December 2006 Meeting Recap (Part I)

Please note that this is a summary of my notes from the meeting of December 8 & 9 and is not to be considered Minutes.  Errors and omissions are strictly mine. 

The CKC Board Meeting convened at the Holiday Inn at 9:10 am.  This venue was chosen to accommodate an increased gallery, anticipated to be in attendance to meet with the Board to discuss the FCI Resolution of November 2006.

The meeting was called to order by the Chair Mr Dwain McLean.

Introduction of Board and Staff

Approval of Minutes of September Meeting as amended

Gifts and Donations

Package of dvd’s from 2006 Crufts Show donated for the CKC library by Mr. Dave Brundell

Presentation to the Board by the Genetics and Medical Committee

Due to weather, Dr Boyd is unable to attend the meeting so unable the Committee report will be presented in March. 

Correspondence

Regarding the brindle Pug

Considerable correspondence was received by the CKC relating to the judging of a brindle colour Pug in Western Canada.  The concern surrounding the judging of this dog is that the brindle colour is not specified in the Breed Standard although there is also not a colour disqualification.   The judge who gave a first ribbon to a brindle Pug was an FCI judge from Finland. 

Correspondence was received from the Korean Kennel Club asking that the CKC send a representative to their 2007 Show where they intend to showcase the reciprocal relationship recently formed between our two Clubs.  Mr Bennett has been hired to judge at this Show and will represent the CKC, as requested.

CEO Report

Financial situation continues to be stable at the end of the third quarter.  We continue to show a positive forecast to year end, with management of funds well presented to the Board by staff and the Audit Committee.

Registration revenues are down from previous years but even with that, we are fairly close to the budget estimate. 

Companion membership has been a pleasant surprise.  There is an increase in revenue from the Companion Membership side over budget estimates.

Shows and Trials will probably be on budget at the end of the year.  We are a bit ahead now but that is a timing issue.

Communications – increase of 11% in revenue due to microchip sales.  Corporate endorsement revenue from the Iams agreement is slightly lower than anticipated due to the late date of signing.  We have launched an E-Newsletter and are communicating directly with the 11,000  members who have registered with us using their emails.  Have also launched an “In the Know” section on the website to provide current and topical information to members.  These initiatives have been undertaken to develop a more timely and increasingly interactive relationship with members.

Regulatory – Discipline Committee has been appointed and will meet for the first time in January.

Expenses continue to be held in check.  We are anticipating a surplus budget for the second year in a row. 

Agriculture Canada – have had no further information from Mr Truss regarding the by law approval.  Ag Canada has advised this month that revisions as a result of the Referendum are being reviewed by federal lawyers.  The CEO has expressed our dismay at the length of time this has taken.  Ag Can has undertaken to provide something within the next week or two.  We have noted to Mr Truss that we may be required to contact the Minister’s Office if there is not information forthcoming in the very near future.

Heritage Canada – APEX Publisher and CEO have met with Heritage Canada.  Publisher to speak to the situation regarding maintenance of the postal subsidy in the amount of $180,000. 

Member Voice – have set up an 800 number for members to contact the CKC – have had 13 comments to date.  Responses have been varied, both congratulatory and critical.  Next phase of member outreach will be random contact asking for feedback on a number of topics. 

Status of RFP for CKC legal services – RFP will go out in January.

Motion that the Board adjourn at 10:15 and reconvene to continue board business for the afternoon session. 

Report from Mr Allan – Informatics Project Update

On line processing increasing in number year over year.  Of our 300,000 unique visitors, only 19% are Dial Up users.  Non-breeding Agreements and co-ownerships are now able to be completed on line.  The uptake of use is increasing month over month as users are becoming aware of and used to this capability. 

We are also moving to a web based invoicing system for members who wish to avail themselves of this service. 

CKC integrated desktop – moving away from the old APPX technology.  An overview of the new technology will be available for March.  Goal is to have one integrated system for all CKC services by the end of 2008. 

Meeting adjourned  at 10:15 for the purpose of meeting with attending members interested in discussing the FCI Resolution.