January 4-6, 2008, Las Vegas, NV

I. Call to Order - 8:15 am Pacific time

II.  Roll Call – Charlie Blackbourn, Beth Ritchie, Dean Browning, Nancy Campbell, Hiram Stanfill, Julie Harter, Dan Stinnett, Karen Niffenegger, Leita Estes, Sue Clemons

Charlie said goodbye to Dan and Sue because this will be their last Board meeting. They will be missed and are welcome to run again.

III.  Minutes – A motion to accept the minutes as printed was made and seconded (Harter/Stanfill). The motion passed.

IV.  Report of Secretary – Sue Clemons gave a brief report. She continues to approve specialty shows as they are received, answer correspondence and maintain contact with AKC as needed. Sue thanked the Board for its help over the years.

V. Report of Treasurer – Dean distributed the financial reports to the group. He provided an overview of each document. Dean requested that someone review the bank statements to verify the figures. Julie Harter volunteered and completed the review during the meeting. All numbers documented balanced to the bank statements. The Board asked Dean to reformat the financials so the rollup was easier to review. All documents accepted as presented.

VI.  Report of President - None

VII.  Committee Reports

AKC Delegate – Ken Marden – Ken sent a report to the Board. He communicated that there are two new organizations, the AKC Political Action Committee and the AKC Humane Foundation that the AKC established. The AKC Humane Foundation is a 501c3 organization for financial support of dogs when natural disasters such as Katrina strike. The Political Action Committee is to solicit funds which will be used to contribute to the campaigns of legislators who support the positions of the AKC and its constituents on legislation that affects purebred dogs.

Ken reported that the proposal to remove the restrictions on term limits for the AKC Board of Directors was disapproved by the Delegate body. The proposal to replace the Novice Class with an Amateur/Owner/Handler Class was amended to permit the offering of both classes at shows after January 1, 2009 was approved. The proposed amendment to the AKC Charter and Bylaws allowing for the removal of a Delegate or disapproval of a Delegate candidate who is determined to have stolen funds from an AKC Club was passed unanimously by the Delegates.

A proposal to permit changing the name of a dog whelped in the United States was read to the Delegate body. However, the name of a dog that has produced or sired a litter, or has received an award in an AKC event, cannot be changed. In cases where the breeder has individually registered the dog, breeder approval is required. This proposal will be voted on at the March 2008 Delegate Meeting. The 2007 Obedience Advisory Committee submitted their recommendations on December 28, 2007. Complete recommended changes to the Obedience Regulations are available on the AKC website. Interested obedience participants are asked to comment on the proposed changes via email to OBEDady@akc.org.

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championships held in Long Beach, CA in December were again a success. The show will be seen on Animal Planet and Discovery channels on February 2.

The Board discussed and accepted Mr. Marden’s report with thanks.

National Field Trial – Dennis Brath – Dennis reported on the 2007 National Field Trial. He commented on the grounds, the readiness of Roger and Erika for the event and the well attended banquets. He noted that all stakes ran smoothly with the exception of some fog and wind and that the stake managers did a good job. He discussed the problem of getting someone to act as auctioneer at the Calcuttas, gave thoughts on merchandise and hospitality and the costs of birds and judges. He reported that there were very few complaints about the judges from anyone and that there were many compliments about how helpful the judges were.

A motion was made and seconded (Stinnett/Campbell) that the report has been reviewed and discussed and accepted with reservation regarding the report on the NFT profit/loss. Motion passed.

National Field Futurity – Anne Mathiowetz – Anne reported that the 2007 National Field Futurity payout was comprised of 77 litters of which forfeitures for 92 pups were paid. The purse paid out for the 2007 Futurity totaled $5,395. The Board discussed the report and questioned if the costs of the event were covered by the entry fee before the payouts were made. Further discussion will be done later. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Niffenegger) to accept the report as submitted. Motion passed.

Field Trial Date Coordinator – Connie Fidler – Connie reported that in 2007 there were 114 field trials approved. Of the 114 trials, 29 were walking trials and 85 were horseback trials. She stated that all applications received were faxed to the AKC after they were approved and an approved copy was mailed to the club.

National Amateur Gun Dog Championship – Charlie Blackbourn – Charlie reported on the progress of the NAGDC for 2008. The Championship will begin on April 12, 2008 and run to conclusion on the Pony Express Grounds near Kansas City. Charlie said that the Committee had agreed on Rob Creany of Kenosha, WI and R. J. Marquart of Moses Lake, WA as judges. He asked for Board approval of the judges. A motion was made and seconded (Stanfill/Harter) that Rob Creany and R. J. Marquart be approved to judge the NAGDC. Motion passed.

Charlie named the current members of the NAGDC Executive Committee. They are Bill Felins, NE; Becky Jacobs, SE; Charlie Blackbourn, Chair, NC; Chuck Parietti, SC; Wayne Yamashita, NW; Terry Chandler, SW. He told the Board that he felt that Bill Monk would be a good choice for the EC member. He named Mr. Monk to serve on an interim basis. The Board approved the choice.

Charlie noted that this will be the fourth year for the NAGDC and that we are hoping for a large entry. He asked that the GSP Clubs assign a delegate to the NAGDC Delegates’ Meeting this year.

Regional Field Trials – Charlie Blackbourn – Charlie discussed the Eastern Sectional Classic with the Board. A request has been made by the South Georgia GSP Club to hold the event starting on February 2 to conclusion. The GSPCA provides the license, insurance coverage under the GSPCA policy and $500 seed money. The $500 will be repaid thru the entries and any profit will be split with the local club.

National Specialty Show Executive Committee – Patty Crowley – No report was received from Patty. Beth Ritchie, liaison, told the Board that no issues and no problems have been reported by Patty. Beth will contact Patty for a report. Nancy Campbell reminded the Board of the change in the order of the Futurity and the Sweepstakes is to be effective in 2009. The Futurity will be first followed by the Sweepstakes.

National Show Futurity – Holly Faught – Holly reported that there are 67 litters represented by 475 puppies for the 2008 Futurity. Reminders have been sent to the breeders to get the First Forfeits postmarked by December 31 to avoid late fees. She reported that the 2009 Futurity already has 5 litters nominated. She thanked Missy Neal for her promptness in making the new forms available on the website.

Webmaster – Missy Neal – Missy reported on the progress of the website. The Club has chosen Network Solutions as their server provider. The membership database is in progress along with the Members-Only section. She is also working on the GSPCA Store, a Juniors Section, a Legislative Section, a Health Section and Event Coverage. Online Entries (including online payment) for the National Field Trial and the National Amateur Gun Dog Championship are up and running. She plans to keep working to improve the Membership database and to take better advantage of the communication features that Member Clicks offers.

Shorthair Journal – Linda Harrell-Sadler – Dan Stinnett suggested that discussion of Linda’s report be deferred for later discussion under New Business. A motion was made and seconded (Ritchie/Stinnett) to accept the report as presented and to review and discuss Linda’s report under New Business. Motion passed.

Yearbook – Jan McManigal – Jan sent her resignation to the Board. The Club will advertise for a replacement. Beth Ritchie suggested that we publish the yearbooks less frequently. Discussion continued regarding possible solutions. A motion was made and seconded (Stanfill/Estes) to accept Jan McManigal’s resignation. Motion passed.

Judges Education – Betsy Yates – Betsy reported on the seminars that will be presented in 2008. She noted that Patte Titus would be presenting the JE seminar at the 2008 National Specialty because of her judging assignment at the specialty. She asked that the Board reconsider requirements for mentors and noted that she wants to continue to be involved in preparing the Illustrated Standard. A motion was made and seconded (Ritchie/Campbell) to accept Betsy’s report. Motion passed.

Breed Education – Patte Titus – Patte sent a brief report to the Board. She continues to write education articles for Shorthair Journal. She responds to questions and inquiries received from the website and directs inquires to the appropriate individuals when necessary. Patte does historical research when time allows. She monitors several breed related chat lists and responds appropriately.

Membership – Ken Clemons – Ken sent a report to the Board. He noted that as of 12/31/07 the GSPCA has 2,123 total members. He reported on the changes he has implemented and the help that he has received from Purina in the form of envelopes to be sent to new and renewing members and the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program flyers that have also been supplied. He also noted that lists of all donors to the National Specialty Show, the National Field Trial, the National Amateur Gun Dog Championship and Rescue would be given to the Chairs to be acknowledged in the appropriate way. A motion was made and seconded (Campbell/Estes) to accept the report. Motion passed.

Rescue – Nancy Campbell – Nancy reported seeing more transports from regions where dogs are less adoptable to regions where there is more demand. The Rescue is playing a part in vetting dogs and seeing to their travel, where they have not done as much of in the past. She plans to investigate a 501c3 that would not have to be separate from the GSPCA. She will report back regarding her research at the Board meeting in June. Efforts over the coming months are to try and fill in volunteers and coordinators in states where we have none. An appeal to local club secretaries will be sent. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Ritchie) to accept the report. Motion passed

Breeder Referral – Ann King-Wallace – Nancy explained Ann’s process for Breeder Referral and explained how all referrals were done. Nancy will request that Ann send a report to the Board.

Versatility – David Nauer – David reported on the growth of the versatility program. He explained that an expansion of the program would now be in order. He complimented the GSPCA for offering all of the AKC titling activities a GSP can participate in during 2007. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Ritchie) to accept David’s report and defer the action items to New Business. Motion passed.

Health – Leita Estes – Leita thanked the Board for allowing Lucy Ruane to attend the AKC/CHF Parent Club Health Conference. She briefly explained her report and the Protocol for the Health and Welfare Committee. She will supply a copy of the spreadsheet for the CD database to the Board. Leita will start on the database as soon as it’s approved. She discussed the plans for the Hero for Health quilt raffle, the NSS Seminar and the possible Health Clinic. Leita also talked about plans for an “Ask the Vet” column in Shorthair Journal Discussion will be continued under New Business.

Juniors – Brandi Smith – Brandi did not send a report to the Board. Leita reported that she; Missy and Brandi have been discussing what should be posted on the Juniors portion of the website.

Merchandise – Ken Clemons – Ken reported on what merchandise he has on hand. He plans to discontinue Polo Shirts as inventory items and to add denim shirts and orange hats. He is working with Karen Allen to get new designs for the merchandise. He asked about a policy change regarding shipping discontinued items to rescue groups to use for fund raising. A motion was made and seconded (Ritchie/Stanfill) that rescue funds will be used to pay for shipping to rescue groups. Motion passed.

VIII. Old Business

A. Judges Education (JE) Committee

The Board discussed changes to the JE Committee. The Board Members agreed that Betsy Yates has been a fine JE chair who worked hard developing the CD for GSPs. The Board of Directors decided on the 4 year term with a two year transition, June 2007 thru June 2009, at the June 2007 Board meeting. Responsiveness to board requests (ie mentor list and requirements and the Illustrated Standard) was revisited. A motion was made and seconded (Browning/Stinnett) to continue with the two year term of transition (until June 2009) with the new chairman beginning on July 1, 2009. Motion failed. (4 in favor; 5 against) A motion was made and seconded (Ritchie/Stinnett) to appoint Patte Titus as co-chair of the Judges Education Committee effective immediately with the term of Betsy Yates to expire no later than June 30, 2009 and Patte Titus assuming full chairmanship effective no later than July 1, 2009 for a term of four years. Discussion continued. The question was called. Motion passed (7 in favor, 2 against). Charlie Blackbourn will send a letter to Betsy stating the Board’s requirements. The Board asked that Betsy send the list of mentors to the Board as well as to the AKC.

Beth Ritchie will work on a list of qualifications for future JE chairs.

The Board recommended that Nancy Campbell continue as liaison to the JE committee.

B. Protocol Workbook for National Committees

Leita Estes reviewed the outline of the Committee Protocol. Leita and Julie Harter suggested that everyone who is a chairman of a committee or event complete a similar document. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Harter) that all committee chairs adopt the template presented, complete it and submit it to the Board prior to the June 2008 Board meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

C. National Field Trial (NFT)

Running Rules – Julie Harter, NFT Board Liaison – Julie worked very closely with the NFT Executive Committee to provide a draft of the updated NFT Running Rules to the Board. The Board reviewed the document. A majority of the changes were accepted. The consensus of the Board is that the collaborative efforts of the NFT Liaison and the National Field Trial Executive Committee are a great way to continue to improve the Event for the entire membership. Members of the Board, who are very familiar with field trials and the National Field Trial, will work with the NFT Executive Committee to finalize the rules. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to approval and oversight of the running of the event. The NFT Running Rules will be finalized and sent to the Board by the end of February 2008.

1. A motion was made and seconded (Niffenegger/Browning) to reappoint Dennis Brath as National Field Trial Chairman. Motion passed unanimously.
   
   
2. A motion was made and seconded (Niffenegger/Ritchie) to appoint Mike Aldrich as Co-Chair for the 2008 National Field Trial. Motion passed unanimously.
   
   
3. Financial report for 2007 NFT – The Board reviewed and discussed in detail the financial report for the 2007 National Field Trial which as of the date of the Board meeting reflects a loss in excess of $3,000 with expenses still outstanding. The Board of Directors, to be fiduciarily responsible to the membership, has appointed Dean Browning to work with the Chairman and the NFT Liaison to make recommendations to the NFT Chairman and NFT Executive Committee regarding the institution of necessary financial controls to move the event to profitability.
   
   Initial Action items:
   
   • Expenditures for Hospitality – A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Browning) that the Parent Club no longer pays for alcohol at any National Event or Parent Club Sponsored Meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
   
   • Judges & Marshals Gifts (does not include expense reimbursement) – A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Ritchie) that the National Field Trial Chairman be authorized to spend $1,500.00 in total for gifts to the judges and marshals.
   
   
4. The Board discussed the belt buckles that have been given to the Amateurs and decided that the buckles should be continued.
   
   
5. National Field Trial Executive Committee Addition – The Board discussed the need for a NFT Executive Committee person to represent the East Central section until a person is elected by the NFT Delegates. A motion was made and seconded (Stanfill/Browning) to appoint Jerry Paddock to fill that position. Motion passed unanimously.

IX.  New Business

A. Breed Standard A petition to put a change to the GSP Breed Standard on the Spring 2008 ballot has been received by the GSPCA Board of Directors. Those signing the petition are valid members of the GSPCA and the numbers of signatures received are in excess of the ten percent of the membership in good standing required. The petition requests that black be an acceptable color that would be allowed to compete in conformation and would be removed as a disqualification. The requested wording has been sent to the American Kennel Club for approval before being placed on the ballot. If the wording is approved, placed on the ballot and passes by the required two-thirds majority of those voting, the Breed Standard will be changed and no other changes will be allowed for a period of five years.

B. AKC Delegate –The Board discussed the Delegate to the American Kennel Club from the GSPCA. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Campbell) that Ken Marden be appointed to continue as the Club’s Delegate. Motion passed unanimously.

C. Shorthair Journal – Dean Browning presented the financial report of the Shorthair Journal with the Board. The current membership dues are not covering the actual costs of the magazine. Discussion continued with ideas presented to change the magazine to quarterly with paid advertising to be placed on the website or to have a monthly magazine with one month paper and the next month online. Concern was expressed with only having a quarterly magazine. Discussion continued with suggestions that there be only six or eight magazines because there is much less information in the issues after the double issues. Everyone agreed that there was a need to improve the quantity and quality of the content. Leita Estes mentioned that we should explore adding an “Ask the Vet” section.

A motion was made and seconded (Ritchie/Niffenegger) that there be six issues of Shorthair Journal printed with publication in January (NFT issue), March, May, July (NSS issue), September and November. Editing will be continued with Linda Harrell-Sadler on an issue to issue basis at the current rate for single issues. A request for proposal to edit the magazine will be prepared and approved and sent to qualified candidates including the current editor. Motion passed unanimously.

Charlie Blackbourn will write a President’s Letter for the next issue of the magazine.

D. NFT Report

1. New trophy for Amateur Championship – Charlie Blackbourn & Karen Niffenegger – Charlie started the discussion regarding the cost of offering a new bronze trophy for the Amateur Championship in Eureka. He gave a brief history of the proposal and told the Board what was being offered by Mr. Kermott, the artist. An additional cost of $2,900 per year would be incurred to offer this trophy. Discussion of how to raise the additional money to cover the costs continued. A donation to defray the cost of the trophies was discussed along with the requirement that the Club commit to an ongoing program of at least four years. A motion was made and seconded (Niffenegger/Stanfill) that we commission James Kermott to cast the improved bronze trophies for a four year period pending the $8.000.00 donation being available. The additional cost of the trophies should be self-sustaining thereafter. Motion passed (7 – 2). A marketing person to raise donations for the trophies will be sought.
   
2. Required ownership for competing in the National Amateur Championship and the NAGDC – Dan Stinnett – Dan explained the problem with having a pro co-own a dog with an amateur and because of that ownership arrangement the dog cannot be run in the Amateur Championship or the NAGDC. The Board discussed the situation, what the requirements should be and how a solution could be reached. A motion was made and seconded (Stinnett/Estes) that the Running Rules/Qualifications for the National Amateur Championship and the National Amateur Gun Dog Championship be changed to permit that the ownership requirement be that one owner of a dog must be an amateur and that the dog must be run by an amateur. Motion passed.

  E. National Specialty Show

1. Changing NSS dates – Leita Estes – Leita gave the Board background regarding the changing dates for the National Specialty Show. The dates rotate now because of the airline embargo on shipping dogs in hot weather and the problem caused when a dog cannot be shown in the Sweepstakes because it was too young to be shown in one year and the next year the dates changed making that same dog too old to be shown in that year. The Board discussed possible solutions. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Niffenegger) that the Club, in the years needed, expand the senior class to cover the age of dogs to allow them to compete in sweepstakes once. Motion passed.
   
2. The Board received a request for two complimentary memberships for the NSS General Raffle. The Board discussed the request. A motion was made and seconded (Ritchie/Campbell) to donate two separate single memberships for the National Specialty Show General Raffle. Motion passed.

F. Health and Welfare

1. CD Database – Leita Estes – Leita presented a proposal that a database showing Cone Degeneration clearances be put on the GSPCA website for anyone to look at. The database would deal with the issue of clearing by parentage for multiple generations not dealt with by OFA. OFA only allows clearing by parentage for one generation. A motion was made and seconded (Campbell/Estes) that the GSPCA keep and make public a genetic registry of dogs that are CD tested or cleared by parentage. Motion passed.

G. Lupoid Dermatosis – Charlie discussed the disease and showed pictures of several affected dogs. He suggested that the Club consider providing some funding for research into the disease. This item will be revisited at the June Board Meeting.

H. Dues – The Board discussed the possibility of raising dues. Dues amounts charged by other National clubs along with what the members of those clubs receive were reviewed. It was decided that the discussion would be reopened at a later meeting.

I. Hall of Fame

1. A nomination to the Hall of Fame was received for Dorothea (Dot) Simberlund. The Board discussed the nomination. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Browning) to induct Dorothea (Dot) Simberlund into the Hall of Fame. Motion passed unanimously.
   
2. A nomination to the Hall of Fame was received for BIS/BISS Ch. Fieldfine’s Back for More, JH. The Board discussed the nomination, his record and the records of the dogs that he sired including their production records. It was noted that he died at a very young age and that his production record could change as his get become older. A motion was made and seconded (Ritchie/Clemons) to induct BIS/BISS Ch. Fieldfine’s Back for More, JH into the Hall of Fame. The motion was declined with the recommendation to submit again in three or four years when more of the young dogs available can be measured.
   
3. A nomination to the Hall of Fame was received for Ch. Lieblinghaus Here’s To Freedom, JH. The Board discussed the nomination, her record and the records of the dogs that she produced including their production records. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Niffenegger) to accept the nomination. The motion was declined.
   
   
4. A nomination to the Hall of Fame was received for Ch. Lieblinghaus Chief Executive, CD, JH. The Board discussed the nomination and the lasting effect that he had both through his own record and the records of the many dogs that he sired and the production records of those dogs. A motion was made and seconded (Campbell/Ritchie) to accept the nomination. Motion was accepted.
   
5. A nomination to the Hall of Fame was received for FC Burr Oaks Hoosier Buddy. The Board discussed the nomination, his record and the records of the dogs that he produced including their production records. A motion was made and seconded (Browning/Campbell) to accept the nomination. The nomination was declined.
   
   
6. A nomination to the Hall of Fame was received for Ch. Pawmarc’s Sierra Mtn. Song. The Board discussed the nomination, his record and the records of the dogs that he produced including their production records. A motion was made and seconded (Campbell/Estes) to accept the nomination. The nomination was declined.
   
7. Review requirements to be inducted into the Hall of Fame – Leita Estes – Leita gave the Board background on discussions that she has had with Inga Clody regarding the qualifications of a Hall of Fame dog. She indicated that both she and Inga felt that dogs should be considered for the total lasting impression that the dog made on the breed not just by a number of champions produced or by its own show record. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Niffenegger) that the qualifications for show dogs be reviewed by Inga and should be sent to the Board of Directors in June 2008 for consideration and possible approval. Motion passed.

J. Colorado Proposal for “Retrieving Certificate”

Charlie Blackbourn explained the need for four retrieving points to become a Field Champion to those on the Board who don’t participate in the Field Trial venue. Dogs that are run in areas of the country that don’t offer retrieving stakes have to travel to have a chance to earn the points needed. The proposal presented by the GSP Club of CO would offer an additional way to earn those points through a Retrieving Certification Test. The Board talked about problems that Clubs are having with being allowed to kill birds for a retrieve at events in certain states or at certain locations due to ground or state regulations. The Board discussed the pros and cons of the program. There is interest in working to change the requirements for getting a dog’s retrieving points for a Field Championship to include getting their retrieving points through a certificate program. A proposal would have to be approved by the GSPCA Board of Directors and then be sent to AKC with that approval so that the AKC can go forward with adding it to the Field Trial Rules. A motion was made and seconded (Ritchie/Estes) that Charlie Blackbourn contact the presidents of the three other affected breeds to work on a proposal. Motion passed.

K. Leita Estes told the Board that she had been approached regarding recognition of dogs inducted into the Hall of Fame in the past. A motion was made and seconded (Estes/Campbell) that all Hall of Fame paper certificates that were issued be replaced by plaques if requested. Motion passed. Leita offered to research the past Hall of Fame dogs.  

L. National Versatility Champion

A proposal was presented by Karen Conrey and Hiram Stanfill to name a National Versatility Champion. Hiram gave a brief overview of the proposal. He suggested that Beth Ritchie, David Nauer and his committee work on this proposal with Karen Conrey. Beth asked that a sub-committee be formed to work on a more detailed proposition. Any dog that received qualifying scores in at least three events would be considered for the title. Discussion continued. The Board of Directors is receptive to the concept and authorized that the committee be formed. A more complete proposal should be sent to the Board to be considered at a future Board Meeting.

X. Site for June 2008 Meeting – The Board chose Saturday, June 7, for the next Board Meeting. Dean Browning and Nancy Campbell will research locations.

XI.  The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 pm Pacific time.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR
MEETING MINUTES:
June 2008
January 2008
June 2007
January 2007