The American Morgan Horse Association e-Letter

MORGAN NEWS

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Dearest Region V Members

My Thanks again to all those that worked so hard at the 2008 convention in Minnesota. A fabulous time was had by all that attended, And those that didn't...we missed you. The weather was cold outside, but the positive energy and the warm hearts by far made up for the temperatures.

I want to thank those of you who exercised your right to vote in the recent election. I truly feel honored to serve you again. Congratulations go to our newly elected directors: Jack Gatewood, (Region 3), Pat West (Region 4), Kris Breyer (region 5). Reelected directors are Sherry Cole (region 3), and Harry Sebring DAL. We welcome your comments on our new election process, I think it went well considering it was our first year of mail in ballots only.

Many thanks to our outgoing President Mike Goebig. He has been a steadfast rock solid, moral compass for our breed. His high standards are a comfort for me to rely on. Welcome to our new President, Cindy Mugnier. She is a long time dedicated Morgan fan. Her devotion to the breed can only be matched by her devotion to her family. We will be in great hands.

The following is a brief overview of our meetings in Minnesota.

Registry
This is a busy time of year for the department because of the stallion reports that are due. Even with all the overload, we have around a 20 day turn around for correctly completed registrations. Registration and transfers are close to what staff predicted they would be; somewhat down, but expected. The entire equine industry is experiencing a decline. A new form is being worked on for stallion owners' authorization of frozen semen certificates.

IT
This committee reports that they are reviewing the website and are making plans to do some design and content updates.

Finance
We did end the year with a loss. This was expected, but it was not as much of a loss as we thought. We really tightened our belts the last half of the fiscal year. Much credit goes to the Finance Committee and the staff for all their hard work on this. Our first month has shown a positive bottom line. Our 2007 financial audit was done by a new firm, McSoley, McCoy and Company. Getting a new accounting firm to review your records every few years is a common business practice, which was news to me. I just thought I would pass that along to you. Anyway, they reviewed both 2006 (done by the former firm, Tapia) and 2007. The new firm found our 2007 finances in good order and found the previous year's report to be accurate and appropriate. We received an "Unqualified" rating, which in accounting terms is the best you can get.

The Stallion Service auction raised a record $159,639. Just as a reminder 40% has been earmarked for marketing and promotion. 40% goes the World Morgan Futurity and 20% goes to support the Regional Shows.

In Oklahoma City, barns 8 and 9 have been torn down and there will be new barns for the 2008 Grand National.

The AMHA/AMHI invite everyone to Vermont the first weekend in May for a celebration on our 20 years in the building. On Friday, May 2, there will be a cocktail party at the building. On Saturday, May 3 there will be a derby viewing and Gala party with dancing. On Sunday, May 4, there will be a progressive brunch once again at the building. We hope to see many of our Morgan friends and family at this special event.

Please feel free to contact me for anything.

Ling
Region V Director

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