GDCA Board Minutes

GDCA Board Meeting
July 26, 2008, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 8:15 AM by President Linda Ridder.

In Attendance: Susan Davis Shaw, Joe Longo, Lynda Moriarty, David Miller, Rita Suddarth, Lourdes Carvajal, Jean Highlands, Linda Ridder, Dianne Powers, Tom Sandenaw, Warren Benoit, Chuck Crawford, Cindy Harwin, Jane Chopson, Paul Hardiman

Guests: Betsy Phelan, Teri Holle, Sid Levin, Barbara Bristol, Tracy Purcer, Karen Schuller, Nancy Ridgeway

All motions are approved unanimously unless otherwise stated.

Linda introduced Teri Holle, South Central Division Chairman, who gave background on her becoming division chair and then introduced Karen Schuller, Show Chair; Barbara Bristol, Performance Chair; Tracy Purcer, Parades Chair, commenting that she had a wonderful group to work with. Lourdes added that they were ‘top-notch’.

MOTION
To excuse the absence of Jane Trieber.
Moved: Jean Highlands 2nd Sue Davis Shaw

Recording Secretary’s Minutes
MOTION
To approve the minutes of the April 19, 2008, meeting with the correction on page 8 under 2009, to change Louisville to Chattanooga.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd Paul Hardiman

Corresponding Secretary’s Report
Lynda reviewed many items of correspondence. She had a Lifetime Achievement Award ballot from AKC. After the reviewing the candidates, the following votes were taken:

MOTION
To vote the following for the AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards:
For Companion Events - Ken Buxton
Moved: Chuck Crawford 2nd Lynda Moriarty

For Conformation – Connie Barton
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Joe Longo

To not cast a vote for Performance because we are not familiar with the candidates.
Moved: Chuck Crawford 2nd Dave Miller

Lynda presented a request from AKC for Eukanuba to support their December show in Long Beach with a booth and medallions for conformation and performance. The following motion was made:

MOTION
To support the Eukanuba Invitational as we have done in the past.
Moved: Cindy Harwin 2nd Dianne Powers

Other items of correspondence:
• Info from AKC regarding clubs in violation of the rule having to do with offering agility and other events for non-AKC clubs. Dianne will send it along to the affiliate clubs;
• A Pergo ad from Judy Harrington to be forwarded to Judges Ed;
• A letter from an international kennel club asking for our support;
• A thank you letter from the Charitable Trust for the donation in Nancy Carroll Draper’s memory;
• A donation request from Take the Lead;
• A donation request from NAIA;
• correspondence from Purina regarding the partnership program;
• A DVD from the AKC/CHF breeders symposium. Dianne will take the DVD and get information on buying copies and see if we can get copies for affiliate clubs.

Completed items were:
• The Nominating Committee slate of officers was sent to the membership and so far there are no nominations from the floor.
• With Paul’s help Lynda wrote the letter to the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

MOTION
To donate $500 to Take the Lead.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Paul Hardiman

MOTION
To donate $500 to the National Animal Interest Alliance.
Moved: Joe Longo 2nd Tom Sandenaw

Jane Chopson asked if anyone had information on the Good Sportsmanship Award from AKC. Tom had some info at home that he had received for his local club. Lynda will look on the AKC web site, as it seems like something we may wish to participate in.

Treasurer’s Report
Jean reported receiving a thank you letter from the Woman Marines Association. She read a letter from Harvey Jansen regarding the audit for last year. Jean reviewed her financial statement.

There was a discussion of rescue bills submitted for a disaster situation. Jean had received a new bill, and it was decided to bring it up under rescue and ask the Charitable Trust to fund it.

Regarding these bills, it was noted that we need to set parameters for imminent need in a ‘disaster’ situation. We will review the original motion and add a further discussion of this issue to the agenda for the second board meeting at the national.

Suggestion was made that we might consider raising our membership dues for regular members. We will look into the dues of some of the other parent clubs.

Jean discussed the general liability insurance and she has put together a list and took an additional rider on trophies and Jane’s judges education equipment.

Rescue insurance grants were mentioned and the fact that clubs are not taking advantage of the grant. Only one club has used the grant to date. Dianne will bring this up at the affiliates’ meeting at the national.

Jean has also added American Express to the credit cards accepted.

MOTION
To ratify the action of the Treasurer in adding a rider to the insurance policy.
Moved: Joe Longo 2nd Dianne Powers

MOTION
To approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted.
Moved: Cindy Harwin 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Affiliate Club Representative
Dianne reviewed the Illini’s exception request to allow its by laws to be more restrictive than the Parent Club in regards to the color code. She noted that this issue has been going on since May of 2007. There was discussion as to whether the content of the exception matters and the consensus was that it does matter. It was noted that the Great Dane standard has changed greatly over the years in regards to color and what is acceptable. It was discussed further that the color code is very out of date and is not in line with current scientific knowledge. It was further noted that in 1996 or 1998, the Color Research Committee worked on a guideline that was approved by the Board of Directors and was placed on the web site. It addressed black breeding and harlequin breeding. If Illini was aware of this updated guideline, they may not have taken this action. The Board took a vote on their request:

VOTE
All in favor of approving Illini’s request for an exception to their constitution and by laws.
Yes – 2
No – 12
Their request for an exception is denied.

Dianne read a request from Donna Urban, asking whether the GDCA would put together a DVD on color genetics and make it available to affiliate clubs for their educational programs. That request will go to Neil, and the above-mentioned guideline will go back on the web site.

Dianne reviewed correspondence from the Great Dane Club of Raritan Valley requesting help with the issue of an aggressive dog in the ring and AKC’s lack of response. They want help getting clarification from the AKC. They will be advised to follow rules to the letter and to call for a bench hearing every time there is a situation at a dog show. Dianne will put together a letter and let all the affiliate clubs know what the process is.

Dianne read a letter from an affiliate club asking to have their bylaws fall in line with the AKC’s Junior Showmanship ages without having to do a by laws revision.

MOTION
To allow an affiliate club to change the age of their junior members to be in line with AKC without having to change their by laws.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd Dave Miller

The Great Dane Club of Central No. Carolina’s application is coming in shortly. Dianne would like to publish them in October so they can be voted into membership in January.

AKC Delegate’s Report
Tom reported that the drafting issue has not been put to rest. He reported on the mixed breeds’ issue regarding companion events, and the realignment from 7 to 10 groups, which includes dividing two existing groups and adding a third group that will be called Northern Breeds. He also reported on the AKC policy and procedure when someone buys an unregistered puppy from an AKC registerable litter. The next meeting is in September in New York.

Awards
Lisa asked that the BISS be clarified. The board clarified that a supported entry BOB is not a BISS. BISS must be a BOB at an independent or dependent specialty only.

Futurity
Dave Miller reported that entries are pretty much in line with last year and that this year he is also breaking the nominations down by color.

Judges’ Education
Jane submitted her report. There was discussion of the copyright of the proposed DVD. If we don’t own the copyright, what would happen if something happens to Fay? Would she agree on a joint copyright or some other provision?

Judges Selection
Mary Ellen Thomas has the ballots ready to mail.

Membership
MOTION
To approve the following new members:
April Posch
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Chuck Crawford

Randy and Sheri Goncher
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd Dave Miller

Michele Grenkow
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd Dianne Powers

Theda and Laurin Askew
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd Cindy Harwin

Mrs. Setsuko Motomura
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Dianne Powers

Mr. & Mrs. Testuji & Akemi Mita
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd Jane Chopson

Stephanie Blades
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Cindy Harwin

Craig Hinkle MD
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Paul Hardiman

Nathan Oxner
Moved Paul Hardiman 2nd Dave Miller

Samantha M Jessee
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Lena Skov
Moved: Jean Highlands 2nd Lourdes Carvajal

Lynda will look into having the membership roster reprinted.

National Specialties
Dave Miller presented the National Specialty Financial Allotment Schedule. It was met with approval from the Board, and Dave will discuss the schedule at the division chairs meeting in October and report back to the Board in January. The Board commended Dave for taking on this project.

2008 - Joe Longo reported that the site hotel is no longer a franchise of Choice Hotels and is no longer a Clarion. It is now a Studio Lodge. There is new staff and a new catering head chef. The new company is strong and willing to work with us. Everything is a go. Regarding motorhomes, they need 50 reservations to break even. Everyone is asked to go back and remind people to get their reservations in by the September 1 deadline. The premium is done and there was a discussion of extra one-time trophies for performance. Lynda asked for direction as to how they should be listed and given out. She was advised that these awards could be given out at the welcome party as special one-time obedience presentations. They can be listed as such in the premium. Joe and Lynda were given a round of applause for all their hard work.

2009 – Dave reported that the Belgian Tervuren national was held at the Chatanooga Choo Choo and the report in Dog News was positive about the site. The hotel has done everything that he has asked. Building #3 has been renovated and the other two are scheduled to be done.

Linda announced a break for lunch.

2010
After lunch, Teri Holle made a presentation and introduced the hotel’s owner, executive director, and members of the staff. She brought the Board on a tour of the hotel and expo facility. The Board viewed the different room categories, the facility rooms, the banquet hall, auditorium, and huge expo center. There is parking for 2,000 cars and 80 RV hookups with a dumping station. There are expansive grassy areas for dogs and the facility appears to be very dog friendly. After the tour, Teri unveiled the logo and theme for 2010, Danes Reign. There was a question and answer session and Teri gave a presentation on their proposed plans. Nancy Ridgeway discussed the proposed contract and the site selection process. Joe suggested a two room reservation limit, and dog limits in the rooms was discussed.

MOTION
That the Board accept the proposal of the South Central Division to hold the 2010 national at the Royal Arkansas Hotel & Suites and the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
Moved: Tom Sandenaw 2nd Dave Miller

MOTION
To allow the division to move forward with negotiations for this site and to commend the division for the work that they have done.
Moved: Tom Sandenaw 2nd: Lourdes Carvajal

2011 – The division is still searching for a site.

Dianne asked that a notice go to committee chairmen that, if they submit reports or emails to the Board, that they be sent to the corresponding or recording secretary, who will then forward them to the yahoo group. That way they will always go to all Board members.

2012 – Lourdes presented contracts to hold the 2012 national in Topeka. There were a couple of items that need to be resolved and the contracts will be approved by an on-line vote.

Companion Events
Sandy Schneider’s report proposing working dog titles, which was tabled in April due to time constraints, was discussed and the following motion was made. The Board was not in favor of supporting events that were not AKC recognized.


MOTION
To approve Sandy Schneider’s request for working dog titles in concept but the Board is not in favor of including flyball, carting, dockdiving, or herding.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Chuck Crawford

Rescue
The applications forwarded by Mary were reviewed. It was noted that there was no cover letter and two different forms are being used. Dianne will work with Mary so that everything is consistent.

MOTION
To recommend to the Charitable Trust that they fund the following rescue grants:
Great Dane Club of New England (1) $500
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Joe Longo

Great Dane Club of New England (2) $436.53
Moved: Cindy Harwin 2nd Jane Chopson

Great Dane Rescue of Las Vegas (1) $452.13
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Chuck Crawford

Great Dane Rescue of Las Vegas (2) $256.44
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Joe Longo

Southwest Florida Great Dane Rescue (1+2) $1,000
Moved: Sue Davis Shaw 2nd Chuck Crawford

Great Dane Club of Gr. Kansas City Rescue, Inc (1) $500
Moved Paul Hardiman 2nd Chuck Crawford

MOTION
To recommend to the Charitable Trust that they fund the following rescue grant to the Great Dane Rescue of Tampa Bay in the amount of $2065.95.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Cindy Harwin

Standard Committee
Lourdes reported on her progress and presented colored Danes for the standard and discussed the overlay process. Consensus was to proceed with the overlays.

Web Site
Nancy Lerch sent her report. Dianne wondered if Nancy could do a rescue tab to make it easier for people to find the information. She will contact Nancy.

Breeders Education
Linda reviewed some of Kathy Toomey’s proposed plans for the national.

Charitable Trust
Lourdes reported that the Charitable Trust had funded the cardio clinics at the nationals in 2005 and 2006. In 2007, the clubs went through educational grants to fund their educational and health programs. Mary Anne Zanetos has proposed to do very low cost echo’s. She sent a request to the Charitable Trust. Dianne commented that we need to come up with a procedure for the trust to fund educational and health grants, since it appears that 2005 and 2006 were funded without Board review or approval.

MOTION
To recommend to the Charitable Trust that they fund the cardio clinic at the national this year.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Jean Highlands

Paul will resend the documents that were approved at the last meeting and it will be placed on the agenda for October.

Paul also had a memo from AKC regarding grants they want funding on. He will circulate the information.

Lynda discussed a bourbon tasting that is planned for this year’s national. Any proceeds exceeding the cost of the bourbon will be donated to the Charitable Trust.

Jane read an email from Kathy Toomey regarding Dane people in serious financial trouble. Since the Charitable Trust is just for dogs, the Board didn’t feel it was a good idea to try to expand it to assist exhibitors and fanciers.

Charitable Trust Fundraising
Dave Miller reported that the Tonnancours and others raised $13,000 for the Charitable Trust. There will be a black tie affair at the national and a raffle for a Martha’s Vineyard vacation, as well as the birdies for charity fundraiser. Jay has asked someone from each division to help fund raise. Each division is working on something. Rita suggested that perhaps some of the rescues could help with fundraising, since the Charitable Trust funds their grants. Mary Barnett will be asked to mention it at her rescue meeting at the national.


Corporate Sponsors
Joe reported that the deadline is August 1st, and he has ten corporate sponsors to date. Letters will be going out to individual sponsors in August.

Legislative
Tom continues to send legislative highlights. He asked everyone to forward them along.

Trophies
Tom reported for Debbie. All trophies are ordered. It is doubtful that they will be able to bring the trophies to the national and they will have to be shipped.

Yearbook
Rita reviewed her report. She has not set a price yet for this year’s yearbook and explained her proposal that the show catalog and yearbook be combined for next year. Rita passed around the cover for this year.

MOTION
To approve Rita Suddarth’s proposal to combine the Yearbook and Show Catalog starting with the 2009 national.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Chuck Crawford
1 abstention

MOTION
To set the price of this year’s yearbook at $25 for those picked up at the national or $30 to be mailed.
Moved: Rita Suddarth 2nd Cindy Harwin

Sid will put the information on the web site, as well as the Great Dane University ordering info and the menus for this year’s meals at the national.

Old Business
PAC –
Tom reported that AKC would like us to contact the membership individually for donations to the PAC. AKC has tracked 675 pieces of legislation so far this year.

Breeder List- We still need to develop a letter to go out when complaints are received. Jane will draft a letter. Should affiliate clubs be listed on the site for referral of their members and only have GDCA members’ names listed? Board members will think about this.

Top 20 Photos – Joe Longo would like to take it upon himself to see what he can do to make the photos more consistent. The board approved.

Tom Sandenaw requested that old and new business be taken up earlier in the meeting. The agenda will remain the same, but items can be moved up.

New Business
Champion for Health Applications

MOTION
To move forward all five Champion for Health candidates.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd Paul Hardiman

MOTION
To adjourn the meeting at 5:12 PM.
Moved: Joe Longo 2nd Chuck Crawford

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, October 12th at the national.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Davis Shaw
Recording Secretary


The following motion was approved by electronic vote.

August 5, 2008
MOTION
To approve the contracts for the 2012 national in Topeka as amended.
Moved: Chuck Crawford 2nd Sue Davis Shaw

September 12, 2008
MOTION
That the GDCA keep the Judges' Education fee at $25 for the 2008 National Specialty. Any additional cost incurred in the presentation of Judge's Education shall be the responsibility of GDCA.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd: Cindy Harwin
Yes – 8; No – 3
The motion passes.

September 17, 2008
MOTION
That we do not offer Free Advertiser Copies for paid ads in the Yearbook.
Moved: Rita Suddarth 2nd: Tom Sandenaw

September 28, 2008
MOTION
The GDCA to pay for the Top Twenty pictures not exceed $1500.00.
Moveed: Cindy Harwin 2nd: Jane Trieber