WPRA Board of Directors Meeting - March 5, 6 &7, 2010
Houston Texas
Summary

In Attendance: Kathi Myers, Jerri Mann, Jessica Melvin, Amber West, Gina Graham, Kristie Hurn, Beth Ann Borowy, Kim Thomas, Donna Irvin, Lana Tibbetts, Laura Lambert, Tana Poppino, Tamme Fussell, Lois Ferguson, Sarah Kieckhefer, Kali Jo Parker, Dana Eismeier- WPRA Attorney and Janet Cropper- WPRA Executive Secretary

Friday, March 5, 2010, 1:30-5:30 PM - Directors Orientation

All Officers and Directors participated in a review of the WPRA Directors Handbook.

Saturday, March 6, 2010, 8:00 AM-5:30 PM- General Meeting

Kathi Myers called the meeting to order. Welcome and outlines agenda for next 2 days

President's Report- Kathi Myers
Highlights include last year's goals; building bridges with members, committees and PRCA.
For 2010 we will continue our efforts to increase communications with each group.

Vice President's Report- Jerri Mann
Highlights include: update on the success of the 2009 WPRA Saddle Rotation program and the 2009 WNFR Star Celebration which included the top 15, committees and sponsors. Additionally, Jerri reminded all of the overall need to directly support our sponsors.

Attorney's Report- Dana Eismeier
Highlights include: a primer on the importance of the WPRA Business Plan. He reminded all of the importance of the WPRA pyramid strategy, which identifies the role of our elite segment, middle segment and the importance of newer efforts including Futurity/Derby, PESI, juniors and Co-approvals to overall WPRA growth.

Sponsorship Update- Katie Hollingsworth, Western Integrity
Katie, briefed the Directors on the importance of supporting all WPRA sponsors whenever possible. She further explained the very different climate which exists when seeking sponsorship partners. Money is very tight with sponsors. They need to see a clear return in terms of a lift in sales in order to consider allocating valuable dollars to anyone.

Katie provided a recap of 2009 sponsors and their funding. Next she explained the strategy for 2010. Several proposals are out in the hands of existing and new sponsors. Lastly she provided an update on joint marketing efforts with the PRCA.

2009 Financial Recap and 2010 Budget Recommendation- Janet Cropper
Janet provided a preliminary recap of 2009 financials. The official audit, which will finalize 2009, will be available from our external Auditor by mid April. Janet outlined the proposed 2010 budget, as approved by the Business Committee.

Major Violations Hearings- Closed Session- all Directors

Meeting adjourned for the day.

Sunday, March 7, 2010 8:00 AM- 4:00PM- General Meeting

Roping Update and Strategy for 2010- Jessica Melvin, Roping Director
Jessica reviewed how she sees achieving growth in the Roping segment of our business. She is advocating a very big push for new membership and the need for the Women's World Finals to be core of the value proposition.

2010 Women's World Finals Strategic Committee Update- Janet Cropper and Laura Lambert were asked to present on behalf of the committee
Janet provided context from the 2009 experience and reviewed the analysis performed by the WWF Strategic Committee. She walked the Board through the committee's logic and conclusion to hold a 2010 World Finals in Lincoln, NE and to re-position it for greater member and non member participation. The WWF committee is also going to change production management, re-format events and apply new sponsor segmentation to broaden sponsor engagement.

Laura Lambert shared a new business opportunity/proposition to consider for diversifying income streams both short and long term.

2010 WPRA Business Objectives- Janet Cropper
Janet outlined a preliminary list of objectives to consider given the difficult economic climate facing members, committees, sponsors and desired growth plans. Recommendations focus on income generation (aggressive membership drives), expense management (a disciplined approach to spending), membership satisfaction (what is on members minds) and considering the need to experiment at diversifying income streams.

Miscellaneous Topics- Kathi Myers
The Directors concluded slot races are not to count toward WPRA points or standings. There is a need to focus more attention around our junior membership effort. Roping and Rough Stock will be referred to as Roping Division as we get more focused on that business. There is little opportunity around rough stock activities. The association Contribution budget was determined for 2010.

Committee Assignments-Reviewed by Kathi Myers and Jerri Mann
Election Committee - Tana Poppino (chair), Jessica, Lana, Beth and Jerri
Rule Book Committee- Kathi (chair), Sarah and Janet

Circuit Updates- provided by each Director

The next Board meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 29 & 30, 2010 in Colorado Springs.

Meeting is adjourned.

Women’s Professional Rodeo Association
Spring 2009 - April 5 & 6, 2009
Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs, Colorado

Attendees: Officers: Kathi Myers, Jerri Mann, Circuit & Event Directors: Imogene Fyffe, Lisa Novak, Lana Tibbetts, Laura Lambert, Kristie Hurn, Lanita Powers, Beth Borowy, Tamme Fussell, Lois Ferguson, Kali Jo Parker, Kim Thomas, Business Director: Chelle Wahlert, Attorney: Dana Eismeier, Interim Executive Secretary: Janet Cropper, Remote attendees: Gina Graham, Sindi Jandreau, Sarah Kieckhefer.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Meeting called to order by President, Kathi Myers at 7:45 AM

Financial & Strategic Growth Discussion
The 2006 WPRA Financial Compilation was distributed to all new Directors and the 2007 WPRA Financial Compilation was distributed to all Directors. The Board reviewed a historical timeline highlighting the WPRA’s financial condition, policies & practices since 2001 as well as made note a 2008 financial audit is currently underway.

WPRA World Finals Discussion
Western Integrity (retained by the WPRA in late 2008 as a production company to handle all logistics for Tulsa) discussed their progress to date with organizing this year’s Finals and identifying sponsorship opportunities. They also reviewed requirements to consider once the contract in Tulsa expires at the end of 2009. Future sites consideration includes the timing of the event in an attempt to avoid overlap with a circuit finals and geographic considerations.

Motion: Give Western Integrity the go ahead to go to Tulsa and continue their work with locking in sponsors.
Motion amended: Give Western Integrity the go ahead to go to Tulsa and continue their work with locking in sponsors and include Kim & Imogene. Motion passed

WPRA NFR
Kathi reviewed with the Board the WPRA’s obligations, coverage and the opportunities while at the NFR meeting in December.

DNCFR Update
Kathi provided an update of her meetings with Karl Stressman.

Motion: The WPRA Board of Directors agrees to the latest letter from the PRCA. Motion passed.

Guest Speaker
Karl Stressman joined the meeting as a guest and addressed the Board. Mr. Stressman discussed his views about the world of rodeo and his views on how to improve and strengthen the relationship between the WPRA & PRCA.

WPRN Update
Ann reviewed with the Board the income and expense levers which impact the magazine’s profitability and success she has had with reducing the cost per issue.

Committee Review

Magazine Committee (New)
It was decided that a Magazine Committee would be formed to help define the role of the magazine (for member
news/interests, sponsor reach, etc), challenge thinking, provide Board input, establish editorial guidance, etc
Board Representation: 3 Board members- Lana (Chairperson), Laura and Sarah

Protest Committee
The Board reviewed the current policy and process for the Protest committee. (The Protest Committee deals with minor rule violations only.)
Board Representation: 3 Members- Jerri (Chairperson), a new rotating Director each month and the Director from the protestor’s circuit

Grievances
Grievances are handled by the full Board as outlined under section 1.4 in the rule book. Jerri is the Chairperson who will facilitate between the office and the Board for an efficient review process.

Election Committee
With the fall ’09 election coming up, the Board will reconvene the Election Committee to review the process and timing necessary to have a smooth election.
Board Representation: 3 Members- Sindi (Chairperson), Kali Jo and Beth

Rule Book Committee (New)
It was decided a Rule Book committee would be formed to help provide the office/Board/members with clear interpretations of rules, provide content for the Q & A sections of our magazine and the web site and explore options for rewriting and formatting the rule book.
2 Members- Jerri and Sindi (requesting input from Jolee- former Board member)

Communications Committee (New)
It was decided a Communications Committee would be formed to create communications direction, policy, guidelines and timing for improved and more frequent communications with members.
Board Representation: 4 Members- Chelle (chairperson) Gina, Lana and Kristie

WPRA Finals Committee
A committee already exists to oversee this year’s finals.
Board Representation: 7 Members Imogene (chairperson) Jerri, Tamme, Lois, Gina, Lisa and Lanita

Business Committee
The Board reviewed a historical timeline outlining the creation and purpose of the Business Committee and how to fill Kathi’s remaining term of 1 year
Motion: Appoint Laura as Business Director to fill Kathi’s remaining 1 year term. Motion passed
5 Members- Kathi as President (chairperson) Imogene, Lisa (at large Director), Chelle and Laura

Junior Committee
The Board discussed the critical importance of Juniors as part of the future growth strategy for WPRA
Board Representation: 3 Members- Tamme (chairperson), Sarah and Jerri

Note: As President, Kathi is part of all committees.

Kathi provided a recap of the days activities and adjourned the meeting until the next morning

Monday, April 6, 2009

Meeting called to order by President, Kathi Myers at 8:15 AM

Banker Review of WPRA Accounts
The WPRA day to day and investment bankers provided the Board with a review of the relationship, outlined current account performance, fee structure and reiterated the conservative nature of WPRA investments.

Member Question- Held in Executive Session

Major Violation Review- Held in Executive Session

WPRA Contribution Commitments
The Board reviewed a list of organizations which the WPRA supports with contributions.
Donation levels were reviewed and established for 2009

International Participation at WWF
The Board reviewed requests received from Australia, Italy and Brazil to participate in the WPRA World Finals as well as handling competitors from Hawaii.

Motion: Create an honorary circuit and a 1 time special membership card for International participation at the WWF.
Motion: Include the state of Hawaii with the California Circuit to qualify for the WWF. Motion passed

Reviewed Office Policy for hardship cases regarding membership

Reviewed a remaining invoice for 2008 NFR & WPRA World Finals
Motion: Pay the invoice. Motion passed

Rule Proposals for 2010
The Board discussed revising the date for 2010 rule proposals in order to allow for a November, 2009 distribution the 2010 Rule Book

Circuit Directors were reminded to submit a list of Spokespeople to be approved by the Board

Summer 2009 Board of Directors Meeting
The Board set the next meeting date for August 30 & 31, 2009. A location will be identified.

Kathi adjourned the meeting.