[ SHOWGSD-L ] AKC...withdraws the fee structure, but.......

From: Stormy Hope <Stormy435@xxxxxxx>
To: Showgsd-l list <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 11:14:17 -0700
----- Original Message -----
From: clubrelations
To: Jim Crowley
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 10:35 AM
Subject: AKC Judging Fees



May 18, 2010



Dear Constituents:



Today the American Kennel Club faces unprecedented financial  
challenges. These challenges not only impact us in the present, but  
also raise critical questions about our future.



There was a time when the American Kennel Club?s robust registration  
revenue provided the opportunity for the sport to flourish and the  
ability to do more for dogs grew unabated. However, the past few years  
have witnessed a marked downward spiral in registrations, leaving the  
memories of yesterday in the wake of the harsh realities of today.  
Therefore, it has been necessary to embark on a number of new  
initiatives in the quest for additional revenue. At the same time,  
there has been a constant tightening of all expenses in ways that,  
thus far, have not impacted our preeminent position in the world of  
dogs.



Our ability to maintain a reasonable operating budget has come from  
alternative revenue sources, as well as some previously enacted  
revenue initiatives that have required exhibitors, clubs, and  
registered handlers to accept increased or new fees. In addition,  
there have been significant staff and expense reductions at AKC. When  
revenues fell below projections, staff made the necessary cuts to  
avoid an operating loss. While purebred dog organizations in other  
countries face serious threats to their very existence, we have been  
able to maintain the high level of our services to the sport, launch  
new programs, continue our important philanthropic contributions, and  
protect a financial reserve that helps ensure our future. Yet the  
decline in revenue continues.



Our judges are crucial to our sport. They not only officiate at our  
events; they are thought leaders, mentors, and breed experts who help  
bring the next generation of the fancy to maturation. Now it is time  
for judges to join the other constituencies of the AKC - clubs,  
breeders, exhibitors, and registered handlers ? to make a financial  
contribution to help maintain the quality of the sport we all love so  
much.



With this in mind, at its May 2010 meeting the AKC Board voted,  
without an opposing vote, to enact a fee for conformation judges. The  
need for that fee is undeniable. The feedback from the judging  
community on the necessity for the fee has been very supportive.  
However, the feedback on the methodology for application of the fee  
has met with universal disapproval. Healthy debate is critical to the  
viability of a strong and vibrant organization. The Board values the  
opinions of the judging community and appreciates the many  
constructive suggestions offered concerning the fee structure  
methodology.  With the input of the judging community in mind, the  
Board today has taken the following actions:



1.      The previously approved fee structure has been withdrawn by  
the Board and new fee structures will be considered. The concept of  
judges? fees remains intact.

2.      The Board has instructed AKC staff to revisit the alternatives  
discussed over the past year in addition to the other suggestions made  
recently by several judges to arrive at several equitable methods for  
consideration.

3.      The Board has instructed AKC staff to meet again with  
representatives of judges organizations for input on these  
methodologies before any final decision is made.

It is imperative that all of us come together to face our challenges  
with the same passion, sportsmanship, and determination that is the  
hallmark of the great competitive spirit of the fancy. When we have  
come together in this manner in the past, we have accomplished great  
things. For the good of the sport we all love so much, we must now  
move forward together.



Ronald H. Menaker

Chairman of the Board



  
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[ SHOWGSD-L ] AKC...withdraws the fee structure, but.......

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