Volume 5, Issue 1, Spring 2006 Association of Rodeo Committees Newsletter March 2006

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1 association of RODeO committees Committee Connection Volume 5, Issue 1, Spring 2006 Association of Rodeo Committees Newsletter March 2006 Publisher: Michael Mentaberry Contributing Writers: Wes Allison Guy Elliott Michael Mentaberry Association of Rodeo Committees 6121 Lakeside Drive Suite 100 Reno, NV Tel: Fax: Page Rodeo Committee Forum Where Size Doesn t Matter By Wes Allison, President, North American Fair & Rodeo Managers Association Forum Initiatives Following is a list of initiatives developed during the Committee Forum portion of the Rodeo Committee Forum held in Omaha, NE. These initiatives are meant to express the concerns facing rodeo committees throughout the industry. Each initiative was voted on by the 52 committees in attendance. The initiatives were then ranked according to those votes. From the list of initiatives 4 overall priorities were developed PRCA and Committee Relationship, Marketing and Sponsorship, Rodeo Production and Contestant Participation. PRCA and Committee Relationship This initiative represents the relations between the PRCA and rodeo committees. The relationship between committees and PRCA is important to the on going success of Professional Rodeo. If this relationship is not fostered by both sides PRCA will cease to exist as it does today. Below are specific Continued on Page 2 Executive Council Nominations and Elections Nomination forms for the executive council positions will be sent out no later than November 15, 2005, and are due back to the PRCA Auditor Stockman, Kast, Ryan and Co, LLP at 102 N. Cascade Avenue, Suite 400, Colorado Springs, CO by January 3, Incumbents have the opportunity to remain on the ballot, and additional nominees must receive a minimum of five nominations before being considered for the ballot. Election ballots will be mailed by February 25, 2006, and are due by March 25, New executive council positions, which will be voted on by PRCA members, and their incumbents, are: Committee Representative for rodeos with added money of $25,000 or more Keith Martin of San Antonio, TX. Committee Representative for rodeos with added money of $5,000 or less Troy Weekley of Davie, FL. Continued on Page 5

2 ARC BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN: Patrick A. Grant Denver, CO National Western VICE CHAIRMAN: Sherman Berg Omaha, NE AK-SAR-BEN SECRETARY: Fred Dotts Corpus Christi, TX Buc Days Pro Rodeo EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Michael P. Mentaberry Reno, Nevada DIRECTORS: Bob Morton Chelsea, OK Up to $9,999 Will Rogers Round-Up Guy Elliott & Jeannene Greeley, CO San Antonio Livestock Show Kent Meshishnek Lewiston, ID $25,000 to $49,999 Lewiston Round-Up Jim Mueller Cheyenne, WY Over $50,000 Cheyenne Frontier Days Page Rodeo Committee Forum Where Size Doesn t Matter Continued from Page 1 areas of concern. Committee Representation on All Boards This is top priority for all committees. Committees should be represented by committeeman on all levels of the PRCA. Currently, committees have no representation or voice in matters concerning the future of Rodeo or the PRCA. The PRCA Convention Needs Improvements The convention is expensive, uninformative and lacks educational value. It is recommended that a new committee or task force be put in charge to plan and implement the convention. It is also recommended that the convention be moved out of Las Vegas to a time when there are not so many distractions. Better Communication from PRCA Office Communication to and from the PRCA Office, Staff and Directors continues to be an ongoing issue. Very little effort is made by these groups to include or inform committees. It is recommended that PRCA host regional meetings (like the Rodeo Committee Forum) to better inform PRCA Committees. PRCA Checks & Balance System As members of PRCA all committees should receive a copy of the audited financial statement. Members have a vested interest as stakeholders of PRCA and should be afforded the opportunity to review the financial statement of the organization. PRCA interaction with Committees PRCA should bring issues to committees for input and formulation of solutions before decisions are made. Possibly through forums like this on a regional basis. Committees should be involved in the long term planning for PRCA. Avoid Conflicts with Existing Rodeo It is recommended that PRCA not sanction any additional rodeos or events (including PRCA produced events) that conflict with existing rodeos. The number of contestants does not justify the need for additional events. Establish a Grievance Committee Develop a all-inclusive Grievance Committee with representatives from committees, contestants, contract personnel and stock contractors to hear problems or concerns from particular rodeos. Marketing and Sponsorship Marketability and profitability of rodeo continues to present unique opportunities for PRCA, rodeo committees and sponsors. Dividing or segmenting rodeo into tour and non-tour events keep rodeo from being a major sport like the NFL, MLB or NASCAR. To secure the future of ProRodeo changes must occur in marketing and sponsorship. Share National Sponsor Money It is recommended to formulate a plan to trickle down national sponsor money to each rodeo based on the size of the rodeo s population and mar- ket. National (PRCA) Involvement in Promotion PRCA should develop a national advertising campaign and help promote rodeo throughout the Country. This would help build a larger fan base and would involve mainstream marketing and advertising outlets. Entertainment Value of Non-Sanctioned Events Each local market is different and nonsanctioned events like mutton bustin, wild horse races and chuck wagon races help to market the rodeo locally and sell tickets. Selling tickets is what committees count on to sustain the rodeo s future. It is recommended that PRCA stay out of the production of the local rodeo and allow non-sanctioned events to occur to insure the profitability of local rodeos. Recognition of Rodeo Markets Recognize rodeos by the market size (potential population of ticket buyers) vs. added money. This would rank the rodeos more accurately and could allow for rule changes or different sponsor requirement for smaller markets. Rodeo Production The quality of the rodeo depends on all facets working together from the committee to the stock contractor to the contract personnel to the contestant. When one entity fails to fulfill their portion of the Rodeo Contract then the entire rodeo losses. Local production of the rodeo is as important as any part since the fans attending the rodeo are from the local area. Consistent & Quality Rodeo It is recommended that efforts be made to make rodeo more consistent throughout PRCA rodeos. This would increase the overall quality and marketability of rodeo in local markets. It must be done in all facets of rodeo not just the committee requirements but also contestants, contract personnel and stock contractors. It is easier to market 1 consistent, quality product than 700 different products. Educate Contestants about Production There is a lack of education among the contestants about the dynamics of rodeo production. In particular the cost of production and stock. It is recommended to look at a possible stock charge that is a flat fee each contestant pays to the committee to offset the increasing cost of stock and production. No Double Money in Team Roping Committees oppose adding team roping as a mandatory event. As part of this initiative the committees expressed concerns over the fact that if added money to team roping had to be doubled many rodeos would simple have to lower added money in other events. Committees encourage PRCA not to listen to one group when looking at the whole picture of ProRodeo. Lack of Rough Stock Contestants Turnouts in rough stock events continue to pose a problem during performances. All committees expressed these problems despite efforts to im- Continued on Page 5

3 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 6121 Lakeside Drive, Suite Reno, NV Phone Fax Rodeo Information Name of Rodeo: Mailing Address: Street Address: Phone #: Fax #: Web Site Address: Address: Contact Information **PLEASE COMPLETE ALL LINES OF CONTACT INFORMATION Full Time Contact 1 Name of Representative: Assn. Title: Mailing Address: Phone #: Fax #: Cell #: Web Site Address: Address: Contact 2 Name of Representative: Assn. Title: Mailing Address: Phone #: Fax #: Cell #: Web Site Address: Address: Annual Fee # of Years Total $100 Balance Due Signature of Authorized Representative Date Please include payment with this application. Make check payable to: Association of Rodeo Committees Mail attention to: Mike Mentaberry, Executive Director, 6121 Lakeside Drive, Suite 100 Reno, NV Page 3

4 NOMINATIONS NOMINATION AND ELECTION DEADLINES OCT 14, 2005 NOV 15, 2005 JAN 3, 2006 JAN 15, 2006 FEB 15, 2006 Deadline for article in Business Section (10-26 issue) Deadline for ballots to be mailed Deadline for ballots to be returned to auditors Deadline for auditors to notify incumbents and nominees (written & certified, provide response form & envelope) Deadline for candidates to accept nomination (in writing, to auditor) ELECTIONS MAR 1, 2006 FEB 25, 2006 Third week of Mar MAR 25, 2006 MAR 30, 2006 APR 12, 2006 APR 1, 2006 Deadline for statements to appear in the Business Section (Note Feb 15 issue goes to print 2-7 too early, next issue is 3-1) Deadline for ballots to be mailed from PRCA (with an annual election meeting notice for the mtg held in March) Election meeting to be held (date determined by BOD) Deadline for ballots to be returned to auditors Results must be tabulated & certified by the auditors and mailed to candidates Deadline for submitting winner in the Business Section (Note Mar 29 issue goes to print 3/21 too early, next issue is 4-12) Take office Dear Fellow Committeeman: The past few years have seen a great many changes in the Rodeo Industry. This seems to happen every 10 to 20 years. The Association of Rodeo Committees (ARC) has always been there to help the Industry through the trying times. The recent changes in the PRCA have again brought ARC to the forefront. In the past the Industry has only looked to the Rodeo Committees as a last resort. This past year has seen a change in that attitude. Through the efforts of Keith Martin, (in his capacity as a member of the Rodeo Committee Executive Council) and others, the PRCA has discovered that a great untapped resource in the Rodeo Committees. These committees represent all aspects of the business world as well the Rodeo Industry. There are presidents of large and small companies, former contestants, small business owners, and workers from all levels from the top to the bottom. In other words, there exists a huge talent pool in the committee world of extreme benefit to the Rodeo Business. The Association of Rodeo Committees is the only formally organized group representing the interests of rodeo committees. In light of the PRCA s recognition of the value of committees, The Board of Directors of ARC voted to re-structure the dues format. EFFECTIVE January 1, 2006 the dues for all Committees is $ per year. The reason for this change is simple; the board want to encourage the medium and smaller rodeos to become more active in the Rodeo business and ARC. The PRCA also recently announced that the ARC will be the official communication vehicle between committees and the PRCA. This doesn t mean they will act favorably on everything we suggest, but it does mean we have a direct line to the PRCA with the backing of a large number of committees. I encourage all committees to become members of ARC and urge current member to become more involved. I encourage members to give a report after having attended meetings at the circuit level to consistently share thoughts of improving the rodeo industry. Sincerely, Page 4 Guy Elliott BOARD OF DIRECTORS Association of Rodeo Committees

5 2005 Rodeo Committee Forum Where Size Doesn t Matter Continued from Page 2 prove stock and added money. More effort needs to be focused on fostering new rough stock riders including, but not limited to bull riding. Stiffer penalties should be enforced if a contestant turns out. Penalties could include larger fines, suspension of card for a particular time period or loss of card depending on the number of times a contestant turnout for nonmedical reasons. Performance Selection through ProCom Committees recommend making it easier for contestants to select or have preference for a particular performance. Contestant Participation Contestants must actively promote and market rodeo as a whole. The Cowboy Mentality of worrying about where the next rodeo is will not secure the future of the contestant or ProRodeo. Contestant participation goes beyond the rodeo secretary s office and the pay window. Contestant Involvement in Local Rodeos There is a need for contestants to be more involved in promoting rodeo locally. The contestants come to town and leave after the performance. Fans do not have time to meet them. Contestants should be required to participate in fan meet and greets, autograph signing, local sponsor visits, etc. at the local rodeo level. Each contestant would be required to make X number of local appearances per year and may chose which rodeos. Top Contestants in Performances The top contestants need to compete during the rodeo performances and not slack. The marketability of the rodeo in many local areas depends on the Star Factor or those contestants with recognized names in the business. Uniformity of Entry Fees Entry fees should be uniform for all rodeos and events. This would do away with the fact that some rodeos have a large total purse due to the number and amount of entries fees paid. By doing this the contestants are truly running for the added money not other contestant s money. Contestant Loyalty Committees expressed a concern that the contestants were not loyal to a particular rodeo. It is asked that PRCA assist with educational opportunities on how to attract contestants besides added money. Encourage Circuit Participation PRCA should encourage all contestants to compete in the Circuit System. This would strengthen circuit finals and build a local fan base. Executive Council Nominations and Elections Continued from Page 1 Committee Representative at large Cotton Rosser of Marysville, CA. Contract Personnel, announcers Benje Bendele of San Antonio, TX. Contract Personnel, clowns/bullfighters Tom Feller of Fort Worth, TX. Contestant Event Representative, saddle bronc riding Tom Reeves of Ranger, TX. Contestant Event Representative, steer wrestling Denver Gilbert of Gillette, WY. Contestant Event Representative, steer roping Buster Record of Buffalo, OK. Stock contractors Jim Korkow of Pierre, SD and Sammy Andrews of Bagwell, TX. From the Desk of the Executive Director: The Board of Directors of the Association of Rodeo Committees (ARC) has elected new officers for the remainder of the year. Via conference call on Monday 2/27/06 the following gentlemen were elected to the positions noted: Pat Grant, Chaiman of the Board, Sherman Berg, Vice Chairman, Fred Dotts, Secretary. The election of new officers was necessitated by the resignation of longtime Chairman Guy Elliott to focus on family and his hobbies; the announcement by Vice Chairman Dale Leschiutta of his new assignment as President of the CPRA; the resignation of Bill Lathrop Jr., Treasurer for personal family reasons. The entire board expressed their sincere gratitude to the 3 gentlemen for their many years of tireless service to the organization. Elliott will remain on the board of directors for the remainder of his 3 year term and Leschiutta will serve in an advisory capacity. By Mike Mentaberry association of RODeO committees ARC BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIRECTORS: Jim Hensarling Riverside, WA Omak Stampede jim@okpud.org Kevin Hudson Pendleton, Oregon Pendleton Round-Up kevin@tribalfarming.com Mike Lucke Reno, NV Reno Rodeo mikelucke@renorodeo.com PAST DIRECTOR ADVISOR: Keith Martin San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo CANADIAN ADVISOR: Dale Leschiutta Edmonton, Alberta Canada CPRA Dleschiutta@aol.com VETERINARIAN ADVISOR: Doug Corey Adams, OR dgcdvm@oregontrail.net Page 5

6 Page 6 ARC Newsletter Committee Connection association of RODeO committees NAME Company Address City, ST Zip Association of Rodeo Committees 6121 Lakeside Drive Suite 100 Reno, NV Spring 2006