<< Return to BOD Minutes


ILR BOARD MINUTES

Face-toFace Meeting
July 15-17, 2010

July 15

Meeting called to order at 8:07 MDT. Board members Mark Smith, Bill Safreed, Mary Jo Miller, Kristy Brown, Kathi McKinney and Registrar Jan Wassink present.

Discussion of the Five-Year Vision of the Registry – the board discussed the trends in the pedigreed livestock industry to where registrations fees alone cannot support the registries. The board gave projections where they would like to see the ILR and what the ILR can offer to the membership in five years.

ILR Show Division

1.      Governing Board and Committees – The board reviewed the format of how the Show Division has developed and functioned.

2.      National Finals Show – The board discussed the five venues that were investigated and will make a recommendation to the Show Division Governing Board. The board also discussed how to select judges for the National Show: the board will recommend to the governing board that we select a single judge for halter and fleece, and two judges for performance. The judges committee can assemble a list of qualified judges and let the membership vote for the judges. This concept is in line with how other livestock species judge their national events, dramatically lowers cost for the event and gives the membership more input in their national event. Norris Berg, the National Show superintendent for 2011, will be included in the selection for judges.

3.      Superintendents email list – There has been a request for an email group list and this can be facilitated through the office. A moderator for the list will need to be assigned.

4.      Sponsorships – The model set by the Anniversary Shows for national level sponsorship will be used to promote the National Show in 2011 and to develop a series of “featured shows” for 2012.

5.      Points Calculation Chart – The board reviewed the classes that receive points in the ILR Show Division.

6.      Accepting placings from Open Shows – A motion was made by Mary Jo to accept placements in open shows for ILR-SD points provided an ILR-SD approved judge was used. No second was made and after much discussion, the motion was withdrawn. The ILR-UAP (Universal Awards Program) is already an ILR program that tracks points for all non-ILR sanctioned events and because of this program, ILR members participating in the event are receiving credit.

7.      On-line survey for ILR-SD judges, shows and seminars – The board discussed developing a communications form that could be automatically emailed to exhibitors that participate in an ILR-SD show or education/training seminar. Feedback would then be shared with the sponsor of the event.

8.      Judges Education and Refresher Seminar – There were 17 participants, including 8 judges receiving permanent certification and three new apprentice judges, and six breeders for education purposes. Beth Myers submitted the expenses for the event held at her farm. Motion to approve reimbursement of submitted expenses by Kathi, second by Mary Jo. Motion passed unanimously. A profit of $344.38 was netted on the event.

9.      Fleece judging points distribution – Due to several member requests/concerns, the materials provided in the guidelines manual for the halter and performance committee versus the fleece committee, the board felt that there was very little information provided in the guidelines to help exhibitors understand how they are being judged in fleece classes. This information will give exhibitors information to decide what fleeces to enter in show. The board will request the fleece committee provide more complete explanations of the scoring categories to be printed in the guidebook.

10.  Forms and Training Materials – The board reviewed the materials used for the guidelines manual, judging forms needed to manage shows and training materials used at education seminars. The board feels it is very important that these materials be in the possession of the office for continuity as the committees/instructors change over time.

11.  ILR Show Division adding an Alpaca Division – The board has received several request/concerns for adding alpaca halter classes for the ILR Show Division. The topic will be presented to the Governing Board and if approved, an email will be sent to ask for volunteers for a committee.

ILR Universal Awards Program

1.      Certificate of Distinction – The board discussed adding an additional level of recognition to the awards system for UAP and ILR-SD.  The new level would be Certificate of Distinction and would be awarded after achieving 100 points– motion to approve for UAP awards by Mary Jo, second by Bill. Motion passed unanimously. The concept will be brought to the Governing Board to incorporate for the ILR-SD awards.

2.      2009 Top Ten – the Top Ten are posted and we will send an eBlast of the Top Ten category winners for 2009 as well as issuing certificates. Awards for 2010 were discussed.

ILR Incentive Fund Program

1.      Enrollment in the ILR-IF has increased over 50% for 2010. No changes in the program were made.

Development of Youth Program

1.      The board discussed how other species have developed their youth programs including the sheep youth futurity associations and dairy loan programs. A Youth Llama Futurity Program will be developed for geldings–this program will be developed to promote youth as well as marketing for the ILR.

Championship Awards on Certificates

1.      Several members have requested ILR-Show Division and ILR-UAP champions be designated on the ILR certificates. Motion by Mary Jo, second by Kristy. Motion passed unanimously. The board reviewed the setup of the certificates and decided to put a designation next to the name of the animal. These designations will be made on all generations. This will be effective when the  programming is completed.

Registrar report

1.      The board toured the commercial rental space in the ILR building and met all the renters. The current market value of the ILR building has been estimated at $500,000. The building was purchased in 2001 for $277,000 and the mortgage was paid off the following year, allowing the ILR office to function rent free. The commercial space in the building generates approximately $40,000 per year for the ILR.

2.      Jan reviewed the collection actions against a former tenant and the status of that action.

ILR 2010 Annual Meeting – The board discussed holding the annual meeting in conjunction with one of the anniversary shows. In the past, the meeting has been held during the LFA, LANA and ALSA national events. Mary Jo will ask the KLAA group if they would be willing to provide a time slot for us to hold the annual meeting during the North American Anniversary Show, November 5-7, 2010. As done in the past, the ILR board would offer a $125 donation to KLAA to be used for this event. Details on the Annual Meeting will be sent out if we receive approval from KLAA.

Motion to adjourn for the day by Kristy, second by Kat.  Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 5:02pm MDT.

 

July 16

Meeting called to order at 8:02 MDT. Board members Mark Smith, Bill Safreed, Mary Jo Miller, Kristy Brown, Kathi McKinney and Registrar Jan Wassink present.

Executive Session – the board went into executive session to discuss employee wages and compensation, lease agreements for commercial suite tenants, screening applications and to discuss member concerns and petitions.

Registrar Report:

1.      ILR Financial report – The board and registrar reviewed the financials for the first half of the year. The first two quarters of 2010 have shown a profit as compared to 2009.

2.      ILR-SD Financial report – the board reviewed the actual costs/expenses as compared to the budget. The Show Division has generated well over 50% of their budget for the first half of the year.

3.      Insurance Review – Bill reviewed the current insurance policy for the ILR. The building is currently insured for $821,000 and contents insured for $32,000. The motion was made to increase the business personal property insurance to $75,000 by Kathi, second by Bill. Motion passed unanimously. Bill recommended that Jan investigate if ordinance or laws coverage (code upgrade) insurance is included in the business owner package enhancement endorsement.

New Business:

1.      Credit Card Courtesy Fee – the ILR has always accepted credit cards as payment on member accounts. The board discussed how other llama related businesses (auctions, insurance, etc) have incorporated the use of credit cards. Jan will review the number of transactions per week paid by credit card. Topic tabled until August meeting.

2.      Elections

a.       President – Mary Jo nominated by Bill, second by Kathi – unanimous approval

b.       Vice-president – Bill nominated by Mary Jo, second by Kristy – unanimous approval

c.       Secretary to remain as Kristy, motion by Kathi, second by Bill – unanimous approval

d.       Treasurer to remain as Kathi, motion by Kristy second by Mary Jo – unanimous approval

e.       Member at Large – Mark Smith

3.      Camelid Companion Certification (CCC) – The board reviewed the names submitted by Jim Krowka and received by board members that have been interested in participating on the CCC Focus Group. All names received were approved. The initial CCC Focus Group will include Jim Krowka, Linda Hayes, Gary Kauffman, Donna Moore (IN), Rezina Zeiler, Anne Sheeter, Lisa Wolfe and Gwen Ingram. All ILR Member are welcome to join the Focus Group. An email list will be developed for contact. The board will accept the initial CCC Rules as presented by the ILR-SD Performance Committee and the CCC is no longer a part of the ILR Show Division. It will function as an ILR program like the ILR-UAP and ILR-IF. The CCC Focus Group will need to develop a system to approve evaluators. An eBulletin will be developed to inform the membership of the new ILR CCC Program and invite them to participate in the CCC Focus Group.

4.      The ILR Board received a request from LOWS for an article about the history of the ILR. Kristy and Kathi will prepare the article.

5.      Marketing Program for the ILR

a.       Social network marketing plan – We currently have over 300 friends on FaceBook. Jan prepared a marketing plan to incorporate short articles published on online sources that would link back to the ILR. The board discussed the target markets. Jan will investigate the time and expense necessary to implement this program.

b.       National Conference – The topic is tabled, and will be readdressed in 2011.

c.       All classified ads will be offered free to members through the end of the year.

d.       Photo Ads – Free photo ads are included with membership and this is underutilized. The board discussed ways to increase the usage of the program.

e.       Events Calendar – The entire events calendar will be emailed monthly. Currently, we are only sending out the ILR-SD shows monthly. We will offer one free photo ad to the superintendent or event coordinator as they list their event on the website.

6.      The ILR was invited to join the list of organizations supporting the Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program. The program allows large animal veterinarians to have their tuition forgiven if they fulfill a set of post graduation employment requirements. The board already approved this support by email and Jan will contact the AVMA to add us to the list of supporting livestock organizations. This is a pledge of support of the concept, not a monetary donation.

7.      Programming Priorities – The board discussed the areas that need additional programming and prioritized the order for them to be developed.

Old Business:

1.      Calendar Sales – Jan and Kristy will investigate publishing companies and will assemble a group of photos for review.

2.      eBulletins – programming will be developed to give members the option to opt out of receiving the eBulletins on their account page. This will be announced to the membership when it is completed. The board also listed several new topics for eBulletins to be sent out.

Motion to Adjourn by Kathi, second by Bill. Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 4:52pm.

 

July 17

Meeting called to order at 8:07 MDT. Board members Mark Smith, Bill Safreed, Mary Jo Miller, Kristy Brown, Kathi McKinney and Registrar Jan Wassink present.

The board reviewed the five-year goals the board has established and the list of priorities.

Kids Coloring Contest – The board and the staff voted on the pictures and the winners were announced and will be posted on the website and distributed in an eBulletin. A prize will be sent to the winner in each category.

ILR Show Division continued:

1.       Name change for National Finals Show – The board discussed selecting an alternate name for the National Finals Show to give the show a unique, distinct identifier that would not be confused with other llama events. The board made a few suggestions and will forward them to the Governing Board.

2.      Show Dedication – The board discussed recognizing a person that has made a significant contribution to the species and to the industry. The board selected the dedication for the 2011 event and it will be announced at the first national show.

3.      Apprenticeships – The board has received several concerns raised about apprenticeships at shows with a large number of animals and limited arena availability. This decision was made to assure the apprentices receive an appropriate educational experience. If a show size grows beyond anticipated size and arena time is limited, the judge and show superintendent would have the discretion to cancel an apprenticeship. This also ensures the exhibitors receive the judge’s full attention when time is limited.

Motion to approve minutes from July 15 and 16, 2010 – motion by Mary Jo, second by Kathi. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion to approve ILF Annual Meeting minutes by Kathi, second by Bill. Motion passed unanimously.

The board continued discussions to develop the Youth Gelding Futurity and will create an informational brochure. Jan will investigate the computer programming needed to complete this program.

Motion to approve minutes from July 17, 2010 – motion by Mary Jo, second by Bill. Motion passed unanimously.

Next ILR Board meeting: Tuesday July 29, 2010, after the ILR-SD Governing Board call.

Motion to adjourn by Mary Jo, second by Kathi. Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 11:48am MDT.

Respectfully submitted,  

Kristy Brown, ILR Secretary