Posted May 16, 2002
LEWISBURG, Tenn. - The TWHBEA Executive Committee held a scheduled monthly meeting on April 29, 2002. Following the call to order, the committee routinely approved the agenda, the minutes of the previous month’s meeting and the new member applications processed since March 15.

Charles Wharton, administrative/fiscal division vice president, reported that excess revenue over expenses through march 31 of this year was $20,000, compared to $14,000 over the same period last year. Following his report, the March financial statement was approved. In addition, the 2002 audit was reviewed and approved for recommendation to the national board.

In his remarks to the executive committee, TWHBEA President Robert Thomas praised the successful start ot the show season, but warned against becoming complacent. He emphasized the importance of continuing to work hard to ensure the show industry’s continued vitality.

Mr. Thomas announced the resignations of Spencer and Carrie Benedict from the TWHBEA board due to their relocation to Kentucky. He said TWHBEA bylaws specify the procedure for replacing board members would be followed. As for Spencer’s position on the executive committee as vice president of the training division, Mr. Thomas said the executive committee reserved the right to name his replacement.

In his letter of resignation, Spencer suggested that his replacement be David Landrum, a current member of his committee. Following a vote of the executive committee, Landrum was appointed to fill the vacated seat, should he choose to accept.

Bob Cherry delivered the executive director’s report, which included a detailed account of a recent seminar and horse show he and TWHBEA Clinician Bobby Richards attended in central Germany. The trip included a two-day clinic, a European TWHBEA membership meeting and a two-day horse show. He reported record participation with 34 people, 41 horses, and 177 show entries.

Mr. Cherry said there was another attempt in the Tennessee General Assembly to classify horses as companion animals in a “humane” bill. With the aid of the Tennessee Farm Bureau and their director of public affairs, the house and senate versions were amended to exclude horses.

Concluding his report, Mr. Cherry said year-to-date first-time foal registrations have increased 350, resulting in an increase in revenue of $16,434. Transfers are up 279 and transfer income is up $11,980. New and renewed memberships are down 420, resulting in a decrease in revenue of $6,200. There are 580 fewer mares listed on stallion breeding reports than a year ago, but 100 more than last month. Current membership is up 428 over the same period last year.

Charles Hulsey, vice president of the horse show division, reported on the success of a recent Saturday night horse show in Cullman, Alabama, which drew 359 entries. He said his division has signed up 25 new shows and has set a goal of 40.

Continuing his report, Mr. Hulsey said Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama is constructing a 3,500 seat indoor arena and the Alabama Walking Horse Association is providing financial assistance for the arena and is also helping the school to secure two walking horses for its equine program.

Jane Hardy Meredith, vice president of the performance show horse division, presented a rough draft of the new performance show horse brochure. She said the youth medallion classes are going well and the executive committee approved her recommendation to give TWHBEA t-shirts to very medallion class winner.

Mrs. Meredith announced that noted American Saddlebred trainer Nancy McConnell is scheduled to speak at her next committee meeting regarding the success of the academy program in the saddlebred industry. She said the performance horse committee plans to outline a winter pilot academy program for Kentucky at the May directors’ meeting.

Ann Kuykendall, vice president of the pleasure horse division, reported that five corporate sponsors have been secured for the TWHBEA World Versatility Show, and that five more are being sought.

Larry Lowman, vice president of the sales/promotion division, received funding approval for a new rolling billboard project that will feature murals promoting the Tennessee Walking Horse on 10 tractor-trailer rigs. The project will cost $16,486 for the first year, and $100 per month per truck for the second and third years. TWHBEA will sign a one year lease with an option for the two additional years.

Continuing his report, Mr. Lowman announced the appointment of a new subcommittee that will explore more cost-effective ways to purchase items for the TWHBEA Gift Shop. He said his committee would also like to see TWHBEA Gift Shop items included for sale at the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum in Lynchburg, Tenn.

Lastly, Mr. Lowman announced that the foundation board of the historic Dixie Plantation in north Florida is considering presenting its life-size bronze statue of Midnight Sun to TWHBEA. The executive committee agreed to accept the 13,500-pound statue and pay the cost of transporting it to TWHBEA headquarters if approved by the foundation. Plans call for the statue to be featured in the TWHBEA Commemorative Garden. Mr. Cherry recently met with members of plantation foundation and said he was ninety-percent sure they would approve its relocation to TWHBEA.

Nancy Lynn Beech, member at large-youth, reported that scholarship winners should be announced at the May directors meeting. She also said TWHBEA had recently formed a partnership with Oster Professional Products to enhance and expand the association’s youth programs.

In the meeting’s only new business, it was announced the TWHBEA Foundation President Jack Haefling had resigned his position, and that Buddy Payne had been named as his replacement. The executive committee approved this action.