ENTHUSIASM AND ENERGY
Enthusiasm And Energy
I have never been accusing of “staying in the box” and I bet a few of you are the same.
EXPAND the possibilities---the economy, legislation activity, breeder movement and exhibitors/breeders retiring along with a myriad of other things requires us to put our thinking caps on. In recent Board Meetings, there has been discussion on how our Association has seen tremendous growth the last couple of years. At a same time, the TICA Feline Management System (TFMS) came online with a large backlog. With the TREMENDOUS work of our Executive Office and Volunteers, much of the backlog has been eliminated, catalogues scored in the new system and they can take a breath. Now the Board is looking at what to 'add' next---focus on the possibilities! How do we strengthen our numbers, add value to memberships, increase interest in the cat fancy and in our feline friends in general? I am excited at the possibilities that can be had and hope to be a part of the decision making.
Part of those possibilities, however, remain 'homegrown' and start with us. Whether simply chatting with show visitors, mentoring a new feline owner, working with a local rescue or manning a booth at a pet fair we can expand awareness of our awesome breeds and household pets. Even a simple showing pictures of your feline friends to others at the grocery store will typically create a lively chat about how awesome cats really are!
Once elected, I will seek to create a committee to assist new and established clubs---we have a litany of people who have a LOT of show production experience ranging selecting venues to marketing for gate (and deals to be had). Let's help each other and new clubs with a helping hand.
Personally, I am ALWAYS on the look out for things to do outside the show hall that incorporates our association. Caturday events, Cat Cafe openings, 4-H Cat Project shows, Pet Expo's, you name it I find it---all done under TICA auspices.
For example, we will be hosting a one-day show in conjunction with Colorado Cat Festival in November---with an expected crowd of THOUSANDS with TONS of press...this is great exposure for TICA, our TICA Partners, the cat fancy and our local clubs. This opportunity arose due to previous positive partnerships and relationships which should never be neglected.
CAT CARE 101 is coming back—host a couple of ‘lessons’ at your next TICA show for visiting kids. This program got started a few years before the pandemic to have yet another way to show TICA as THE cat registry and knowledge base for ALL THING cats to the younger crowd. After taking a 15 minute “lesson’ participants get a cute patch and Certification of Completion.
Junior Exhibitor Program-I am currently co-chairing this committee. We are revamping the program and adding fun new projects for the kids to complete in the hope of keeping their interest as they get older. Provide incentives as they become TICA Junior Members and all the way to the end. We are also adding various areas of Distinction (other than end goal of Judging program) that will better suit those that have different interests (website design, art, veterinary sciences, public speaking and the like). As Regional Director, I would put aside funds to further promote and encourage our Junior Exhibitors, host a get-together at the Regional and much more!
Explore the possibility of doing a South Central Virtual show once a year---why, you may ask? Let's reach out to the cat loving public that perhaps are not show exhibitors yet love to show off their feline friends. This would also will generate an email list (opt-out always given) to communicate upcoming shows or TICA events in their area they may want to visit. Let's be creative and generate an interest in our brand and Corporate Sponsors, and who knows, after a visit to a live TICA show perhaps they see how much fun it is and get interested in being an exhibitor! The entry fees can tagged and used for the JE Program, marketing upcoming shows with our Virtual exhibitors, assist new/established clubs and further.
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