Executive Committee Communication
Executive Committee Communication
Dear Valued Members –
It is with great pleasure and honor that I write this communication to you . As many of you know , NWHA like many other horse organizations , struggled financially for several years . There are many reasons and factors that contributed to the struggles – however in the end , the reasons are not that important . What is important is what we have done and will continue to do to address the issues . Every great organization will struggle . They come to forks in the road where very difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions need to be made and it ’ s what that organization does at those critical junctures that sets them apart and propels them forward .
There ’ s no doubt that a lot of difficult decisions have been made over the last couple of years , but each have come from strong financial analysis and input across our committees and membership . For example , our National Show Committee , consisting of over 20 NWHA members , took a detailed look at our National Show data over the last several years . After review , they proposed alignment and consistency across our divisions which also lead to cutting of some classes . They also reorganized the week schedule and altered the fee structure and paybacks . This was difficult and time-consuming work that involved a great deal of discussion and frankly some rigorous debate . But this committee made recommendations and key financial decisions that paid off in two very successful and lucrative National shows . Proceeds from both of these successful events allowed NWHA to completely pay off our credit card in two years that once had over $ 20,000 on it ! A debtfree organization has far more flexibility to offer programs and valued benefit back to the membership .
Our organization must be run and managed as a business . This is a simple approach , but can often be easier said than done . So as a Board of Directors we have continued to challenge ourselves in several areas . Communication and transparency are critical . We have raised the level and frequency of our communications to membership . We took a stand for the sound horse and principles that drive this organization with the proposed ruling . And now , we have the opportunity to further solidify our financial foundation – with the decision to close the office at the Kentucky Horse Park office this month . As many of you know , we have been successfully operating without a dedicated employee in the office for several months , and with that we chose to hire a contract employee who will work out of their home office . Again , we realize this may not be the most popular decision , however , we believe closing the physical office is the right financial decision for our organization . This will save our organization more than $ 10,000 annually .