AOBA
The Voice of the
Alpaca Industry
The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
MEMBERSHIP Newsletter
a Bi-Monthly Publication
J u ly, 2 0 1 3
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Dear AOBA Member,
It is an honor and a privilege to represent the AOBA Board of Directors and staff in
my first President’s message to the membership. I want to take this opportunity
to acknowledge and thank Libby Forstner for her leadership and dedication to the
industry. Libby, I learned so much about leadership while serving on the Board
with you. I was also able to experience firsthand your dedication to our industry.
Your presence and contributions will be missed. I know the board and staff join
me in wishing you a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Denver, Colorado was the site of AOBA’s 2013 National Conference, Show and
Auction last May. You will find this newsletter filled with many highlights and examples of the activities and events our attendees and participants enjoyed during
the conference. This annual event could not happen without members willing to
offer their time, talents, resources and expertise. The generosity of our membership was evident by the unselfish support and participation of many benefactors,
donors, sponsors and volunteers. A big thank you to the Alpaca Breeders of the
Rockies’ (ABR) affiliate volunteers for assisting us in hosting another successful
conference. You are such great hosts and your volunteers are exceptional.
Listening to the highlights of the 2013 annual report I was very proud to be a
member of the AOBA BOD as some very positive results and outcomes were presented to our membership. These results were possible through the efforts and
commitment of our dedicated committee members and office staff. Thank you
everyone, for your creativity, resourcefulness and determination to better serve
our members and strengthen our organization. A link to the video of the annual meeting is posted on the AOBA website homepage
http://www.alpacaowners.com. Please take
the time to view the video. You will meet
your new Board of Directors, the office staff,
learn about the progress that has been made
and see the AOBA members honored with
special awards and recognition.
Something new and exciting was added to
the halter show this year that received great
President’s Message, continued on page 2
Contents:
AOBA National Conference
Page 4
Shining Star Award
Page 5
New Distinguished Judging
Award
Page 6
James G. King Alpaca
Industry Recognition Award
Page 7
Board President Resigns
Page 8
2013-14 Board & Liaisons
Page 10
Visit our
Facebook
page!
Tel. (615) 834-4195
E-mail:
[email protected]
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President’s Message, continued
reviews. Monitors were placed at each of the four halter rings and displayed in real time what the
judge was seeing as they examined the fiber. At any given time people could be found clustered
around the monitors and commenting on what they were viewing. One of the rings was used to provide a streaming video to those viewing from home. It looks like this feature will be back at the 2014
National Show. More information about the 2014 National Conference, Show and Auction can be
found in this newsletter. The big change is this annual event has been rescheduled to occur in March,
2014 and will be held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Several members have asked why the change in date and venue. There were many reasons prompting the decision to move the show to a different month and location. Many of the reasons came from
feedback from members and show participants requesting a change in the time of year we held the
event. Some personal member reasons were that the month of May has a high percentage of family events. Between graduations, weddings, first communions and end of school year activities, our
members find themselves in a situation of choosing between family obligations and showing. Summer
is starting and many people don’t want to even think about a show at that time of year.
Another drawback is leaving alpacas in full fleece that late in the year. The heat is a big factor, as well
as the fact that a late shearing impacts performance in the fall shows. Many people simply will not put
their alpacas through the excess heat stress of staying in their fleeces until late May, especially at the
sacrifice of fall show performance. Temperatures do climb in many areas of the country in late April
and May.
Moving the date of the show to earlier in the year allows the fleeces to be at their peak for the season.
A common complaint among AOBA members to the Board was “Why does the National organization
hold their own show at a time when fleeces look their worst instead of when they look their best?
Shouldn’t the National organization showcase the fleeces in their prime, since this business is all about
prime fleece?” It is hard to argue that point.
There were other considerations as well. With hosting a show in March, we do not need to offer
composite classes as we do in May. These classes are very costly for us to offer, as they require extra
judges and extra volunteers and staff time to coordinate. Additionally, a show in March allows our
AOBA members who live in the South to participate.
Additionally, a task force was formed several years ago comprised of farms from all over the country.
The task force favored a spring show over a fall show and the majority voted to have a March show
over a May show.
Another major consideration in selecting mid March hinged strongly on the fact that when we made
that selection for a date we wanted to do everything possible to not interfere with other affiliate
shows. A March show also brings a more favorable timeframe for our AOBA Auction. At the end of
May, we followed the Futurity Show & Sale, and the MAPACA Auction, Snowmass Auction, Priority
Auction and we had the summer auctions on our heels as well. This is important because we use the
money generated from the auction for national alpaca advertising which in turn benefits all breeders.
All of these factors mentioned are important, but none so much as the need for us to be fiscally responsible with AOBA money. In the times of a weak economy and correspondingly falling membership, our
finances become even more important. As Board Members, we must be fiscally responsible with member money in everything we do. We can’t continue to host May shows that lose money. It is no longer
an option. We still want to offer a National show and so change was needed.
Once the decision was made to move the show to March, our usual location of Louisville, Kentucky was
unavailable. The staff and the Board alike spent countless hours trying to find a location that met our
needs of adequate space, airport proximity and abundance of hotels. How the venue is set up is also a
determining factor we consider closely before committing. All of those requirements quickly ruled out
many of the venues available and the Harrisburg facility became the obvious choice.
Another effect the change in the date has is that we will have to adjust the election procedures and
timeline so that the election is completed prior to the Annual Membership Meeting which is always held
during the National Conference. This will mean moving the elections up a couple of months. The plan
is being worked on now. This change also affects ARI and AFCNA who hold their annual meetings during
the National Conference.
Storms were brewing to the east as my plane left the Denver International Airport following the Nationals. These were just the beginning of a series of deadly storms that left so much death and destruction
in their path. My heart is still heavy as I think about the pain and suffering of those affected by these
events. To my knowledge members of our extended alpaca community were saved from complete
destruction, but many ranches suffered a great deal of damage. I imagine many had friends and loved
ones in those areas that were also affected.
Thank you for supporting the alpaca industry through your AOBA membership. I, along with other members and our staff, are looking forward to serving you in the year ahead. Remember, each of us stands
ready to answer your questions and listen to your suggestions or concerns. Our contact information is
listed in this newsletter and on the AOBA website. Please do not hesitate to let us hear from you. We
will get back to you.
Sincerely,
Dianna Jordan, President
Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
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2013 Conference
Highlights
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AOBA Shining Star Volunteer Award
Each year at the AOBA National Conference, an award is given that recognizes
the outstanding volunteer effort of an individual or group. AOBA is fortunate to
have so many dedicated, hard-working volunteers but the Shining Star Volunteer
Award is unique in one respect – volunteers serving on standing committees
make the nominations for the award.
The 2013 Photo Competition winners are posted to
www.alpacaowners.com
Alpacas on Denver television!
As the nomination form says,
“Perhaps there is no greater
‘Thank You’ to a volunteer than
to be recognized by
one’s peers for the
generous gift of their time,
energy, thought and skill
to benefit others.”
Conference attendees enjoyed
“dressing western” for special photographs!
AOBA and ARI Presidents,
Libby Forstner and Bonnie Potter
Congratulations to
The 2013 AOBA Shining Stars
Libby and Jerry Forstner,
AOBA Members and Volunteers since 1993
A very special AOBA Member received
a surprise industry award!
View the AOBA Annual Membership Meeting at
www.alpacaowners.com
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AOBA Distinguished Judge Award
The very first AOBA Distinguised Judge Awards were presented to Cameron Holt and Mike
Safley at the 2013 AOBA National Conference in Denver, Colorado May 16 - 19.
The AOBA Judge Training and Certification Commitee created this prestigious, new award
with the purpose being recognition of an ENTIRE body of work and not intended as
acknowledgement of single achievements. Only Judges who are retired from judging AOBA
certified shows are eligible for this award. Therefore, candidates considered for such an
award will have demonstrated a series of major contributions to advance, assure and/or improve facets of the alpaca industry particular to their expertise. Contributions may include,
but are not limited to, education and training, publications, presentations, mentorship,
research and judging.
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James G. King
Alpaca Industry Recognition Award
Awarded to Jan Davis!
Congratulations, Jan!
The culmination of their work has led these candidates to
achieve a point of maximum expertise and qualification
within AOBA and/or within their field. Candidates have
shown recognition and support of The Alpaca Owners and
Breeders Association, having maintained an AOBA membership during which time they have exhibited exemplary
character.
Mike Safley
Did you miss the
live presentation?
Watch it today at
www.alpacaowners.com
Cameron Holt
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Libby Forstner, AOBA President, resigns from the Board of Directors
Dear AOBA Board Members:
It is with many mixed emotions that I submit my letter of resignation from the Alpaca Owners and
Breeders Association Board of Directors effective at the end of the Annual Membership Meeting
on May 17, 2013. I am submitting my resignation at this time so that we can contact the person
who would replace me per the Bylaws to see if that person can attend the Board meeting at the
2013 National Conference in Denver, or be present via phone, in order to assure a smooth transition effective at the beginning of the 2013 – 2014 Board year. My reasons are selfish…retirement.
After 20 years of volunteering for AOBA and raising alpacas, I am going to take some time for
myself. I am retiring from my farm and from my volunteer service to AOBA. It has been a difficult
decision and it’s hard to “let go” as I will miss so many people and my beloved alpacas but I plan
to doggedly retain friendships. Making it harder is the reality that I won’t be on the Board to see
the many exciting programs we are working on through to completion. On a personal note, I want
to assure you that Magical Farms will continue on with the next generation at the helm alongside
my husband Jerry, whom I am confident, will never retire! I deeply appreciate my husband’s understanding of my wishes to retire and change life direction. He is truly a remarkable guy.
I have enjoyed serving beside each and every one of you. I wish the membership could truly
experience for themselves your dedication to AOBA and our industry. I have deeply appreciated
the trust the membership placed in me over the years and hope that they are pleased with the
incredible progress AOBA has made over my past four years on the Board, accomplished through
the hard work of our staff, our members, our committees, our Affiliates, our volunteers and our
Boards.
I want to thank Margie Ault and the rest of our professional AOBA staff. AOBA is indeed blessed
to have such a loyal and hard-working professional staff who have proven time and again that
they are absolutely dedicated to all members and care deeply about our Association and our
industry. Anyone who has worked with Margie and our staff quickly comes to appreciate their
professionalism, hard work, kindness, sense of fair play and dedication.
I also wish to thank the many committee members and volunteers who work so hard to make
AOBA a success. It is a fact of life that marketing is a critical facet of any successful organization
and the alpaca industry is not an exception. I am pleased that we were able to stabilize AOBA financially and have re-established our marketing program on a national level for the benefit of our
membership. I am also pleased that AOBA and our Affiliates are working more closely, something
that is critically important for the future of the alpaca industry.
I have served as Board President on both the ARI and AOBA Board of Directors. If I have one big,
remaining hope for our Associations, it is that the AOBA and ARI memberships seriously consider
Resignation, continued
merging ARI and AOBA IF a final plan of merger is presented to both memberships for a vote. If it is presented
for a vote, it would mean that both Boards believe that it is in the best interests of both memberships and
the industry. My final wish is that our memberships review the plan (should the Boards and staffs get that
far) with an open mind and if it makes sense, that they vote for it. The days of excess are behind us in nearly
every phase of our lives. We can no longer easily afford duplicate expenses and fragmented services and so
much more that results from the costs of two separate organizations overseeing one industry. If the core missions of both organizations and the memberships’ interests are protected in the new organization, and the
services improve for the memberships along with the continued stewardship of our precious limited resources, then merger would have had my support.
Once again, I thank you for your hard work and dedication, your support, your trust in me as President and for
the membership’s support for me and my family over the years. You are an amazing group of professionals
and it has been my honor to work by your side.
I look forward to seeing all of you at the 2013 AOBA National Conference, Show and Auction and thank you
again for your support of AOBA and me.
Talk with you soon and see you at the Conference next week!
Libby
Libby M. Forstner, M.B.A., President
Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
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The 2013 AOBA National Conference and Auction is now history! It was truly an exciting event! How wonderful to see so many of you and feel the enthusiasm for our industry and our wonderful alpacas. You will be
hearing more about the show in the next AOBA newsletter and Alpacas Magazine! We thank everyone who
participated for their support.
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Marie Osmond is “Bewitched” by Alpacas!
We want to thank retiring Board member Libby Forstner for her service on the Board of Directors and
announce the 2013-2014 Board Officers as well as the Board Liaisons to the various AOBA committees.
As set forth in the AOBA bylaws, Phyl Clempson will be filling the open board position.
2013 - 2014 Board Officers and Directors
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Director
Director
Director
Dianna Jordan
Steve Putney
Julie Delaney
Phyl Clempson
Tom Peterson
Scott Miller
Karen Dunn
2013 - 2014 AOBA Standing Committees
Committees & Committee Functions
Communication Committee
AOBA/ARI Joint Education Committee
Fiber & Finished Products Committee
AOBA/ARI Gov’t & Industry Relations Committee
Marketing Committee
Member Services Committee
Show Rules Committee
Judges Advisory Committee
Judges Training & Certification
Nominating Committee
Board Liaison
Tom Petersen (lead); Phyl Clempson
Steve Putney
Karen Dunn
Tom Petersen
Karen Dunn
Steve Putney
Scott Miller (lead); Julie Delaney
Scott Miller (lead); Julie Delaney
Scott Miller (lead);Julie Delaney
Dianna Jordan
We look forward to serving you over the coming year. We thank you for your support!
Dianna Jordan, President
Steve Putney, Vice President
Julie Delaney, Treasurer
Phyl Clempson, Secretary
Karen Dunn, Director
Scott Miller, Director Tom Petersen, Director
Click on "Alpaca Clicks"
to Watch Marie Osmond
'Bewitched' by Alpacas!
AOBA member, alpaca enthusiast, entrepreneur, actress and TV host Erin Murphy was
featured on the Marie Osmond Show on June 11, 2013 on the Hallmark Channel.
Perhaps you recognize Erin, owner of Tranquil Veranda Ranch in Santa Clarita, CA, as
former child star Tabitha on the Emmy winning show Bewitched. Marie Osmond pointed
out her own recognition during their interview... Erin’s alpacas reminded Marie of her
brother, Jimmy!
The ladies also talked about Erin’s journey from actress to entrepreneur, raising alpacas,
and launching her knitwear company, Erin Murphy Knits.
View this & more alpaca related media events anytime on Alpacaowners.com - Alpaca
Clicks !
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Alpacas in 3... 2… 1…
Warmer weather has arrived, sheering season is behind us, and new life is everywhere, from flowers to
pronking crias. What better time to invite your favorite local television reporter to your farm or ranch?
In the November 2012 AOBA Newsletter story, “Your AOBA membership helps you get the word out!” we
discussed how to identify, approach and pitch your story to the media. Sometimes television appearances
require a few extra steps to ensure a positive experience for the reporter, you and your animals.
Ideally, the reporter and camera crew will come to you to film their interview. However, due to budget cuts,
many stations are operating with limited staff resources. If a television station is non-responsive or unable
to come to your location, offer to bring your alpacas to them!
Typically, producers love the idea of having alpacas in their studio. The most likely time spot with the highest viewership is during the morning news. Once you’ve caught a producer’s interest, there are some things
to keep in mind when preparing for your appearance:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What time should you arrive? (This will differ from airtime.)
Which entrance should you use, and can it accommodate your vehicle (trailer, van, etc)?
Who is your contact once you arrive?
Where will the interview take place? If indoors, request carpeting or matting be laid anywhere the animals might walk or stand. Frequently, studios have slick tiled flooring on which your animals
may slip.
Who will be involved in the interview?
How long will the interview be?
What are the talking points they want to cover during the interview?
As you know, bringing two animals is recommended to minimize their stress. More than two, however, can
get too crowded. If you have both suri and huacaya alpacas, bring one of each. If you have both shorn and
unshorn animals, do the same. It is also always best to bring animals of differing colors for the camera.
Before the interview, give your alpacas some time to acclimate to their surroundings. Be sure to show the
reporter how to touch your alpacas. So often, they are tempted to ruffle the top of their heads. Direct
them to touch their neck or side instead. Advise the reporter not to stand directly behind your alpacas. An
accidental kick on-air does not exemplify how gentle your animals are!
It is important to educate the public about the fruits of your labor… alpaca fiber! Bring samples of items
made from alpaca fiber such as raw fiber, yarn, bears, scarves, sweaters, etc. Request a small table or
display area so that you can lay out items of different textures and colors. Sometimes with prior arrangements, the reporters will wear items you bring during the interview.
Don’t forget to wear your farm or ranch shirt! Most reporters will showcase your Web address and name
on their show as well as on their website for viewers to visit for more information. Make yourself easy to
identify and locate. This is a great way to get visitors!
“In the past 16 years, we have tended to get the most website hits immediately following a television
appearance,” said AOBA Member Amy Wood-McCroskie of A and A Alpacas in Greenville, TX. “It is also a
sure way to make the telephones ring!”
Contact the producer following the interview to thank them for their support and invite them to your
farm or ranch for a friendly visit. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!
If you have any questions or need help in preparing for a television interview, AOBA Public Relations is
here for you! Contact Cindy Berman at [email protected] or call (216)952-7510.
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The National Alpaca Farm Days website is live!
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Membership Newsletter
Article Submission Guidelines
The AOBA Membership Newsletter is an electronic publication that is produced six times
per year (every two months) with the primary goal being enhanced communication
within AOBA.
We accept Committee Activity Reports, Affiliate News, AOBA Event News and condensed
feature articles for publication. We are not able to accept “farm specific” marketing
material.
When you submit an article to the AOBA Membership Newsletter, you grant us permission to publish your article and possibly edit it for length and content as necessary.
Join the 100+ Alpaca Owners that have already signed up!
• General news articles and reports are limited to 300 words.
• Feature articles are limited to 1,000 words and are limited to herd management,
veterinary/medical-related or fiber-related topics.
• Photographs should be submitted in JPEG format.
The publication dates and submission deadlines for the remainder of 2013 are as follows:
All National Alpaca Farm Day Participants have access to
FREE Marketing Tools created to promote this year’s event.
Deadline for Article
Submission
Publication
Date
NAFD Brochures
Customizable Posters
Customizable Radio Ads
TV Commercial
Newspaper Ad
Media Alert
SO MUCH MORE!
5/20/2013
7/21/2013
9/20/2013
11/20/2013
1/18/2014
7/1/13
9/1/13
11/1/13
1/1/14
3/1/14
Sign up for 2013 National Alpaca Farm Days and put your farm on the map locator where
media and visitors are looking to find a farm event on September 28th and 29th.
www.NationalAlpacaFarmDays.com
All editions of the AOBA Membership Newsletter
are available for viewing at www.alpacaowners.com
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Aplaca Owners and Breeders Association
Board of Directors 2013-2014
President
Dianna Jordan
Alpacas of Somerset Farm
PO Box 190, Somerset, CA 95684
Phone: (530) 620-6033
Cell: (530) 363-5112
[email protected]
Vice-President
Steve Putney
Safe Haven Farm
39 Drain St.
Hampton, CT 06247
Phone: (860) 942-6066
Fax: (860) 455-2258
[email protected]
Secretary
Phyl Clempson
Alpaca Reserve of Napa Valley
1550 McKinley Rd.
Napa, CA 94558
Phone: (707) 265-0989
Fax: (707) 265-0991
[email protected]
Treasurer
Julie Delaney
Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm
23477 Bellevue Cascade Rd.
La Motte, IA 52054
Phone: (563) 543-1375
Phone: (563) 773-8198
[email protected]
Director
Scott Miller
Greener Pastures Alpacas
70397 Buckhorn Rd.
Terrebonne, OR 97760
Phone: (541) 923-2285
Fax: (541) 923-2289
[email protected]
Director
Karen Dunn
Angel Fleece Alpaca Farm
3508 Veechdale Rd.
Simpsonville, KY 40067
Phone: (502) 722-8530
Fax: (502) 267-8915
[email protected]
Director
Tom Petersen
Alpacas All Around
4300 Hansen Rd.
Loomis, CA 95650
Phone: (916) 660-1918
Fax: (916) 660-1918
[email protected]
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AOBA Headquarters Staff Roster
AOBA Office & Show System Administrator
Margie Ault
Direct Phone: (615) 834-4195 x103
Fax: (615) 834-4196
[email protected]
Membership and Conference Services Manager
Andrea Harrington
Direct Phone: (615) 834-4195 x102
[email protected]
Accountant
Susan Brischke
Direct Phone: (615) 834-4195 x100
Fax: (615) 834-4196
[email protected]
Application Specialist
Jason Friedman
Direct Phone: (615) 834-4195
[email protected]
Online Member Manager
Becky Farley
Direct Phone: (615) 834-4195 x104
[email protected]
Sales Representative
Kristin Cales
Direct Phone: 615-834-4195 x108
[email protected]
IT Manager
Robert Doyle
Direct Phone: 615-834-4195 x106
[email protected]
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Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
5000 Linbar Drive, Suite 297
Nashville, TN 37211
Tel: 615-834-4195 • Fax: 615-834-4196
Email: [email protected]
Websites
Member: www.alpacainfo.com
Marketing: www.alpacaowners.com
Show: www.alpacashows.com
Fiber: www.alpacafashion.com