The American Kennel Club
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

March 2005 - In the fall of 2004, the Board embarked on a strategic planning initiative designed to establish a roadmap for accomplishing the very important mission of the AKC. Given the challenges we face from anti-dog legislation, animal rights extremists, and competing registries, we believe it is essential to develop a clear plan for the future. To that end, we established an aggressive timeline and engaged experienced consultants to assist us in our task. We envision this process being strengthened by the many voices that comprise the American Kennel Club.

In December and January, I wrote to the Delegates asking for their participation in the strategic planning process. Their enthusiastic response has contributed tremendously to our efforts. Nearly half of the delegates who were present in Tampa at the AKC Eukanuba National Championship attended the strategic planning briefings held on January 16. This is reflective of their passion and commitment to the AKC. Attendees were interested, engaged and asked many thoughtful and probing questions.

Also, more than 65 percent of the Delegate Body responded to our strategic planning survey – an impressive response by any measure. The AKC Board of Directors and staff appreciate this high level of Delegate interest and participation. The commitment shown by this group will ensure that the AKC’s strategic plan is as strong as it can possibly be. A summary of results from the survey will be distributed to the Delegate body this month.

In addition to soliciting input from the Delegate Body, the strategic planning team has worked to understand issues concerning and facing the larger AKC community. We have interviewed breeders, judges, educators, veterinarians, club officers, and pet supply retailers. The team has gathered information about competing registries and will launch surveys to club officers and the general dog owning public in March. This research will help us fully understand the American landscape for purebred dogs.

To complete the plan on schedule, the Board of Directors has already devoted four full days to strategic planning with four additional days scheduled in April and May. Staff has collected and analyzed data, prepared for board workshops, and identified issues that must be addressed. The process requires a high level of commitment but we believe the end product will be well worth our time.

For the strategic planning process to succeed, we must address difficult issues. Tackling these major issues will allow us to lay the groundwork for creatively addressing the challenges that we face. These challenges include but are not limited to competing registries, anti-dog legislation, and our responsibility to operate as a sport-governing body and as a viable business. There are many opinions about how the AKC should respond to these challenges. In the end, we must identify a response that will best ensure the continuation of our sport and its core values, while at the same time, enable us to effectively advocate for all dogs.

In late 2003, I appointed a committee, chaired by David Merriam, to study the matter of conflict of interest in our sport. The committee concluded its study and submitted a final report in December 2004. I expect this report will be incorporated in the Board’s Strategic Planning meetings.

Over the next two months, the Board will work with staff to finalize the strategic plan that will guide the AKC in the coming years. The Board expects to review the plan in May, solicit comments from the Delegates, and present a summary of the plan to them in June. We have a great deal of work to accomplish to complete the plan and even more work to make the plan a reality. With the fancy's continued support, I am certain our combined efforts will produce wonderful results for the AKC and for purebred dogs.

Let us hope that the interest and excitement of the majority who support this New Plan doesn't wear off when understandable, definable, identifiable results fail to materialize.  More and more judges and exhibitors and breeders and all the peripheral people who support the sport, AKC style, are expressing concern about the direction of the last decade.  Ron Menaker is a brilliant person and an astute businessman so there's no reason AKC should be on shaky ground.

AKC ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR OF COMPANION EVENTS

March 2005 - Curt A. Curtis has been named as Director of Companion Events. He will replace Patricia Krause, AVP of Companion Events, who will be retiring May 1st, 2005.  He brings serious background to the job.  Curtis was a Sergeant with the Oregon State Police and has over 30 years' experience in AKC Companion Events as an exhibitor, Show/Trial Chairman and judge.

AKC's John Lyons is quoted as saying. “His background in many facets of our sport combined with his management experience will make him an asset to the AKC and ensure a smooth transition” and no doubt it will.  Curtis, his wife Karla (a former Obedience, Tracking and Rally Judge), their two Coonhounds, and a Brittany will be relocating to Raleigh from Salem, Oregon. He reported in for duty March 15 th, 2005 so behave yourselves around the rings.

CHARLOTTE McGOWAN RECEIVES COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

AKC named Charlotte McGowan as recipient of this prestigious Award for her diligent work on legislative matters of interest to the dog fancy. She was one of two honorees this quarter – Port Chester Obedience Training Club of Port Chester, New York also received recognition.

The AKC Community Achievement Awards recognize public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations, and their members. The AKC selects recipients who have successfully promoted purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership within their communities or who have successfully introduced, monitored, and responded to legislative issues affecting dog ownership.

Most exhibitors know her as a judge of great talent and character.  McGowan received this recognition for service as Legislative Liaison for two parent clubs, the Papillion Club of America and the American Shetland Sheepdog Association. She was also recently named legislative chair for the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and the legislative point person for the National Animal Interest Alliance Trust as featured on TheDogPlace links page.  NAIA is the creation of AKC Board Member Patty Strand and is dedicated to promoting animal welfare, responsible animal "use" and the bond between humans and animals.

“Charlotte’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights of purebred dog owners has had a profound effect on the sport today,” said Noreen Baxter, AKC's VP of Communications. “Using her own time and money, she researches and monitors those issues effecting the fancy nationwide, and in her home state of Massachusetts, works tirelessly to petition lawmakers about the dangers of breed specific and breeder licensing legislation. An invaluable resource to the AKC Canine Legislation department, we thank her for her assistance and attendance at AKC Lobby Day in Washington D.C. We are proud to recognize all of Charlotte’s efforts by honoring her with the AKC Community Achievement Award."

Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year-round. Up to three honorees are named each quarter. They receive a certificate and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation’s public education and canine legislation efforts.