President’s Message March/April 2006 As general practice when drafting my President’s Messages I’ve made a point of including as much information as possible about goings on within BHCA, to share my vision, and to keep the membership informed on subjects not immediately available.  At times, I’ve focused on the future of BHCA and its place of prominence and leadership within the AKC community.  You may be interested to know that as many as 14 BHCA members also serve as delegates to the AKC representing various all breed clubs.  These are elected positions and the fact that so many are BHCA members is indicative of the trust placed in these individuals by their peers.  Take the time to read through the various columns, committee, officer and board reports and motions – these are the folks who do the “heavy lifting” for BHCA.   To date we have 843 members and 44 member clubs.   Thanks to Gwen McCullagh and Richard Nance for their many hours of work on our database, and for completing the 2006 roster on schedule.     While in Tampa, I had an opportunity to visit at length with Ron Menaker, Chairman of the AKC Board and with our delegate, Barbara Wicklund.  Much of our conversation focused on nationwide problems such as the importation of huge numbers of mixed breed puppies, and legislative issues such as PAWS which seems to have polarized many fanciers.  I must say that I believe the AKC is doing everything in its power to keep parent clubs informed.  Status-wise we’re quite high in education and creativity but need work in the areas of health and wellness.    It may seem far-fetched, but some national clubs actually require dogs to be DNA certified before they allow them to enter a national specialty.  Radical?  Off the wall, you might say?  But that’s the far end of the spectrum and BHCA needs to be a bit closer to middle ground then we are. We have plans to use our website more extensively as a means of disseminating information efficiently and inexpensively to our members, and of making it possible for you to update your own information on line.  From October of 2005 through January of 2006 we’ve been averaging 794 visits per day.  Our website is slated to become an even greater resource for education to all of our members and to judges through the Basset Hound University.  We want you to feel comfortable that the communication flow is timely, accurate and without bias. Nationals Treasurer Peter Bach provided unofficial word that last year’s Missouri Nationals has come away with a nice profit of approximately $9,000 largely due to the outstanding efforts of the 2005 Nationals team. See the treasurer’s report for more detailed information.  This news is cause for jubilation but BHCA still needs to remain financially prudent when factoring in our loss from 2004.  Both Bill Nolan and Peter will be concentrating their energies on our 2006 event.  Gettysburg, one of the most hallowed places on the face of the earth, rich with history, tales and legends, and the host location for our next Nationals.  I’d like to direct your attention to the list of committee members in this issue; their contact information is posted for your convenience.  It’s not too early to be making your hotel reservations.  Claudia Orlandi and Norine Noonan will be launching the new board approved concept of a combined day of health and education on Sunday preceding Nationals week, so do plan on arriving early and taking advantage of this unique opportunity.  Congratulations to all who exhibited at the Eukanuba Invitational, and to the winners – a very prestigious lineup of Basset Hounds.  Had you been there, you would have also been proud of the BHCA volunteers who contributed to the success of our Meet the Breed booth.  The public was treated to hands on interaction  - an outstanding opportunity to get “up front and personal” with the Basset Hound.  In addition, families pouring into the show site that weekend were greeted by Waddles the “Basset” who by special request helped the police with crowd and parking control – a high profile opportunity to promote our breed.  A full listing of all the participants along with photographs appears in this issue.  As our organization continues to expand and evolve, keep in mind that this is your BHCA and armed with a good mix of character, integrity and experience we’re well equipped to work through the most difficult of times.  So please feel free to share your thoughts and know that they will be received with the utmost respect and consideration.  Your management group does not always agree, nor should we; diversity is a good thing and in my humble opinion a stronger organization results from differing points of view as long as they are brought forth in a positive and constructive manner.   I ask you now to keep these thoughts in mind when pondering the future direction of this great organization.  Please do stay involved, voice your opinions, stay aware, and above all keep your family and yourself safe during your travels.  My sincere best wishes to each and every one of you. With Best regards, Thad Makowski