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