Dalmatian Club of America Inc. General Membership Meeting April 28, 2008 - Ft Mitchell, KY

I. Call to Order

The Annual Membership Meeting of the Dalmatian Club of America was called to order at 7:12 PM EDT on Monday, April 28, 2008, at the Drawbridge Inn and Convention Center, Fort Mitchell, KY, by the President, J. Charles Garvin MD. DCA Governors present, in addition to President Garvin, were Mr. Kenneth Berg, Mrs. Sharon Boyd, Mr. John Cramer, Mrs. Meg Ispas-Hennessey, Dr. Mary-Lynn Jensen, Mrs. Diana Skibinski, and Mrs. Sheila Wymore. Also present was AKC Delegate Mr. James W. Smith.

President Garvin addressed the assembly, introducing the Board of Governors and the officers of the Dalmatian Club of America as well as the DCA Delegate to the AKC. He also took a moment to recognize the past presidents of the Dalmatian Club of America who were attending the specialty: Mr. Jack Austin, '78-'80; Mrs. Norma Baley, '88-'92. At this point, President Garvin asked the attending members for a moment of silence to recognize the passing this year of several members of the Dalmatian Club of America: Evelyn Bordner, Armond Dromgoole Jr., Edith Gladstone, Carol Grabowski, Walter Johnson, Susan Marsh, Patricia Mullin, Cathy Murphy, Sharon Thomsen, and Ann Thornhill. The Dalmatian Club of America will miss them all.

II. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the Annual Membership Meeting on April 30, 2007, were published in The Spotter magazine, Volume 37, Number 2. Mr. Jack Austin made a motion that the minutes of this meeting should be ratified. Seconded by Mr. Robert VonMayr, the motion passed unanimously.

III. Reports of the Officers

1. President's Report - J. Charles Garvin

   President Garvin remarked on the actions of the board of directors both this week and at previous meetings. President Garvin acknowledged we were in the midst of a great specialty. The Dalmatian Club of America needs to thank Jen Cramer Show Chair and her team for this great show. This year the Dalmatian Club of America bids a fond farewell to the Drawbridge Inn where we have been for four years. In 2009 and 2010 the Dalmatian Club of America National Specialty will be in Lawrence, Kansas. Sheila Wymore will be the show chair. President Garvin encouraged the membership to volunteer and make a difference in 2011. The Dalmatian Club of America is looking for a show chair, show site, and committee members for 2011. A regional club or companion shows are not needed. John Cramer has a list of guidelines with criteria for those interested.

   President Garvin then addressed the second issue handled by the board of DCA this week. The board looked at various donations. The Dalmatian Club of America gave $1,000.00 to the AKC Humane Fund to become a founding member and $2,500.00 from the DCA Donor Advised Funds at AKC Canine Health Foundation for the benefit of a research study on Mast Cell Role in Allergies and other disease. If the AKC Canine Health Foundation will include Dalmatians in their study, the amount offered will be doubled. A request for donation was reviewed from Take the Lead. The Dalmatian Club of America supports this as an excellent organization but decided it was best if donations came from individual DCA members.

   A third issue addressed by President Garvin was the increasing popularity of the Dalmatian. The Dalmatian has been at low ebb for several years since the huge increase in the 1990s. So with this increase there will be new owners, new exhibitors, and new breeders. Despite what PETA and Animal Rights people will tell you, breeding is not evil. Breeding to maintain the integrity of the Dalmatian is a noble endeavor. It is not easy but it is something that we should all be proud of doing. Instead of discouraging breeding as a whole, we should encourage proper breeding, breeding that has been planned appropriately and involves health clearances. We want to welcome new people into our fold and help them to improve their breeding program.

   The fourth issue addressed by President Garvin was a time period set aside after adjournment of the Annual Meeting for questions and comments regarding the Low Uric Acid Project. The Dalmatian Club of America is trying to gather further information on what the membership wants to learn about the project. The goal is not to answer questions tonight but to rather find out what questions need to be researched, investigated, and answered. President Garvin encouraged all to stay for this session.

   President Garvin thanked the membership for their participation in the specialty this week. He encouraged everyone to continue having a good time.

2. Secretary's Report - Sharon L. Boyd

   Mrs. Boyd noted in years past her job consisted of reporting how many calls and letters she received. She still gets a few inquiries and responds to them with a DCA Red Book. The American Kennel Club is still including the Dalmatian Club of America information sheet and those inquiries are also responded to with a DCA Red Book. With the advent of the internet and the good work of the Public Education Chair Joanne Nash and her committee, numerous questions are answered. Mrs. Boyd thanked Joanne Nash, Public Education Chair, and the members of the committee for the work they perform. She did note that as of the last board meeting we have reached a total of 967 members. She also stated that the medallions for regional club specialties are now being sent out by Sheila Wymore, and medallions would be available after tonight's meeting for regional representatives to pick up. Mrs. Boyd stated she had membership applications available, gold and silver membership pins for purchase, and would send out any "red books" upon request.

3. Treasurer's Report - Meg Ispas-Hennessey

   Mrs. Hennessey presented a report upon the status of the current financial position of the Dalmatian Club of America by reporting final totals for 2007. Bank balances for various categories were $84,736.00. Income for all categories for 2007 totaled $149,754.00. Expenses for all categories for 2007 totaled $137,263.00. Therefore DCA net total in the black for 2007 was $12,491.00. This money is due in part to the Spotter Staff, My Old Kentucky Home Specialty, the Performance Fund and Trophy Donations. Mrs. Hennessy thanked the Spotter Staff for reducing the cost of the Spotter from $1.50 each issue last year to $.55 each issue this year.

   Mrs. Hennessey reported that she wrote an article on trophy donations for the Spotter. The trophies will be changing for next year. Trophy donations will be accepted by Laurel Allen and Marcia Givens. They are in attendance and have the trophy book for donations.

   Mrs. Hennessey reported on the Purina Weight Circle Program. Every regional club was advised of this program through their secretaries. During the course of the year we had weight circles sent in by three clubs. The Dalmatian Organization of Houston won the contest and they earned $268.00 from the weight circles they sent in. The Purina Weight Circle Program will continue this year beginning on July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2009. Purina weight circles are to be sent to Laura Keidaisch. If your club wins the contest, they will receive fifty percent of the money from the weight circles. If your club does not win, you will still receive twenty five percent of the money from the weight circles submitted. The remainder of the monies received will be donated to the Dalmatian Club of America Foundation.

   The treasurer further reported that dues notices will be mailed in May. On July 1, 2008 dues will be due. There will be two additions to the dues notice this year. The board is requesting an update on your occupation and there will be a line for what committee you would like to volunteer.

IV. Dalmatian Club of America AKC Delegate - James W. Smith

Mr. Smith stated that per recent years' reports, he will not be reporting in depth on AKC activities as all that information is readily available in a timely manner electronically. He stated that the AKC web site contains almost any piece of information the purebred fancier might need to know. He noted that the American Kennel Club Humane Fund and the Political Action Committee are examples of how AKC has progressed with positive public education. Mr. Smith again made everyone aware that in addition to serving as the DCA delegate to the AKC, he is also available to assist individual club members who might have either a question or a problem with the AKC.

V. Dalmatian Club of America Foundation - James W. Smith

President Smith reported that the DCAF board had a very productive meeting on Saturday, April 26. The most important item to report was the creation of an active, current and viable Investment Committee. For many years DCAF investments have consisted of CDs and S&P 500 Index Funds. DCA member Christine Gogan from Denver, CO is a professional investor who gave an investment presentation and will be lending her services to the Investment Committee. It has come to the DCAF attention that some gifts have not been properly acknowledged or recorded. Ongoing levels of donations have not been kept up to date. These issues will be rectified. President Smith encouraged anyone with questions to speak to him during the week.

Mrs. Luanne Williams made a motion to approve the officer and committee reports as presented. Seconded by Mrs. Ila Watts, the motion passed unanimously.

VI. SELECTED STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Legislative Liaison - Marie Fiore.
   President Garvin reported that Mr. Jim Holt AKC Lobbyist who has been very involved with legislation passed away suddenly. Mrs. Fiore stepped forward and gave a brief synopsis on legislation across the country. She noted recent spay/neuter bills have resulted in more dogs and cats being relinquished to shelters due to owners not wanting to comply. When you notice legislation like this, you need to get in touch with your legislators. Mrs. Fiore has a monthly national legislation report. There is not one state in the union that does not have legislation going on with regard to spay/neuter, dangerous dog, tethering or crating animals. Please be very cognizant of what is happening in your area and feel free to contact Mrs. Fiore for information.

2. Spotter – Paula Olcott.
   President Garvin reported the board is very proud of the Spotter Team’s work. Paula Olcott has been the editor for a number of years and has done a wonderful job. The Specialty issue is the last Spotter Paula will be in charge of producing. President Garvin requested Paula Olcott stand for recognition. President Garvin then announced the board has approved a new team of volunteers that will be taking over production of the Spotter. This team consists of Debbie Zink, Ann Lyons, Kathy Szomoru, Chad Garvin, Kris Benoit, plus several other volunteers. He then requested the new Spotter team stand for recognition. President Garvin announced the new team will be working with the old team on the next Spotter creating a practice issue.

3. Digital Media Committee – Irv Krukenkamp.
   President Garvin stated the Digital Media Committee has made available last year’s Betty Garvin Memorial Speaker’s Series on DVD. Last night’s lecture by Dr. Keith Murphy was also videotaped and will become available. The Dalmatian Club of America Foundation has graciously donated the expenses and with Dr. Krukenkamp’s work this DVD will be available without charge. The video DCA The Early Years from 1905 to 1950 has been converted to DVD and is available. President Garvin explained the reason we are able to accomplish the above is due to the hard work of Dr. Krukenkamp. President Garvin requested the membership show their appreciation of Dr. Krukenkamp’s work.

4. Purina Parent Club Partnership Program - Bob Ekle.
   President Garvin noted through the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program over $3,000.00 was donated in 2007 for the benefit of health and research for Dalmatians in DCA’s name. This is above and beyond Purina’s specialty club sponsorship. DCA appreciates all that Purina does to make our specialty great and make the entire Dalmatian world a better place. President Garvin requested Mr. Ekle from Purina to stand for recognition.

5. Futurity – Steve Nielsen.
   President Garvin stated the Futurity had a tremendous increase in entries. He reminded the membership there is $1,400.00 to be taken home if the winners have the sire and dam CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) certified. This is to encourage members to have their Dalmatians in the CHIC Program. Any questions as to how to get your Dalmatian CHIC certified can be directed to Mr. Nielsen the Futurity Chair or any board member.

6. Registry of Merit Program – Diana Skibinski.
   President Garvin announced the board approval of a Registry of Merit Program. This will go into effect with existing dogs being grandfathered through 2007. Registry of Merit Sires will be those dogs who have produced ten or more champions and Registry of Merit Dams will be those who have produced six or more champions. The Registry of Merit Excellent Sires will be those dogs who have produced twenty or more champions and the Registry of Merit Excellent Dams will be those who have produced eight or more champions. There will be more information coming out about this program.

7. Performance Events - Rick Miller.
   President Garvin shared that in the performance area the board is looking at ways to encourage more entries in agility and road trial. The board is looking at including non-Dalmatians and non-AKC dogs in our events. This is on the drawing board and the board is looking at the pluses and minuses.

8. Health and Research – Danielle Levangie.
   President Garvin announced the Health and Research Clinics will be back in 2009. Danielle Levangie will be the Chair. There will be BAER Testing, CERF Testing, Microchip Clinic and possibly more. There will be more information coming.

9. Clinical Trial – Board of Governors.
   President Garvin announced at the last board meeting the governors examined a proposed clinical trial involving the low uric acid and high uric acid progeny of the original Dalmatian Pointer Backcross. This was done in order to meet the grant writing deadline of the Canine Health Foundation. The grant was rejected by the CHF on technical grounds. The Health and Research Committee will revise this Clinical Trial so it may be submitted for alternative funding. This is a long term project that may reveal interesting information. Once the Clinical Trial is revised it will be shared with everyone.

10. 2009 Specialty Show – Sheila Wymore.
    Mrs. Wymore stepped forward and informed everyone some 2009 logo items would be available after the meeting. Sharon Boyd will be selling DCA pins, Mrs. Wymore will be available for club representatives to sign for DCA Bronze Medallions, DCAF Christmas Cards will be available along with various past, current and future DCA Specialty items.

    Mrs. Wymore announced the 2009 DCA National Specialty will be at the Holiday Inn Holidome in Lawrence, Kansas. This is the same venue as the 2004 specialty. The show will begin on Thursday, April 2, 2009 with the Road Trial and will move on from there to the other activities. The board approved opening the Tracking Trial to other breeds. There are tracking people in the Lawrence area that will provide manpower. The Tracking Trial will be first open to Dalmatians without a title, then to Dalmatians with a title and finally to other breeds. The show committee has location for the Road Trial and is working on obtaining rental horses.

    Mrs. Wymore shared for those who do not get enough of obedience, rally, agility, and conformation that on April 3rd, 4th and 5th Wichita, Kansas (163 miles away) is having three all breed shows with all of those venues. Heartland Dalmatian Club will follow our national specialty with two specialty shows along with a barbeque dinner. Grove, Oklahoma (270 miles away) will have two all breeds the next weekend. Mrs. Wymore announced that in the hospitality room after the meeting there will be magnets, fliers and maps to pick up with next year’s date.

11. 2008 Specialty Show – Jen Cramer.
    Mrs. Cramer stepped forward to make a few announcements. Since this was her last year, Mrs. Cramer thanked the National Show Committee which consisted of Meg Hennessey, Sharon Boyd, Laura Lightholder, Kathy Szomoru, Robert Stein, and John Cramer for four years of tremendous commitment. Mrs. Cramer reminded the membership that the National Specialty is no longer just a dog show but a Dalmatian convention. Mrs. Cramer thanked everyone for coming and wished them a good time. Then President Garvin requested each member that serves on a DCA committee to stand for recognition, also.

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

None.

IX. NEW BUSINESS.

None.

X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Robert VonMayr made a motion that the meeting be adjourned at 7:55 PM EDT. Seconded by Mrs. Judy Murray, the motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,
Diana Skibinski
DCA Recording Secretary