Following are highlights from the American Morgan Horse Association Board of Directors Third Quarter Meeting, which took place August 12, 2017, in South Burlington, Vermont.
The first draft of the 2018 budget was reviewed and discussed. Adjustments will continue in the coming months and the final version will be presented back to the Board at their 4th Quarter Meeting in November.
The Membership Statistics reinforce a positive trend in the purchase of standard and premium level memberships.
Registry Work was current as we went into the Software Conversion Launch. Because our systems will be down for the transition, it was reported a delay in processing would then occur but that once the new database is ready, staff would focus on processing all work to return processing to its normal timeframe.
The launch of the new software PROTECH is actively underway. As of the Board meeting, the data has been migrated from the old system to the new system. The actual go-live launch of the software will happen the week of August 21-25. PROTECH staff will be in the office to assist and response time from staff may be delayed during this training and testing period.
Members will see exciting improvements to the online registry and website once the new software is tied into the website. A press release will be sent a few days prior to its launch to advise how to log in the first time.
The registry rush fee was increased to $100 effective September 1, 2017.
The Day of the Morgan barn participants were reported at 41 at the time of the meeting, but more barns have joined since that date.
The Board of Directors nomination forms and process have been streamlined in order to clarify the process beginning with the 2019 election.
It was determined to maintain Regional Shows and guidelines were implemented for selection.
The Star Show Program was discussed and is continuing to be reviewed. Updates will be available following the September Board meeting.
The Young Adult Alliance Committee reported on their recent activities and have recently welcomed new members to the committee.
The Marketing Committee is working on several programs including funding for video promotions for social media, an Amish outreach program, a broodmare hall of fame research project, and support of the October Open Barn Day.
The Convention Committee is currently organizing the 2018 Annual Meeting and Convention, which will be held in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Stallion Service Auction planning is also underway.
The 2019 Annual Meeting and Convention looks like it will be held in San Antonio, Texas.
It was reported that an initial "face to face" meeting was scheduled with the Big E in West Springfield, Massacusetts, to discuss the possible opportunity for the National Morgan Horse Museum to become permanently homed on the Big E grounds. (At the meeting the following week, the Board agreed to allow the Big E to conduct a feasibility study to research if the funding required could be obtained and if the project could be officially presented as an option to the AMHA Board. The Big E believes they will have the feasibility study completed in November of this year.)
The Board visited the AMHA Office in Shelburne for a reception hosted by the staff on Friday before the board meeting.
It was reported that USEF would be attending the Grand National to shoot some video footage and interview people in order to create short clips for their updated website and learning center.
The 4th Quarter Board Meeting will be held November 3-4 in Chicago, Illinois.