Here is a report on the activities and meetings during the 2010 VDD/GNA Annual Meeting which was held in Montpelier, Ohio, July 15 -18, 2010. I’ll start first with an overview of the events and then get into the details of the votes and rule changes. These detailed reports can be accessed from the links found at the end of each report page. There is also a 14 page combined report in pdf format, for printing or downloading to your computer; click here or on the link at the end of this page.
On Thursday, the 15th, the VDD/GNA Executive Board met, while many other participants arrived, checked-in, or battled traffic around Chicago, in hopes of getting at least a partial night’s sleep before the formal events started on Friday.
The VDD/GNA Board of Directors met on Friday. This body consists of the GNA Executive Board, plus a representative from each Chapter, usually the Chairman, but in our case his designated representative as voted on by our membership at our June meeting. The Board of Directors hears reports from the Executive Board members, the Board assistants, and the Chapters, as well as discussing and voting on pending business, including motions for the Annual Membership Meeting. Each attendee has one vote; the Chair usually does not vote, except in the event of a tie. Votes on motions here are not binding, but many motions may end up being withdrawn or amended during the discussions. The votes are, however, presented as recommendations to the membership; anyone who doesn’t want to follow the Board of Directors’ recommendation may call for a vote at the Membership Meeting. It is then that each Chapter casts its bloc of votes as determined by its number of members. In this way, it’s known in advance how the votes will go, except for those members who may choose to vote separately from their chapter.
Two judging seminars were also held on Friday: an Introduction to the JGHV presented by Shane Deford and Geoff Mathews; and a continuing education seminar on evaluating retrieves at HZP presented by Mike Talbot and Nancy Bohs. Plus, GLC members Joel Williams and Gary Stephens presented training seminars on preparing for the VJP and HZP. We wrapped up the night with an Oktoberfest in July in the North Atrium of the conference center. Wurst, salads, and beer were on the menu. Saturday started with a presentation by VDD Head Breedwarden Sigurd Croneiß, which covered new proposals for the breeding regulations, some genetics, and a Breed Judge continuing education seminar. This was followed by a blood tracking seminar given by SEHC member Mike Fortner, and GLC member Dan Crusey’s presentation on managing habitat for cottontails. Atlantic Chapter member Ron Figler was the meeting photographer; he also handled his dog for the breed judge continuing education seminar. Saturday afternoon saw us all in the Membership Meeting, along with a presentation by Purina on their Pro Club affiliation with the Canine Health Foundation. The banquet and auction followed, with plenty of socializing and mingling. As always, this is the most enjoyable part of the weekend! The events wrapped up under the hot sun on Sunday with a Breed Show judged by Larry Reeves, Ron Nichols and Nancy Bohs. We were very fortunate to have Herr Croneiß in attendance; his insight and knowledge proved an invaluable learning tool for all concerned.
2010 Board of Directors' Meeting Report >>
2010 Annual General Membership Meeting Report >>
2010 Breed Seminar Report >>