This past year has seen a continuation of the trend I have seen the past couple of years in the way my correspondence is handled.  Although there are certain routine mailings such as membership applications, new member packets, life member certificates, thank-you and sympathy cards and communications to and from AKC, the increased use of e-mail and the vast amount of breed information readily obtained from the BCOA web site as well as the AKC web site is affecting the number of requests I receive and the amount of mail sent.

It is important that each of the regional clubs is aware that they are to send requests for their specialties to me for Board approval.  Although the Board has authorized blanket approval for the regional specialties it is necessary that we check to make sure there are no date conflicts and that we have each club’s information so that it can be included in the Events Calendar.  We occasionally run into problems with AKC regarding approval of individual events and if I have the information at hand it is easier to resolve these problems.  Regional clubs must also remember to send me an updated list of officers each year for our records.

There is confusion on the part of some clubs regarding Trophy Supported Entries (TSE’s).  Applications for these events are obtained from the Governor of the region in which the show will be held and the request sent to the BCOA Recording Secretary, Lydia Pruett, for Board approval.  If they are sent to me it just holds up the approval process.
 

The AKC Parent Club List is quite active with discussions on constitutional matters, health issues, rescue, types of membership, specialties, judge selection, etc.  If any of the regional clubs has an issue they would like to see addressed, feel free to contact me and I will place it on the list and get back to you with the response.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Mays, Corresponding Secretary