GDCA Board Minutes

GDCA Board Meeting
January, 2007
MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 AM by President Linda Ridder.

Members Present: Cindy Harwin, Jean Highlands, Paul Hardiman, Lynda Moriarty, Chuck Crawford, Tom Sandenaw, Linda Ridder, Dianne Powers, Susan Davis Shaw

Guests Present: Debbie Sandenaw, Cheryl Godwin, Jack Godwin

All motions are unanimous unless otherwise stated.

MOTION
To excuse the absences of Lourdes Carvajal, Jane Trieber, Warren Benoit, Joe Longo, Pookie Kostuk, Dave Miller, Dale Desjardins.
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Chuck Crawford

There was a discussion of what constitutes an excused absence. The subject will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting for specific criteria to be defined.

Minutes
MOTION
To accept the minutes of the October meeting as written.
Moved: Jean Highlands 2nd: Cindy Harwin

Corresponding Secretary’s Report
Lynda reviewed many items of correspondence. 
· The AKC media contact will be taken up under New Business. 
· Lynda spoke about the AKC Jr. Showmanship program in our breed. The following Juniors have made the eligibility requirements for the Eukanuba Championship – Dalton Smith, Kylie Soafer, Shannon Soafer. 
· AKC is starting a program to house club records in a professionally managed storage facility. The following questions were raised: Are the documents accessible? How are they being stored, how retrieved and how protected? Is there a guarantee against loss? Lynda will contact AKC with these questions. 
· There is a Parent Club Conference on July 20-22. 
· The AKC board has approved the revisions to our standard.
· Wording was discussed to respond to a letter of breeder complaint. Lynda will speak to Nancy Lerch if the breeder is on the GDCA breeder listing.

Treasurer’s Report
Jean commented that Sid Levin has been a tremendous help while she is still learning the Quick Books accounting program.
MOTION
To approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented.
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Cindy Harwin

Jean asked anyone submitting a reimbursement to send an itemized list with their receipts.

Affiliate Representative’s Report
Dianne reported that several clubs are still working on their by-laws but she has nothing to bring to the board today for approval. In response to a question, Dianne replied that AKC has no requirements for the number of officers a club may have, but the club would need to change their by-laws if they wish to eliminate any officers.

AKC Delegate’s Report
Tom reported that AKC has developed a strategic plan, which includes:
· As new titles of record are noted, the information will be forwarded to the Parent Clubs
· An emphasis on retaining people newly involved in the sport
· A new education program for new exhibitors at dog shows
· Asking Parent Clubs to have more matches
· Promoting Bred By Exhibitor
· Stressing legislative involvement
· Archives 
· ‘disagreeing diplomatically’
· Building a contact list with local dog clubs
He reported on an AKC Parent Club conference July 20 – 22.

MOTION
To send Linda Ridder and Dianne Powers to the AKC Parent Club Conference in Georgia on July 20-22 and that we pay expenses.
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Cindy Harwin

Futurity
Lynda Moriarty reported for Dave Miller. So far, there are 65 dogs and 71 bitches, for a total of 136 puppies nominated.

Awards
Chuck asked if there was a Top Scoring Rally award and, if so, how it is determined. Cindy Harwin responded that Sandy Schneider is working on the criteria.

The board entered into executive session. Upon reconvening, the membership report was read. 

Membership
Jane Trieber reported that her committee consists of the following members:
Rita Suddarth, Nancy Lerch, Cathy Schaefer, Kathy Varian, and Susan Yotive

MOTION
To vote the following applicants into membership:

Anita Brown
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Amy and Neal J. Dean
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Julia Diola
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Karen D. Dwerlkotte-Ray
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Tracy Elkins
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Megan Fitzpatrick
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Kay and Tim Gallager
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Caroline Hofland
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Teri and Michael Holle
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Christina M. Jaeger
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Janet Lampe
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Frank Marcantonio
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Arthur and Betty Purvis
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Nancy Ridgway
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

J. Roger Ritzman
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Gayle L. Smith
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Patricia J. Thomas
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Terry Wagner
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Kathy L. Zekser
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

Catherine Urner
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty
1 opposed – motion passes

Martha Davidson 
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Lynda Moriarty
1 opposed – motion passes

The board then entered into another short executive session.

National Specialties
2006 – Sid had sent out the Midwest financial statement, reporting a profit of $54,000. A vote will be taken after the lunch break so everyone will have time to review it.

It was suggested that perhaps critical financial reports should have a hard copy mailed. Linda also suggested that in the future, a division representative should present their financial report.

2007- Sue reported that everything is on track. Dianne reported on hotel reservations. There will be a division meeting in May.

2008 – Lynda reported that she is the show chairman. The hotel is in the process of being rebuilt after the fire.

2009 – The show site has been narrowed to two: The Spartenburg, SC, Marriott, or the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn.

Trophies
Debbie Sandenaw reported that there were about 90 class trophies left over, as well as the High Combined Score trophy. She will order the trophies in February or March and they will be shipped directly to the trophy chair for 2007 or to the site. Debbie has pictures of the trophies and will send them to the chairman for identification purposes.

Rescue
Mary Barnett Reed recommended two grant applications for approval.

MOTION
To recommend to the Charitable Trust that they fund the following two rescue grants:
Great Dane Club of San Diego (1) $500.
Great Dane Club of Louisiana (1) $500.
Moved: Lynda Moriarty 2nd: Cindy Harwin

Mary also submitted a draft grant application for rescue insurance. Some suggestions were made for the form, including having separate applications for rescue grants and insurance grants. Dianne will work with Mary to revise the form and it will be submitted electronically for a vote.

Standard
Linda announced that the AKC board has approved the standard revisions. The next step is to go to the membership for a vote and then back to AKC to be published.

Companion Events
Cindy had a verbal report from Sandy Schneider. Sandy is working on the criteria for High Scoring in Rally and she is putting together a packet for companion events for new exhibitors.

There was a discussion on how to increase trophy donations.

There was a break for lunch.

Breeders Education
The board reviewed the draft Mission and Aims for the Breeders Education Committee as submitted by Ralph Graff.

It was suggested that the Mission Statement should come from the constitution and by-laws, for example A and H, which are:
.To encourage and promote the quality in breeding of purebred Great Danes and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection, and
.To encourage dedication to the health and welfare of the breed.

It was suggested that part of the mission: ‘to bring current knowledge and technology to our conscientious breeders and to encourage them to utilize that information in their breeding programs’ might be moved to one of the Aims.

Reference to ‘mentors’ might be changed to ‘contacts’ to lessen any confusion with the new mentor program.

Many ideas were discussed, including round tables, technology, pedigree software, genetic testing, seminars on good breeding practices, and on-line courses with credits similar to ‘Basset Hound University’. Linda will ask Ralph to get in touch with Claudia Orlandi, the author of Basset Hound University.

Charitable Trust
Paul Hardiman reviewed the financial statement. He commented on the tremendous amount of money raised for the harlequin gene project and that the CT had given out over $100,000. in rescue grants. There was discussion of an educational grant that the CT questioned. There was also discussion about the procedure for approving grants and the trustees were asked to come up with criteria and report back to the board in April. They were asked to pay the grant in question. Dianne asked the status of the rescue grants that were approved in October.

Newsletter
Cheryl Godwin reminded the board to send their reports to her on time. Linda, on behalf of the board, commended Cheryl for all of the work that she has been doing. A new roster will be sent out at the end of the March 1st grace period.

Fund Raising 
Lynda relayed a report from Jay Miller and Jay is requesting more donations of auction items.

Legislative
Tom reiterated the need for affiliate member contact people around the country.

Top 20 Awards
Linda suggested that we include in the rules that the tabulation used is from the AKC rankings.

Yearbooks
Jean reported that Sid suggested ordering 50 less, 200 instead of 250. Linda will talk to Lora Thill regarding the pricing and numbers. There was a suggestion to send a couple of Jay Miller to sell on ebay and see how it goes. Another suggestion was to have them available for a year and then donated them for auction to benefit the Charitable Trust. Jean will ask Sid for a count.

Old Business
The Great Dane University booklet was discussed. 

MOTION
To send two copies of the Great Dane University booklet to each affiliate club, notifying them that they are available for the cost of shipping and handling. If anyone wishes to make a donation, it should go to the Charitable Trust.
Moved: Cindy Harwin 2nd: Tom Sandenaw

Tom suggested sending a copy to AKC for educational credit and Jean suggested sending one to each new member with their welcome letter.

Other suggestions for when they are reprinted: 
· add a section on contributions to the Charitable Trust, and 
· add where more copies can be obtained.

Jean requested permission for Jane Trieber to purchase a phone card from Cosco and large manila envelopes. The board agreed and no motion was necessary.

Judge Selection
The board reviewed the proposal from Rita Suddarth line by line. Dianne Powers offered to include the revisions in the document. The board expressed appreciation for all the work that Rita did in developing this proposal.

AKC Media Contact
MOTION
To appoint Jane Chopson the AKC media contact, subject to her approval.
Moved: Cindy Harwin 2nd: Susan Shaw

Honorary Member
Linda read a letter asking for consideration that Eleanor Leslie be given Honorary Member status.
MOTION
To recommend Eleanor Leslie for an Honorary Membership to go out to the membership for a vote.
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Dianne Powers

Awards Banquet Proposal
A note was read from Marsh Stoner regarding recognition for winners at the national at the awards banquet. It was noted that each division handles the awards banquet in their own way, but recommendation could be made to each division that they read the names and the owner/breeder can stand.

Midwest Financials
MOTION
To approve the Midwest Financial Report as submitted.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd: Paul Hardiman

The next meeting is tentatively set for April 21 in New Orleans.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Davis Shaw
Recording Secretary

The following motions were made electronically and were unanimously voted unless otherwise noted.

February 12, 2007
MOTION
I move that the GDCA pay to the Greater Cincinnati Great Dane Club the sum of $303.58 ($141.08 hotel and $162.50 airfare) which represents the balance not approved by the Charitable Trust.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd: Susan Davis Shaw

February 25, 2007
MOTION
The Division Chair of the affected year shall select a CPA to receive and count incoming ballots for judging assignments including the National, Futurity and The Top 20, and if necessary, a second CPA will be engaged to handle the Top 20 event tabulations.
Moved: Dave Miller 2nd: Susan Shaw

March 20, 2007
MOTION
That we ask Neil (O’Sullivan) to get a proposal from Matthew Pletcher on Great Danes being included in his Bloat study.
Moved: Cindy Harwin 

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