senior Vice President - Mr. Charles Gleghorn (TN)
Secretary - Ms. Loren Sanderson
VP Administrative/Fiscal/Audit - Ms. Nancy Lynn Greene (TN)
VP of Breeders Division - Mr. David Williams (TN)
VP of Enforcement/Bylaws - Mr. Jeff Smith (SC)
VP of Equine Welfare/Training - Mr. Larry Lowman (TN)
VP of Marketing - Ms. Ashley Wadsworth (MS)
VP of Owners/Exhibitors/Int'l - Mr. Bradley Woodruff (IL)
VP of Performance Horse - Mr. Ford Gates (AL)
VP of Pleasure Horse - Ms. Margo Urad (TX)
VP of Youth - Ms. Ginger Evans (AL)
The election results mirrored those of the nominating committee’s candidates except for the VP of Performance Horse. The nominating committee selected Everett (Butch) Allen however David Williams nominated Ford Gates, who served in the position on the current executive committee. To call it contested would not be correct as each candidate praised the other and offered to serve on the Performance Horse committee no matter who won.
The annual meeting features committee reports to update the board on the association’s progress. During the Admin/Fiscal report Christy Lantis gave the good news that TWHBEA has shown a profit for the last six months. Cash on hand has been an issue in the past however currently TWHBEA has $146,000 on hand. The goal however is a year’s worth of expenses which would be approximately $500,000-$600,000.
President Steve Smith along with the executive committee brokered a deal for half of the revenue of the Walking Horse specialty license plates. This deal just brought the association $16,088 in the first quarter of the agreement. Another positive on TWHBEA’s financials was the reduction in property taxes of $11,770 for the tax years of 2014 and 2015.
The budget for 2015 was approved during the meeting. The budget for 2015 will have TWHBEA post a profit of just over $6,000. In 2014, TWHBEA lost just under $50,000 however in the last 6 months of the year posted a profit. In 2014, membership revenue was just under $325,000. Revenue from transfer fees was $168,007 and registration fees for new foals were $117,364.
Vice President of the Breeders division, David Williams reported on the financially successful Futurity. Williams made note of the changes in the nomination procedure, cost-cutting measures with vendors and host facility, The Celebration. Also, the online stallion fee auction generated close to $17,000 to the Futurity.
Another additional income source for TWHBEA has come as a result of the Stallion Reporting fee requiring membership to file at the members’ rate. In 2013 there were 440 stallion owners that filed a stallion report that were not members of TWHBEA. With the changes made, those 440 stallion owners had to become a member of TWHBEA to file their report in 2014 or pay the non-member rate of $100.
Tom Kakassy pointed out the major change in the organization bylaws as a result of the recent membership vote. The major area addressed in the change was the representation of how directors are elected to serve at TWHBEA. Kakassy also alerted the directors that no pending enforcement actions will have to be taken up by new executive committee.
Ashley Wadsworth worked hard on the marketing of TWHBEA and in her report highlighted that the Facebook/Online membership combined with the membership drive during The Celebration brought in $78,910 in membership fees. Wadsworth pointed out the need to continue to use social media to promote TWHBEA. Wadworth also made a point to address the use of a registered Tennessee Walking Horse as part of the University of Tennessee homecoming festivities.
During his Performance Horse Committee report, Ford Gates applauded the committee on helping to fight the PAST Act over the past year. The defeat of the PAST Act has been the major point of emphasis for the performance horse committee.
Jessica Hlebek gave an update on the World Versatility Show and even though it was down slightly on entries Hlebek said the show was a success. A highlight of the show was the jackpot finale that showcased the true versatility of the Tennessee Walking Horse. The class included English, Western, Pattern and Barrels with Vigor’s Dixie Chic and Allison Thorson taking home the top prize.
As part of her Youth report, Sherry White made special mention of TWHBEA Youth Ambassador Denise Rowland and her efforts to help in White’s absence. White and the committee set a new mission statement for the youth and thanked the Celebration for the use of their facilities during the world championship for the All Youth Day activities.