FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT:
September 12, 2003	Bob Peters (919) 556-9516

(ATLANTA, GA…) At the second Annual Meeting of the professional superintending organizations the Dog Show Superintendents Association was officially formed. Professional Superintendents from across the country met August 11-12, 2003 in Atlanta, GA, with the goal of formalizing the Association and to continue discussing various issues impacting Superintendents and the Fancy. Judges, Professional Handlers, Owner-Handlers, etc., have been represented by their own organizations for many years and for some time Superintendents have recognized the need for a unified voice.

All active Superintending organizations were invited and eight of the 12 were in attendance. Those attending were: Bradshaw (CA), Garvin (OR), Jones ((IN), McNulty (NY), MB-F (NC), Onofrio (OK), Peters (NC), and Rau (PA). In addition, AKC’s Bobby Birdsong and Robin Stansell responded to our invitation to send representatives from that organization.

The agenda was packed and the attendees worked hard to complete the task of approving By Laws, Operating Rules, Code of Ethics, hold an election and begin work as an association.

The ruling body of the Association is the Board of Governors, which consists of one representative from each member organization; each member organization has one vote.

The election was held at the scheduled time on Tuesday, August 12, at which time the following officers were elected to a one-year term: President, Bob Peters (Bob Peters Dog Shows) and Secretary-Treasurer, Dorie Crowe (MB-F). The elected three-member Executive Committee is: Jane Garvin (Garvin Show Services); Bob Christiansen (MB-F) and Tim James (Jack Onofrio Dog Shows).

The Association began to formulate responses and positions almost immediately. It was ironic that during our meeting the AKC chose to announce a drastic change in Superintendent’s license fees. Reaction was quickly provided. The Association’s questions and strong position on this issue, as well as the others discussed, will appear on their website www.dogshowsupers.org, which is presently under construction. You may also view Association reactions to other important matters on some of the individual members’ own websites.

One of the most important actions taken at their second Annual Meeting was the commitment to come to the aid of each other should some catastrophic event befall one of them.

The group determined it was in the best interest of the Sport, the kennel clubs and exhibitors, as well as each other, to make this commitment publicly. The Association felt so strongly about this decision they made it part of their By Laws and Operating Rules. The DSSA By Laws make this statement:

“In an emergency situation, such as a natural disaster or the death of a Prime Licensee the Board of Governors commits to coming to the aid of that organization in its time of need until it can recover.”

While competitors in business, the Dog Show Superintendents Association was formed to represent professional superintendents in all important matters impacting Superintendents and the Fancy overall. It was felt this decision would provide assurances to kennel clubs and exhibitors that, should a future emergency situation occur, all could be assured of as little interruption in service as possible. The Association views this decision, as well as bringing other well-defined responses and discussion to the dog showing public as having a very positive impact on the Sport.