Board Minutes

ACA Board of Directors Meeting
Denver, Colo. • Jan. 19, 2008

Chairman Comer called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. MST.
Roll call was taken.

Directors present:
Stan Comer, Neal Branscum, Steve Melroe, Jill Miller, Dennis Clarahan, Myron Danner, Tom Looney, Rob Sheets, Brian Sulak, Lene Hitz, Ken Geuns

Board member excused absent:
Chuck Madaris

Staff members present:
Glen Klippenstein, Ed Creason

Guest Present:
Ed Miller

Glen introduced Ed Creason who was welcomed by the Board.

The minutes from the Nov. 12, 2007 meeting were presented. Motion was made by Jill Miller and seconded by Ken Geuns to accept the minutes as presented. Motion passed.

Steve Melroe gave the treasurer's report. It’s better this year than it was last year at this time mainly as a result of increased registrations. The 2007 National Junior Heifer Show reflects a debt of $27,431.02. Neal Branscum thought funds raised by the Kentucky  Junior Association were in excess of that figure and will research further. The Board asked Glen Klippenstein to have a detailed financial accounting report for that event from  the ACA to present at the next board meeting for follow-up.

Motion was made by Ken Geuns to accept the treasurer’s report and seconded by Neal Branscum.

Neal Branscum reported that 35 head will be in the 2008 ACA Peak of Performance & Style Sale. There won’t be on-line bidding due to the excess expense of that service. Also there are 9 entries in the bull pen show.

Myron Danner gave an update on the Beef Derby. There are 12 pens competing (at Decatur Feed Yards) and the award categories will be the same as last year. The Calcutta event will be held in the Centennial Room at the NWSS and Dr. Jim Gibb with Igenity will be the guest speaker.

Next on the agenda Jill Miller briefed us on the National Junior Heifer Show. The schedule has been finalized and the entry packets will be mailed out April 1 and due by May 1, 2008. The date and time for the ACA Major Fund Raising Event (to be held in conjunction the NJHS) will be confirmed soon.

Old Business
Glen informed the Board that Behlen Country has still not signed their contract. They have their first full page ad in the January 2008 ACJ. John Woodroof will contact them (Behlen) to follow up on the contract closure.

A 2008 National Sale at the NAILE was discussed. In order to have a good sale 25 to 35 live lots are needed. Discussion ensued on having the sale every other year to keep a strong, positive interest for both breeder and buyer participation. Also the possibility of the ACA running the sale is under consideration. Chairman Comer appointed Rob Sheets to co-chair the National Sale committee. A motion was made by Ken Geuns for both the ACA and the National Sale committee to evaluate and devise plans for said sale and report back to the board at the March meeting. Tom Looney seconded the motion. Motion passed.

The Board made it clear to the staff that all future publications of breeder sale catalogs done by the ACJ are to read and give credit to the ACJ appropriately.

The accounts receivable list was reviewed and there continues to be a collection problem. The Board asked the ACA staff to research and recommend a policy to address outstanding debts and related billing issues. Staff will present their strategy at the next meeting.

The Board recessed from 10:20 a.m. until 10:35 a.m.

Ken Geuns moved for the board to enter into an executive session at 10:36 a.m.

The general board meeting reconvened at 10:46 a.m. This morning the ACA Executive Committee consisting of Chairman Comer, Vice Chairman Branscum, Jill Miller and Ken Geuns met with the Maine-Anjou Association Executive Committee to discuss the “partnering” of both associations. Future meetings are planned.

Chairman Comer requested an LRPC meeting be scheduled this year for their input on this and other issues.

New Business
Glen Klippenstein discussed a meeting that he and ACA representatives had with Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). AGI is a new company that will focus on genetic data, evaluation and analysis. The members representing the ACA highly recommend moving forward with the investigation of having our genetic evaluation run by AGI. Future dialogue is planned and Glen will keep the board informed.

On behalf of the ACA, Ed Miller submitted the “Hybrid Advantage” logo for trademark rights. The cost will be approximately $825. Defined terminology is required for completion. Ed will continue with this project and keep the board informed.

Chairman Comer reviewed and confirmed the following ACA standing committees:

Performance – Chuck Madaris (chairman), John Coble and Roger Deiter.

Region – Executive committee

Long Range Planning – Roger Deiter (chairman), Todd Adamson, Richard Arnold, Dick Baker, Ralph Danner, Jerry Ellis, Tim Gilstrap, John Griffiths, Larry Huck, Don Esch, Jan Johnson, Wayne Miller, Jerry Morehead, Ken Culp III, Dr. Harlan Ritchie, Jerry Schaefer, Dwight Hossle and Ed Miller.

Show and Sale – Neal Branscum (co-chairman), Dr. Robin Sheets (cochairman), Stan Comer, Jim Horsley, Barb Ohlrichs, Jered Shipman, Terry Tonniges, Ken Geuns and Tom Hunt.

Outstanding Commercial Cattleman – Myron Danner (chairman), Dwight Hossle, Mark Johnson and Jerry Morehead.

Chiangus Classic Steering – Jill Miller (chairman), Jody Foster, Jim Horsley, Jordan Holt and Neal Branscum.

Extravaganza Sale – Jill Miller (chairman), Ed Miller and Brian Sulak.

Embryo & Semen Benefit Auction – Steve Melroe (chairman), Dennis Clarahan, Lene Hitz and Stan Comer.

The next ACA board meeting will be in Platte City at the ACA headquarters on March 5, 2008 starting at 1 p.m. CSTand finishing on March 6, 2008. 

Motion to adjourn made by Tom Looney and seconded by Jill Miller at 11:35 MST.

Respectfully Submitted
Stan Comer, Chairman
Lene Hitz, Secretary