PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

This has been an UNBELIEVABLE Hurricane Season...As I write this message, we are about to get the 4th Hurricane in 6 weeks!!! I know many of you were impacted by these storms & I hope 'Jeanne' is a kinder & gentler Storm--& that all of you, your families & your communities don't get too much damage from this one!!!

Speaking of Storms, I'm sure most of you know that our President, Michelle Conroy has resigned as President & from OBOHA. Michelle has done a wonderful job with the Club especially the website. (www.oboha.org) I have been working with our WebMaster, Michelle Campbell, & I recommend her highly for your website design! You can reach her at brittresq@verizon.com It's a Great site & I feel it will be a wonderful addition to the Club helping us spread the word about our sport! I would like to thank Michelle Conroy for her service to the club. She also put together the Canalizo Seminar & it was a Great success!!!

Speaking of STORMS & SEMINARS. We had to cancel the 'Ring Nerves Seminar' that Cathy Nirenberg worked so hard on due to the Hurricane....Cathy is working on re-scheduling the Seminar & all will be informed of the new date!

Due to the vacancy of the President's position, our Club had an 'ON LINE LIVE CHAT' at our new web site to fill the position along with several other positions that were needed. A motion was made that I fill out Michelle's term as President & I gladly accepted. I would like to welcome Cathy Nirenberg as 1st VP & Board Members Wells Hendrick & Jackie Arnold!!!

MINUTES FROM JUNE 19, 2004 MEETING

A meeting of the general membership of the Orange Blossom Owner Handlers Association of Florida, Inc. was called to order by Michelle Conroy at 2:35 p.m. at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday June 19, 2004.

1. Publicity to promote owner/handlers: An ad is run in the AKC Gazette 2-3 times a year.
2. OHA Attrition Rates: Not sure what the attrition rate is but there is a general falling out of about five years for the average dog enthusiast.
3. Requiring Educational Seminars for Members: The National Club does not require education seminars.
4. OHA Match: OBOHA just had a match in January 2004 so this was not discussed.
5. How much advertising does the OHA do each year to promote owner/handlers? There are several Chapters that do quite a bit of promotion, holding matches, on-going handling classes, seminars, mentoring, setting up tables at shows, etc.
6. Could local chapters be sent a copy of the financial statement of the national association each quarter? OHA will be happy to provide us with regular financial statements. Currently OHA has $18,000 in their treasury. This covers postage, mailings, insurance, Westminster hotel room, scholarships ($3,000 annually), donations to the Canine Health Foundation ($1,000 annually), etc. Annual OHA membership is $10, but they actually lose money at this rate. They don’t want to raise it though because they want the local affiliates to be able to adjust their membership rates if necessary.

Rose would like someone from our Chapter to fill a position for the national club. Everything is done via e-mail and telephone so no travel would be required. Currently they have an open Board position and a Recording Secretary position (which would be in name only until elections). It would be good to put someone in the office now so that it will be just a formality to vote on during elections. This would be a good way to keep OBOHA informed.

WHAT MAKES A CLUB SUCCESSFUL?

• 3 C’s Confidence, Competence, Consistent.
• More you show, better you will become.
• Always go correct speed for your dog.
• Know your dogs virtues.

• Steward, seminars, mentors, join breed clubs and parent club.
• Your dog should look good in ring at all times.
• Future depends on owner handlers.
• Thoroughbred theory for breeders to utilize.

If you were to look at organizations that are successful at what they do, I believe you would realize that success all boils down to – the individuals who comprise the organization. For without members, there would be no organization. What are some of the characteristics that individual members demonstrate to help create a successful organization?

1. Enthusiasm & Commitment
   An exemplary team member has enthusiasm for the organization and commitment for its cause. An outstanding team member stands behind the organization's ideals, vision and mission. A team player knows when to put aside the differences for the common good.
2. Integrity
   Integrity is foundational and sets the parameters for the organization's success. The higher one's integrity, the higher one's success potential. An organization or a person can't be truly successful without integrity. Align your actions with your values for a high level of fulfillment and integrity. An ideal team member's actions reflect their commitment to the organization and community.
3. Competency
   When we work with competent people, we're confident and trusting, knowing they'll deliver quality. Because one person's performance affects the functioning of the whole team, competency takes on great significance. Competency begets excellence; who can argue with that? Competency builds a strong team. Competency erases any cause for needless anxiety and is good for our mental health, as well as the health of the team.
4. Creativity
   Creativity and "outside the box" thinking is key for organizational transformation and problem solving. Having creative thinkers on the team moves the organization forward in ways that can't be anticipated. Nurture your creative instincts and don't be afraid to share what you think might be unconventional ideas. Change would never occur if we didn't have bold "outside the box" thinkers!
5. Sense of Humor
   Lightness holds the team together as much as shared values and vision. Dedication and commitment to shared values doesn't preclude team members from having fun! Lightness adds perspective and helps to keep team members balanced. Keep your life sane so you maintain your sense of humor; laughter is healing, healthy and fun!
6. Perseverance
   Perseverance comes easily to those who are committed. When one is committed, one is steadfast in their belief of possibility. Nothing gets in the way of the vision. Obstacles are stepping-stones en route to fulfillment of the vision. Never take your eyes off the vision. ­ Work towards the goal so that nothing stands between your team and the goal/vision.
7. Language
   Language is the conduit for growth and self-expression. While progress can happen without words, it's language that brings forward our learning and experience. Language is the context for commitment. Language connects us and is a primary conduit for self-expression.
8. The Power of Questions
   Questions open communication; statements don't. Outstanding team members are inquisitive by nature and are open to hearing other points of view. Team members who appreciate the power of questions demonstrate strong teamwork skills. Questions move the team (and organization) forward in both linear and non-linear ways.
9. Reliability & Follow-Through
   When we give our word, we create an expectation for others. When we deliver, others consider us reliable ­ our word carries weight and means something. An ideal team member understands the power of the word and how strongly our integrity is based upon our word. Reliability is keeping your word, time and time again.
10. Collaboration
    Collaboration is at its essence, contribution. It's what happens when we "step outside of ourselves" and honor the space we share more than where we each individually come from. Collaboration is what we create when we come together. Strong team members value the power and synergy of collaboration.