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LETTER TO MEMBERSHIP 2004 STATE HORSE BILL |
| QUALIFICATIONS |
| PHILOS0PHY |
| Suggestions I Have Received |
| Speaking Candidly |
| Reasons to Continue to Serve |
| 2000 Campaign Flyer |
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by the 01-02 Board! Email them to me
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MY FINAL YEAR ON THE BOARD
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE IN ELECTING ME TO THE POSITION OF
BOARD MEMBER FOR TWO TERMS. I HAVE TRULY APPRECIATED YOUR INPUT AND
AND SUPPORT AND IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR AND PRIVELEGE TO SERVE YOU THESE SIX
YEARS. I HOPE THAT YOU ALL WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH OUR BOARD TOWARD
UNITY AND GENUINE AND OPEN MINDED PROBLEM SOLVING TO MAKE THIS ASSOCIATION
A STRONG AND POSITIVE VEHICLE FOR THE GROWTH OF THE BEST BREED OF HORSE
ANYWHERE ON THIS PLANET.... OUR MISSOURI FOX TROTTING HORSE.
During my last term of office I have continued to work for membership needs, reaching out to all members of our association. In the 6 years I have been a member of the Board of Directors I have taken my job seriously and attended all but one board meeting which I tried to get changed unsuccessfully when I was promoted to election supervisor for our district and had to be present during that election. I did find it necessary to attend one other meeting by phone after returning home from having out patient surgery. I had scheduled out patietn surgery on the second Tuesday of the month to avoid conflict but unfortunately our regularly scheduled meeting date of the 1st Tuesday of each month was changed after the scheduling, but thanks to modern technology I was still able to serve you at that meeting, also.
Below are some the things I have been priveleged to help our membership get accomplished.
The MFTHBA HISTORICAL MUSEUM was one of my favorite projects. As
Board rep to the Museum Committee we produced 2 DVDs. The 1960-69
World Grand Champions was the first MFTHBA DVD produced from our own 16
mm film and our second was the 1975 MFTHBA Educational Film. I considered
the Museum an essential project as much of our history was being lost when
our older members passed on. Now we have the beginnings of a way of preserving
our history in exhibits, in articles and history archived on our museum
computer, and photo galary.
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RE-ELECT
CHAR BLACKWELL TO BOARD POSITION
NO. 2As your elected member of the BOD I have attempted through this web site to keep you informed on how I have been working for you and to let you know as the goals and issues in my 2000 campaign flyer have become a reality.
Thank you for your support and confidence in the three years I have served you on the MFTHBA Board of Directors. In that period of time our association, through a united effort of our Board, arose from financial instability to the financial surplus to fund and continue to fund many needed projects for our growing association. We all worked to see the Missouri Fox Trotter become the state horse and I contributed to that goal. It is included here. Click to Read
As a director, during my term I have seen my pre election goals addressed, achieved, or in the process of being implemented. Below is a sampling of measures
I researched, recommended, moved to implement, etc., as your director.
- Database Project, entry of all pedigree records to computer for member access through the office, the internet, and, eventually, on CD. I made the proposal for this, researched the various aspects of its implementation, and made the motion for this project.
- Update of our office equipment and computer software. I also made this motion.
- Credit Card transactions and purchases possible (at last) in our office and on the internet. This was another proposal I submitted and made the motion to implement.
- Affiliate needs measures and Promotional projects. I have supported and made motions to approve numerous affiliate need and promotion projects.
- Versatility needs, projects, demos, and equipment. I have supported, made motions, seconded, motions on many versatility issues.
- Improvements and additions to our facilities, and I am currently working to provide more and better handicap parking and access. I look forward to eventually covering the arena, building a barn with stalls for rent to those who don't own stalls, solving some parking issues, etc.
- As BOD Rep to the Youth Committee I have worked to set in place a Standardized National Youth Program allowing youth members throughout the world and in our affiliates an opportunity to become actively involved and receive points toward cash awards in our Youth Program. Under my watch the Youth Achievement program was formed and a Youth Ambassador program is being developed for youth to youth promotion. We also have developed an FFA presence.
- I initiated inter committee cooperation for common goals which has made it possible for our youth to work with the Trail Ride committee to help keep public trails open to all of us for horseback riding and through cooperation with the Promotion committee we will be attending the National FFA convention this year in support of our breed, and look forward to other inter committee projects.
- I have also worked to achieve self sufficient and ongoing funding for youth projects without tapping into association funds. I made the motion to approve the commissioning of a Missouri Fox Trotter statue which is being sold with a portion of the profit going to the Youth and I made the motion to pursue having a Missouri Fox Trotter License Plate approved in the legislature and the income from the sales of this license plate used for our Youth Program, etc.
With your support I will continue to put the emphasis on our Missouri Fox Trotting Horses, methods to further their recognition and appreciation, and the overseeing of the integrated needs of ALL the membership with the advantage of seniority and experience.
Charlotte Blackwell
MFTHBA Director, Position #2
Click Here to go to a printable copy of the above. Feel free to print a copy and send it to a friend who is a member of the association or to your affiliate newsletter. This printing will require only one sheet of paper if legal size 8 1/2 X 14.
Compare my Campaign Promises with my Actions:
Below in black are my published goals prior to my election. In red is what has been accomplished on these goals since I have been in office.
A FEW of MY 2000 GOALS:
1. Strategy for Financial stability have all worked toward this goal and this Board turned a financially unstable association into one that has used surplus for many ongoing and needed projects.
2. Integrity of the Registry
My main goal was to insure the timely entry of our stud book records into our computer so that the membership could have access to this information and our association could operate on an equal level of efficiency to other major horse breed organizations. I proposed to the BOD a pedigree/registry database project. In a report to the BOD I suggested that we get this done in an expedient manner and provide our members with an on-line database search of the horses in our registry. This is a tool that can be used for breeders in determining the availability of certain bloodlines or horses of desired color characteristics which they may wish to add to their breeding program. It would also likely increase breeding stock sales. A charge for access would bring revenue to the association and I recommended a method of payment by credit card via the internet for merchandise and other sources of revenue to the association. I also began work on locating a pedigree CD program for our association. The motion to pursue this project and that it be implemented by Mike Ball through the office passed in 2003.
Our color registry also needed updating and during my first year I contacted Dr. Sponenberg, the leading authority on color, for his assistance in providing guidelines for color identification for our association. I also contacted those who were knowledgeable and interested in color identification and to form a color panel. I brought these suggestions to our BOD workshops and both the new color definitions and the availability of a color panel to assist in color identification passed. I was still new to the BOD so did not make this motion, but did second it, though I had done the leg work on this.
3. Provisions for awards to Missouri Fox Trotter owners involved in national competition programs, such as NATRAC were sorely needed at this time as other breeds, including gaited breeds were recognizing their members who were competing in these national programs. I worked diligently to see this accomplished and seconded that motion during my first year in office. Also during that year and following years Versatility programs were expanded and a prestigious with a meaningful awards program and Journal recognition was provided for these events.
4. I had wanted to see an expansion of the Youth Programs to include Affiliate participation and a variety of youth interests in Addition to Horse Shows. As the BOD representative for the youth I have seen many of these projects achieved or in the process of being achieved. In the 3 years I have served the youth program was revamped and expanded to include many of the goals I had suggested, and standardized to be easily implemented and coordinated with affiliate youth projects. Some of the projects expanded included added versatility & fox trotter fun events, etc., "educational" trail rides which count as points toward $CASH$ awards, a method of funding youth projects independently of relying on funds from our association, an ambassador program for youth to youth promotion and more affiliate involvement, and much more, and inter committee cooperation on promotion projects and youth participation with the trail ride committee in keeping our public trails open for horseback riding.
As for independent funding on my watch MFT license plates have been approved with proceeds going to the youth program (to begin in 2005) and income from a promotional statue of the foxtrotter was approved. On all youth projects I have either been working with the committee to see these new features developed and/or have made and seconded motions implementing the youth Committees recommendations. Versatility shows became a reality for the youth in the spring of 2003.
5. Hall of Fame Museum Roundup We need to start collecting meaningful information and items of historical value for our Hall of Fame museum to attract tourists to our grounds as at other places, such as the Kentucky Horse Park. Our horses have also been used in a number of movies, and television shows and these need to be documented better than they have been, by our own association. I have many suggestions for this project which would be an on-going project at minimal cost. This is a project I would like to enlist the help of the membership with for the upcoming years. We need to start preserving our Missouri Fox Trotter heritage now. I will continue to work toward this goal.
6. Create Year Round Income from our Grounds by Scheduling MFTHBA Activities & Events Geared to Generate Income all Year Long. We are doing this to some degree and could do more.
7. Other Goals:
I have worked toward getting lights, warm up ring, and bleachers for the versatility program and have helped out in the versatility ring. I am very much in favor of providing the best for our versatility program as I believe it is the up and coming arena of interest in our shows.
Note: I will certainly bring a "woman's" point of view to the Board and I have the EXPERIENCE to perform the duties of a representative to the MFTHBA Board of Directors.
My Philosophy and Approach If Elected
1) My attention
will be focussed on learning from members from all states and countries
what their needs and desires are when it comes to their International MFTHBA
Association and as a seasoned member of the Board I am aware of what has
been done, what is being done, and what is projected for the future by
our Board.
2) I will
not be afraid to address issues. I have my opinions on certain issues
but I welcome input of all opinions on these issues. I believe that
the more knowledge and information one has on any issue the easier it is
to make a reasonable and fair decision on that issue.
3) I am
for working together in harmony with:
a) the members
which make up our association and
b) courtesy
and respect with members of the MFTHBA Board of Directors.
4) I believe
in the integrity of the position of Board Member and in the importance
of living up to high ethical standards not only as a member of the Board
of Directors but in ones personal life.
5) I believe
in positive thinking and action, and that which will promote unity of
the membership. There is simply not time for negativism when serving
on a board. It is wasted energy, accomplishes nothing, and precipitates
no good will or change.
6) I will
continue to contribute a unique perspective that will compliment a
far sighted, fair minded BOD ready to demonstrate acceptance of equal
representation of male and female, show and pleasure horse riders, Missouri
area and out of state members.
7)I will
do my homework and study all sides before I make decisions and in discussions
leading to these decisions I will listen and participate with impartiality.
In doing so I will keep my objectivity and my sense of humor.
Some of the most prevalent suggestions I have received from the membership are included below.
1) One is the Journal--More info in a
timely fashion needed. This area has had a
lot of improvements and with continued support we can see many more improvements.
2) Another is the Web site. This
has had major renovations and a Youth Web Page and Affiliate Web Page have
been added with a photo gallery and scheduled events.
3) Not enough attention given or activities
provided for the pleasure riders. This has
greatly improved in the last 3 years.
4) Class Entry fees too High/Low
(There
is no winning here, LOL)
5) Several complaints about having to
pay $10 to get horses not in the shows on the grounds.You
were heard and this was removed.
6) New Men's rest rooms
(08/02
You asked and you have received new rest rooms for both men and women!
I brought this to the attention of the board and Dale Esther and I
both worked for this goal. We both worked for the new rest room behind
the versatility arena.)
7) A member suggested that Australian
saddles be allowed in the show ring, with the exception of tack specific
classes such as Western Pleasure or English classes. (This
suggestion from an individual member was reported to the BOD.)
8) More attention and funding given
to the Youth Program. (Under my watch as BOD
rep to the Youth Committee the youth program is achieving self sufficient
and on-going methods of funding youth projects.)
9) Promotion emphasis more on the trail
horse or at least equal to that of the show horse since more buyers want
to horses for trail and pleasure riding. I
agree that more emphasis must be placed on raising the public awareness
of trail riders and emphasis placed on the all-round family qualities of
this breed. Smart marketing of our breed (and not individual horses) should
be used to increase the market price of all of our horses and foals.
10) Spotted Horse Class added to Spring Show
and/or Celebration. (numerous requests)
(I
suggested this in behalf of those who asked for it but it was rejected.)
11) Not to allow transmission devises (head
phones, etc.) in the show rings at MFTHBA shows, and to allow these devises.
This has been a divided issue which I suspect will reoccur.
I have had many more requests since the above
requests were recorded. I have taken presented to the BOD all the requests
of the members who have contacted. Some have been considered and accepted
while others have been considered and rejected.
There have been numerous suggestions and the above are just a few
Speaking Candidly
During my years as a Director I have received many more more requests and suggestions. Below are a few examples.
1) Fairness and accuracy in enforcing show
rules. (Absolutely agree with. I would also like to see a procedural
seminar for judges, ring stewards, and ring masters before each show to
review rules and rule changes.
2) Equal opportunity of membership in advertising
and promotion. Membership observation that there should not be special
privileges or appearance thereof of BOD members in advertising or MFTHBA
funded promotion projects. The horses and not individual agendas should
be promoted. ( I agree.)
3) In Committee Appointments more attention
should be placed on credentials than who a person is or private agendas.
(I
definitely agree here. I have always believed that professionalism and
qualifications should be of utmost importance in committee appointments.)
4) What happened to affiliate meetings?(There
is one affiliate meeting at the Celebration each year. Please let
me know how you think it was handled and any suggestions you may have.
As a member of the BOD I am interested in your views and any suggestions
for improvements. There is no reason that affiliates could not or should
not be meeting with each other as well as with the Board of Directors during
the year. Personally, I encourage affiliates to organize regionally
and internationally, discover one another's common needs and whenever you
wish to be heard contact the office to be placed on the BOD meeting agenda
when you will have a representative present at a meeting. In this manner
issues affecting all affiliates can be brought to our attention and addressed.)
5) What is being done about a covered arena?
This and other improvements to the show grounds and MFTHBA facilities is
top priority, so much so that our BOD created a committee just for that
purpose.
(I did bring this up in workshops when we have
discussed the direction our planning and building committee should take.
There are many other projects being discussed and considered by this committee.
I am currently working for necessities such as more and better handicapped
parking and facilities, barns with stalls we can rent to those who come
to the Celebration but do not own a stall, more camper spaces and improvements
to existing facilities. Other considerations is an attractive main entrance,
cameras on 4 sides of the showing, etc. To make room for growth
we have purchased more land which will pay for itself very quickly. This
land can be used for development and can be leased or rented until needed
and is an insurance policy for having the necessary room to meet the needs
of our members into the future.)
6) Will we ever have a homecoming?(I would
like to see this happen. Anyone who has been in the breed for a long
time can remember that the annual membership meeting was once a huge social
event with food and entertainment. This could be our homecoming date
with the association showing its appreciation for the membership by
providing entertainment and snacks and refreshments for those who come.
Add a trade show in the afternoon before the meeting where space can be
rented to vendors and we would definitely have the makings of a fun day
and a return to the social interaction we all once enjoyed.)
2004
Reasons for Serving in 2001
My only
reason for serving is that I feel I have much to contribute toward
the betterment of our association in many ways. I truly believe we
have the best horse breed of any and as a member and horse owner I would
like to see this breed advance to the benefit of both our horses and our
membership.
Our association needs broader representation not just in physical area, but in area of interests and activities including and other than that of showing. If I am elected I feel that I can add a perspective that is lacking on the Board now and that is from someone who enjoys activities with MFTs other than showing.
I can add to the Board not only a missing perspective, but a woman's perspective. The knowledge I bring with me is that of professional promotion and advertising., my committee experience, a sense of fairness and ethics, and my desire to view with an open mind all points of view before deciding my position on issues brought before the Board.
I will not be an inactive member, but will bring issues, requests, etc. before the board. I do not make my living from my horses so serving as a director would not be a conflict of interest for me. I have opinions and fresh new ideas to increase the popularity, public awareness, and financial profits for our association and breed.
I will be glad to answer questions on my personal beliefs on the issues in this election
The following is the flyer distributed when Charlotte Blackwell was campaigning for her board position-even though she has been elected it was felt that all have the right to check to see what has been accomplished while in office.
Let's put the emphasis back on the horses...and the trust back in the people!
I
am Charlotte Blackwell and my mare in the picture is Franny. I am not a
politician or campaigner. I am simply a member like you are. I want
to listen to you, understand your concerns, and represent all of you who
enjoy many varied fields of interest when it comes to our horses. I will
add a woman's perspective to those of the men who serve on the BOD now.
The closest I have ever come to showing is riding in the flag ceremonies at Ava. I like to enjoy my horses in other ways. Our horses are a part of our family. They WORK along side us (skid logs, mend fence, round up cattle, lift up barn roofs, plow snow off the lane to the main road (in harness), pull carts loaded with fire wood, etc. ) and they PLAY along with us (trail rides, presidential and 4th of July parades, flag ceremonies, moonlight rides, when I was a little younger I enjoyed running barrels (or cedars) and riding in the winter can be fun, too.
IF I am elected at least I won't be showing against you in the show ring! <grin>
You will have a voice. I will actively represent you. In making decisions I will do my homework!
I will contribute a new perspective that will compliment a BOD which demonstrates acceptance of equal representation of male & female, show & pleasure horse riders, local & out of state/country members. I will keep my sense of humor.
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