In attendance: approximately 25-30 members

Jimmie opened the meeting & distributed the August President's Letter to use as a meeting guide.

Topic 1: Improve communications with members. Jimmie explained these meetings are a start. Her President's letters is being expanded to include asking members for input on emerging important topics. The response to the surveys has been very good.

Topic 2: The role of the WPRA World Finals. Jimmie explained how the World Finals fits with the strategy of providing more opportunities to all members of the WPRA base to compete in a Finals situation. She explains how co-approvals, Futurity/Derby, Roping also fit into the Finals strategy.

Jimmie reviewed the Board's decision to allow $ won in the 2011 World Finals Card race count toward 2012 qualification standings for limited rodeos. She further explains that for the $ to count the member must also have competed at 10 WPRA/PRCA sanctioned rodeos in 2011.

During this discussion, Jimmie was asked to re-iterate what it takes to get into the 2011 All American Finals. She explained how $ won at the finals counts towards 2011 qualifications for limited entry rodeos.

Topic 3: Concern over the # of releases and turnouts at rodeos. Jimmie asked for thoughts on why the # of releases & turnouts are going up and how to handle them. Responses ranged from entry open dates are as early as 6 weeks out causing members to enter even though much could happen to their horses between then and the rodeo, to higher than anticipated entry fees, to a large # of overlapping rodeo dates, etc.

There was a discussion about the 30-hour replacement policy. The issue that is confusing is how Procom records the replacement information and how it is reflected on the secretary sheets. By not deleting who is coming off, it distorts the # of entries and makes it confusing as to when the drag will occur.

There was a discussion about who is accountable to monitor free trades.

There was a discussion about why contestants get conflicted and how some of that is the nature of rodeo and more trades might help.

Topic 4: Share thoughts on limited entry rodeos. There was a discussion about pros/cons of them. Jimmie covered why they are important to rodeo committees and how the association has to balance the needs of committees with the WPRA's role to provide more opportunities for members to compete.

Thoughts were shared about how Fort Worth should be formatted.

Topic 5: Funding Omaha supplemental bonus $. Jimmie explained how we have worked with Omaha to obtain inventory to offer to sponsors. She explained that in 2011 the WPRA is adding $18,500 as supplemental bonus $. She asked for feedback to a proposed armband/patch idea. They think it is a good idea.

Topic: 6 Funding Puyallup supplemental bonus $. Jimmie explained that Puyallup has no inventory to offer the WPRA to use to seek sponsorships. Jimmie shared the idea raised at the Cheyenne meeting. It was suggested which that the format for advancing at Puyallup be changed, given how weather can have a big impact on success at Puyallup. They think it was a good idea.

Topic 7: Rodeo Pay and the need for a WPRA solution. There were questions asking if the WPRA is going to offer Rodeo Pay or something like it. Members would like their $ faster and not in the form of a check sitting in their mailboxes while they are on the road. Jimmie explained this topic is a priority for the Board to work on for 2012. They like the idea of putting earnings right into a member's checking account.

Topic 8: Review of the WPRA data base project. Jimmie reviewed what work had been started, what got accomplished and why it was stopped. She explained that the project is being re-addressed and that the Board thinks they have a good plan for going forward.

Topic 9: Discussed thoughts regarding WPRN magazine and the lack of timely information. They agreed the magazine is not the place for important information. It was suggested that when going digital, there needs to be phone application.

Topic 10: Thanks. One member wanted to remind all how it so important to thank the tractor drivers for all they do.

Jimmie closed he meeting and thanked those who were able to attend.