[ SHOWGSD-L ] FW:Judging Fees

  • From: "fmurch@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <fmurch@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: "Andy & Elaine Kuczkuda" <akuczkuda@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Ann Steinbacher" <AnnSteinbacher@xxxxxxx>, "Cindy Geertsema" <micast@xxxxxxxxxxx>, "Dave & Kris Boffa" <boffadk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Frank Murch" <majikk9@xxxxxxx>, "George Falkner" <gmfalkner@xxxxxxx>, "Jackie Wagner" <Gold_love@xxxxxxxxxxx>, "John Frisby" <holdenf@xxxxxxx>, "rostrander43" <rostrander43@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Alice Selzer" <aselser@xxxxxxx>, "Alida Meakin" <alida@xxxxxxx>, "Cathy Meijntjes" <windsonglabs@xxxxxxx>, "Dana Tessarvich" <yocs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Doris Szilasie" <szilasie.dorisann@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Gina Pierson" <gina.pierson@xxxxxxxxx>, "jamboree14" <jamboree14@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Jenny Lester" <jenlester@xxxxxxx>, "Jerry Doka" <tango3@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "joan huber" <jo_elsgsd@xxxxxxxxxxx>, "Joan Kiely" <tanner5@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "John Geertsema" <berner@xxxxxxx>, "Judy & Michael Ocelli" <wmjrzegrl@xxxxxxx>, "marilu Hansen" <marilu@xxxxxxxxxx>, "Sandy Dudak" <dogdok@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Sandy Ostrander" <Gaudeamus1@xxxxxxxxx>, "Susan Frances Butler" <nyreveuse@xxxxxxxxx>, "Jersey Skylands" <jslrcinc@xxxxxxxxx>, "GSD List" <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 21:29:06 -0400

Hi All;
I am sharing this with my Clubs and my GSD List. With the dialog that has been 
going on on the Breed Lists, Judges Lists, Delegate List and FB has had an 
impact on this decision.

Cathy
Kelstar
fmurch@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
EarthLink Revolves Around You.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Jim Crowley 
To: delegates
Sent: 5/18/2010 12:57:56 PM 
Subject: FW: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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