68 Saber Tails Spring 2016

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

President’s Report

Mr. Sprung congratulated the AKC staff and the Del-

egates for their support of the 15th AENC show.  The 

AKC Visionary Award was introduced with its goal of 

celebrating individuals whose vision and contributions 

have been resonsible for change and forward move-

ment in our organization.   The 6 Delegates so honored 

were Viola  Burgos, David Hopkins, Patricia Laurans, 
Thomas Pincus, Patti Strand, and Peggy Wampold.

CFO’s Report

Mr. Joseph Baffuto reported that 174,552 litters and 

409,623 dogs were registered through October 31, 

2015.  As compared to the same period in 2014, litter 

registrations are slightly lower and dogs are up by 

1.5%.  Total revenues througt Oct. 31 have increased 

by $2,302,000 (4.8%) compared with the same period 

in 2014.  Increases have also been seen in electronic 

advertising ($637,000), in interest and dividend in-

come ($587,000), in sponsorships ($422,000), and in 

registration items ($314,000).  Total expenses for this 

period were minimally increased by $61,000 (two-

tenths of one percent).   Line items lower this period 

include payroll and benefits (-$645,000), service fees 

(-$175,000) and consultant costs (-$115,000).   In-

creased expenses included new project development 

($830,000), marketing ($197,000), depreciation and 

insurance ($143,000), and equipment maintenance 

charges ($126,000).  Year-to-date operating income 

of $7.1 million as compared to $4.8 million for 2014 

shows a 46% increase.  Although October, 2015 was 

a good month for the AKC’s investment portfolio, the 

overall performance showed a $2.8 million loss (-2.1%).  

Total assets of the AKC increased by $900,000, and 

total liabilities of $63.2 million has increaed by $20.6 

million since October 31 2014.   These liabilities include 

the AKC’s pension benefit obligations and their post-

retirement medical benefits.

                                                     

AKC PAC

Mr. Carl Ashby reviewed the considerable success the 

AKC Political Action Committee has had contributing 

to campaigns of elected officials who are in agreement 

with our values.  The AKC now has the capabiity for re-

curring gifts, i.e., a regular monthly contribution.  Only 

individuals who belong to an AKC club can contribute 

to the AKC PAC.  In 2016, many officials, both federal and 

state, will be up for re-election.  A President’s Challenge 

will begin in January to present to the membership in our 

clubs.

Amendments

The amendment which would have eliminated term limits 

for Board members failed to achieve the necessary 2/3rd 

vote and was defeated.

The amendment which would (1) allow clubs to utilize 

electronic documents for premium lists, (2) allow clubs to 

utilize electronic documents  for judging programs, and 

(3) allow clubs to utilize electronic documents unless the 

exhibitor request a hard copy was adopted.

The amendment which would allow the clubs to publish 

their catalogue electronically, if so desired, was adopted.

The amendment which would recognize multiple levels of 

Grand Championship titles was adopted.

     

An amendment was read which would permit Delegate 

judges to charge a fee of no more than $150.00 (per as-

signment, in excess of expenses).   A second amendment 

was read that would allow for the creation of a National  

Championship for Beagle Two-Couple Packs event.  These 

two amendments will be voted on in March, 2016.

Chief Veterinary Officer

Mr. Sprung introduced Dr. Jerry Klein, who has accepted 

the CVO position with the AKC.   Dr. Klein told us a little 

about his childhood, falling in love with dogs, and his 35 

years of practicing emergency canine medicine in Chi-

cago.  He said that he’d met Oprah, and had treated her 

dogs.  He quoted something she said that stuck with him:  

“When you know better, you do better.”  He said we are in 

this sport together and are bonded by our joy and love of 

dogs.  He thanked the AKC for this opportunity.

AKC’s Digital Marketplace

Mr. Steve Pessah, AKC’s Digital Product Manager, reviewed 

the status of the Marketplace. Four categories of breed-

ers have been developed including the Breeders of Merit, 

Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeders, breeders that a part of 

clubs, and then the balance of the breeders.  The goal is