IV.  REPORT OF THE AKC DELEGATE

AKC Delegate - James Smith.

Mr. Smith reported that there are several items to be voted on at AKC involving rules applying to dog shows. One rule change would benefit exhibitors of incorrectly entered dogs by moving their dogs into the open class. The others changes are to make rules consistent with the AKC By-laws. The delegate was instructed to vote in favor of all changes.

Mrs. Skibinski made a motion to approve the Officers? reports. Seconded by Mrs. Hennessey, the motion was approved unanimously.

V.  STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Charles Garvin

1. Ethics - Edward Flock

Mr. Flock submitted a written report regarding legal charges filed by one member against another. Since charges were already filed, the ability of the Ethics Committee to mediate this situation became moot. This situation will be considered under an executive board session.

An email was received and shared from a committee chair that had been replaced. The board decision to replace this committee chair will be researched and reviewed at the next meeting due to receiving this email after the board agenda was distributed. A letter will be sent informing the party of this review.

2. Legislative Liaison – Marie Fiore.

No action required.

3. Public Relations - Julie Lux.

No action required.

4. Web Page - Julia Soukup.

Ms. Soukup submitted a written report to the board of web site activities, including additions to both the DCA and the Spotter web sites. Ms. Soukup also reported on projects in process. There were approximately 11 additions/updates to the web site. There are only two projects in process. The board will review the web site for ideas on improving content. No action is requested.

B. Sheila Wymore

1. AKC Gazette - Sharon Boyd.

   Mrs. Boyd reported that the next editorial deadline for the AKC Gazette is June 5, 2008. There are no current issues to report.

2. Historian - Cheryl Steinmetz.

   Mrs. Steinmetz reported on recent activity regarding inquiries and inventory management, as well as new materials received. She will be working with the Membership Education Committee bring more material from our collection to the membership for their enjoyment and use. Also the DCA video library will be moved from membership Education to the Historical collection. At the Specialty they plan to have a small exhibit in the main ballroom. Another year rental on the storage space was requested. Mrs. Hennessey made a motion to approve the expenditure for another year rental of a climate-controlled storage unit. Seconded by Mr. Cramer, the motion passed. Several donated items will need to be looked over by this committee to be sure their continued storage is needed.

3. The Spotter - Paula Olcott.

   At this time Dr. Krukenkamp excused himself from Spotter discussion. Mrs. Olcott reported that the Top Spot letters of congratulations and requests to advertise were sent. She received between 25 to 30 top spot ads, most of which are color ads. There are no volunteers yet for an obedience columnist. Plus a second chance drawing for the Spotter cover will be drawn at the July board meeting. Every entry that did not win at the national is eligible for the second chance drawing, along with any new entries received between the national and the board meeting. The flyer is also going up on the web site for people to download.

   A Spotter Team Proposal was presented with the team members as Marie “Debbie” Zink-Managing Editor, Ann Lyon-Advertising Manager, Chad Garvin-Copy Editor, Kris Benoit-Layout Manager, and Kathy Szomoru-Publishing manager. Each person brings a unique background to the team. Additional volunteers will be needed. Mrs. Wymore made a motion to accept the proposal from Spotter Team requesting that the new team develop a ghost issue with all information provided for the summer specialty issue, the current editor’s last issue. Seconded by Mrs. Boyd, the motion passed. At this time Dr. Krukenkamp rejoined the board meeting.

C. Diana Skibinski

1. DCARE - Diana Skibinski.

   No action required.

2. Membership - Mary Widder.

   Ms. Widder submitted a written list of ten names to be considered for membership. Mrs. Skibinski read the list of applicants and their sponsors to the board. Mr. Cramer made a motion accept the ten applications presented. Seconded by Mrs. Wymore, the motion passed.

3. Standard - Barbara Greenspan.

   No action required.

D. Sharon Boyd

1. Specialty Steering - Edward Flock.

   Mr. Flock submitted a written statement reporting the DCA 2008 National Specialty is completely on track and well organized. The numbers will reflect that this Specialty will be large, although not as large as 2005. It will exceed 2006 and 2007.

   1. Specialty Show Committee - Jennifer Cramer
      Mrs. Cramer presented a written report to the board.
      1. DCA Specialty 2008, 4/25 – 5/1, Ft. Mitchell, KY – Jennifer Cramer, Chair.

         Mrs. Cramer reported that we are anticipating a very successful show for 2008.

         As of April 7th there are 798 reserved nights at the Drawbridge Inn. We only needed 480 to be able to get the London Hall, Wing Rooms, and meeting rooms at no cost. This number of room nights will also give us the capability to have enough comp rooms for all our judges. All orders for the show have gone up this year. The Performance Fund should make about the same as last year which is around $5,000.000. Gayle Riggins has done a wonderful job with this fund for DCA. Since our entries are up this year, we will be starting early every day and ending late. The only day we will have two rings at the same time will be Monday for Futurity and bitches.

         Trophy donations have greatly improved from last year. In 2007 total trophy donations were $7,655. For 2008, Laura Lightholder has already received $10,075. This increase is due in large part to Laura Lightholder and Gayle Riggins going after donations for trophies at the nationals last year.

         The Road Trial for DCA 2008 was cancelled on March 25th when it became apparent that there would be no entries this year. The site was notified in writing and the judges were notified. The RT trophies were almost completely donated. Most of the money donated was put towards other performance trophies or the Performance Fund by agreement with the donor.

         The Tracking Trial for DCA 2008 was also cancelled due to no entries. The judges and the site were notified. AKC was notified and the judge’s reservations at the hotel near the Tracking site cancelled.

      2. DCA Specialty 2009, 4/2 - 4/8, Lawrence, KS - Sheila Wymore, Chair.

         Mrs. Wymore reported plans are progressing normally at this point.

         The trophy chair is Laurel Allen. This committee has chosen their trophies and will present them to the board. Upon approval of the choices, a sign-up book will be available at this specialty to encourage donations.

         The road trial venue used in 2004 is no longer available. However, we have begun negotiations with Dunn’s Landing and Robin Dunn for the use of her property. She is willing to work with us to find rental horses.

         The tracking chair is Elaine Dodson. The site selected is Smithville Reservoir (a Corps of Engineers project) and application for use permit has been submitted. Local tracking people are on board to help lay tracks and supervise. Elaine is ready to contract with her judges, Linda Baschnagel and Carol Clark.

         Logo and logo items have been chosen and some will be available for sale at this specialty.

         We continue to work on the structure of the show committee. Laura Lightholder has given some valuable suggestions that will be developed further and presented at the next board meeting.

         Venues for future sites have been taken from the AKC Gazette show results, and will be passed out at this meeting. This committee expects cooperation from the board in investigating site options for 2011 and 2012, as well as selection of the chair for 2011.

         Mrs. Wymore stopped in Lawrence on her way to this specialty to familiarize herself with the venue and meet the hotel staff. We have new hotel contacts, and they seem to be looking forward to our two years with them.

         There was discussion noting the need for a PA system for the Top Twenty plus accommodations for the 2009 Health Clinics.

      3. Top Twenty – John Cramer.

         Mr. Cramer reported Top Twenty is set for Tuesday the 29th at 7:15 pm. The catalogs are being printed at this time. Only two of the Top Twenty qualifiers will not be able to show this year. Only one of this year’s qualifiers will not have an ad in the catalog. The music has been set up by Dr. Krukenkamp. The practice and drawing will be held on Sunday after the LUA dogs’ presentation. So that the Top Twenty does not conflict with the DCAF Gala there will only be desserts at the event. We have 296 tickets sold and 175 catalogs.

      4. DCA Digital Media - Irvin Krukenkamp.

         Dr. Krukenkamp reported that they have pre-formatted the digital photo Newsletters for the 2008 DCA National Specialty and also pre-arranged with the performance Chairs to have their materials ready for publication in a timely manner. The committee has have arranged for a volunteer to sit ringside with a laptop and post results to the web via e-mail on the wireless network in real time as the judging progresses.

         The committee plans to video the specialty again this year, and prepare a composite DVD with every dog labeled, and with a musical soundtrack. NEW: This year introduces LIVE recordings on 2-hour DVD’s containing un-edited raw footage of every dog in every class. There will be no labeling or music. The DVDs will be listed by their contents in two-hour segments, and offered at $20 each. This will allow people to purchase video of just one dog, one class, one event, or whatever is desired, without buying the entire show.

         Video releases have been obtained to video and prepare a DVD of the second Betty Garvin Lecturer, Dr. Keith Murphy. The committee will offer copies after the nationals, suggesting a purchase price of $10.00 of which $5.00 covers the costs to IBK and $5.00 will serve as a nominal profit for DCA. Another alternative is to offer the DVD at NO cost with underwriting by DCAF for educational purposes at the actual cost ($5.00 each) to IBK. Mrs. Hennessey made a motion that we defer decisions involving the second Betty Garvin Lecturer Dr. Keith Murphy DVD to the Dalmatian Club of America Foundation. Seconded by Mrs. Skibinski, the motion passed.

         The Digital Media Committee is ready for Top Twenty. An issue came up about a 40 second duplicate segment of music with one exhibitor. It was decided to permit this duplication. It may be advisable that the Top Twenty committee adopt the policy of NO duplicates whatsoever for next year. The board agrees and the committee will develop this policy.

         The committee has duplicated the DVD of the VHS tape of “Dalmatian Club of America: The Early Years 1905-1950’s” by Susan Brooksbanks. It is now available for sale at $10.00 each ($5.00 to IBK to cover costs, and $5.00 to DCA for nominal profit). Dr. Krukenkamp has contacted Julia Soukup to have this announced on the DCA website, and it will indicate the availability of the DVD for purchase at the national via the newsletter.

         Michele Wrath continues work on the Color Video; now focusing on a script.

E. Meg Hennessey

1. Awards & Trophys - Laura Lightholder.

   Ms. Lightholder reported that the trophies are ready for this year's competitions and reported on the donation statistics. The donations received for trophies were: Road Trial N/A (87.75% before cancellation); Agility 44.79%; Conformation 82.20%; Obedience 62%; Rally 79.16%. Our trophy donations for 2008 are overall much improved from last year. According to calculations they have collected $10,075 for 2008 with still more to come in and 2007 trophy donations were $7,655.

2. Membership Education - Sue MacMillan

   Ms. MacMillan submitted a two page report sharing the committee’s accomplishments, plans, and questions. The committee has collected numerous contracts from various sources. They are currently going through the Educational Notebook and identifying which articles need to be redone and what articles should be added. They are also creating a timeline for projects. All new articles are to be review by committee chair and any updating to the web site must be approved by the board liaison Dr. Garvin. An estimated amount to transfer the library to Florida and the conversion of tapes to DVDs will need to be submitted for board approval.

3. Purina Pro Club Challenge - Meg Hennessey.

   Mrs. Hennessey reported receiving a letter from the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program sharing that the Dalmatian Club of America earned $3,072.76 for their participation. $1,536.39 will be given to the Canine Health Foundation for use in the DCA donor advised fund. The remaining $1,536.39 is enclosed for the club’s use in funding education, health research, and/or rescue efforts. Mrs. Hennessey made a motion to renew the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program. Seconded by Mrs. Wymore, the motion passed. As of 3/31/08 the Dalmatian Club of America has 577 members declared for the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program. From January 1, 2008 though March 31, 2008, 65 members have submitted weight circles resulting in a total of $845.14 accumulated thus far for the 2008 program.

F. Ken Berg

1. Futurity - Steven E. Nielsen.

   Mr. Nielsen submitted a complete report regarding the Futurity nominations for 2008 and 2009. There are a total of 128 nominated litters for 2008. This compares to 109 litters for 2007 and 103 litters for 2006, a 17% increase over 2007. There are 319 pups nominated for 2008. This compares to 190 pups nominated in 2007 and 203 pups nominated for 2006, a 76% increase over 2007. Expenses for 2008 are expected to be $158.40 postage and supplies, $200.00 judge’s fee for a total of $358.40. The prize fund estimated is $8,233.00; this includes carryover of excess expense fund of $171.46 from 2007 and an un-cashed check of $19.25 from 2007. This is based on an entry of 161, and increase of 64%. Nominations for 2008 for both litters and individuals continue to run ahead of those for 2007.

   The 2009 Futurity has 52 nominated litters as of 4/10/08. This compares to 53 for 2008 and 51 litters for 2007. There are 43 nominated pups compared to 33 for 2008 and 15 for 2007.

   Mr. Nielsen is sending the information on the Futurity CHIC incentive program with every nomination and emailed the information twice to everyone who has participated in the Futurity. Mr. Nielsen submitted 106 new Futurity Champions to Purina in 2007 as requested by Purina.

2. Judges Education - Elaine Lindhorst.

   Mrs. Lindhorst submitted a report on upcoming seminars in August 2007 at the American Dog Judge Association (presenters Linda Lewin and Michele Markoff) and November 2, 3, 4, 2007 Judges Education of Washington (presenter Patti Strand). The next seminar is the National Specialty Show. Linda Lewin has been added to the committee to replace Susan Brooksbank. Linda Lewin has placed the seminar on Power Point.

3. Public Education - Joanne Nash.

   Mrs. Nash and her committee continue their monthly rotation of answering inquiries that come to the DCA website. Longtime committee member Paula Lisciotto has resigned and the committee hopes to add a new member in the near future. The board requests the committee prepare a hearing statement draft for review and approval.

G. John Cramer

1. Junior Showmanship - Mary Miller.
   Ms. Miller’s written report shared there are no applications for the Junior Handler Scholarship at this time. The Junior Handler Clinic at the national will be held in the London Hall 15 minutes after the judging is complete on Monday. It will be a “Meet the Handlers Workshop”. It will be a one hour workshop to sharpen up their handling skills.

2. Regional Club Council - Karen Linsky.
   Mr. Cramer will meet with the Regional Club Council on Monday one half hour after judging. He will share Purina Parent Club information, explain criteria for the national specialty location, request a list of regional club officers, and copies of regional club board minutes including newsletters. Mr. Cramer will request a copy of the regional specialty application be submitted when there is request for DCA Medallions. The board recommends regional clubs only place the web address for the DCA board minutes in their newsletter.

3. Standing Rules - Michelle Wrath.
   No action required. Mr. Cramer will request this committee look into a better way to index the Standing Rules.

H. Mary-Lynn Jensen

1. Breeder Referral - Jackie Quinn

   No action required. Dr. Jensen reported Linda McSherry accepted the northeast breeder referral position.

2. Performance Events - Rick Miller. No action required.

3. Agility - Holly Waldrop.

   Ms. Waldrop reported plans for the August 2008 agility trial in conjunction with the Clarksville Kennel Club are well under way. Advertising has been done at both local and national levels. There is a tremendous interest for this event. The committee anticipates filling all entries with a substantial waiting list. An order for ribbons will be placed within the next eight weeks. A copy of this order will be forwarded to the treasurer.

   Ms. Waldrop noted that with the price of gasoline increasing and additional new agility trials added to the calendar nationwide, many agility competitors have expressed a reluctance to travel to our national for only one day of competition. Ms. Waldrop would like to propose adding a second day of all-breed competition to the national. This would be advantageous on two fronts. It would encourage more DCA member participation and bring in profit from all-breed participants. This may be reasonable for 2010. It will depend upon a proposal submitted to the 2010 specialty chair to review for feasibility.

   The Cleveland All-Breed Training Club requested guidance on offering a perpetual trophy at DCA for the highest scoring obedience Dalmatian with an agility title. This will be in memory of longtime DCA member Pat Mullins. This request will be referred to the DCA trophy chair, Laurel Allen.

4. Obedience - Lynn Luikart.

   Ms. Luikart reported we have six Versatility Certificates, five Conformation Performance Certificates, and one Performance Ability Certificates to be awarded this year. The compilation of the Obedience Top Spots for 2007 has been completed.

5. Road Trials - Peggy Strupp.

   Mrs. Strupp reported the Road Trial Committee has approved a Road Trial: CC Test Only to be hosted by the Greater Atlanta Dalmatian Club, host chair Joni Shoup, on June 14, 2008. The GADC plans to hold a Road Trial Education Day and an Instinct Test on the same day. The GADC has been advised that their activity and dedication are appreciated, but that it must be made clear to all exhibitors/attendees that a GADC Instinct Test is NOT a DCA titling event.

   The DCA national specialty committee has cancelled the national Road Trial due to lack of entries. The cancellation was posted to the DCA members list and no complaints were received by exhibitors. To avoid possible conflict with AKC rules, it is suggested we publish any Road Trial closing dates as an earlier closing than the closing of the regular show. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion the Road Trial’s closing date may be adjusted earlier if required to assure sustainability of the trial. Seconded by Dr. Jensen, the motion passed.

   Current scheduled and DCA sanctioned Road Trials that require approval for this year include CC Test Only Dawsonville, GA June 14; Road Trial Soda Springs, ID July 12; CC Test Only King, NC September 27; and Road Trial Kelly’s Ford, VA Oct. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion that these Road trials be approved. Seconded by Mrs. Hennessey, the motion passed.

6. Tracking – Tom Hacholski.

   Mr. Hacholski reported that at the closing of the 2008 DCA National Tracking Events no entries had been received by the Superintendent. The 2008 DCA Tracking Events will not be held. The AKC, show chair, judges, hotel, Sycamore State Park, and the Dayton Obedience Training Club have been advised of this cancellation.

   Regarding the 2009 DCA National Tracking Events, contact was made with Elaine Dodson via telephone to answered questions regarding the duties of the National Tracking Chair for 2009. Assistance was offered for site procurement, arrangements for track layers and pre-event planning.

   Mr. Hacholski thanked the board for the confidence shown to him on coordinating events. He thanked all the DCA members who served on the committee and who worked very hard at the National Events as tracklayers, chauffeurs, hospitality and many other duties to allow our Dalmatians to earn their tracking titles.

I. Irv Krukenkamp

1. Health and Research - Dr. Krukenkamp.

   Dr. Krukenkamp submitted a written report on general activities. Included in this report was the Health Clinic Report from Health Clinic Director Danielle Levangie. Ms. Levangie needs to know how many rooms and which days these rooms will be available for Health Clinics. She would like the board to confirm that we will offer: BAER testing, CERF testing, and Bladder Ultrasound. Does the board want to continue with a microchip clinic? Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion that BAER testing, CERF testing and microchipping be approved as the core components of health testing at the 2009 Health Clinics. Seconded by Mrs. Skibinski, the motion passed.

   The LUA Study Group Director Dennis Trout has resigned. Nominations for this position will be considered and a slate for consideration will be presented at the next board meeting. In the interim, Dr. Krukenkamp will assume the primary responsibility for the LUA Study Group assisted By Tracie Tepke.

   The LUA Showcase Event preparations are in order. Specifics have been coordinated with Ed Flock and Jen Cramer. A survey will be put in the LUA Booth at DCA to gather information. The information gained from this survey will be shared with the membership.

   Dr. Krukenkamp has received communications from Ms. VanDervort and responded by letter after discussion with Sharon Boyd.

   The pre-proposal for the Canine Health Foundation for a LUA/HUA Clinical Trial was rejected. The reasoning cited was CHF does not fund individuals or breed clubs. This LUA/HUA Clinical Trial will be discussed at the Annual Membership Meeting with questions taken about the LUA/HUA project after the meeting. These questions will be reviewed and shared with the membership by the Health and Research Committee. The board will be speaking to the membership and looking into future plans for the LUA/HUA Clinical Trial. President Garvin will send an e-mail message to the membership about the LUA/HUA Clinical Trial.

2. Statistics - Robert VonMayr.

   Mr. Von Mayr reported the basic functionality for the top spot issue of the Spotter was performed, and that a truncated top spots article will be created for this year. He also answered 17 email inquiries on pedigrees and statistics.

   A list was provided and input shared involving the sire/dam Award of Merit proposal provided by Dr. Krukenkamp and Mrs. Skibinski. Robert Von Mayr advised the dam cut off of four champions seemed too low as it yields almost four hundred dams of merit verses less than one hundred sires of merit for the ten/twenty cut off.