Meet the Candidates!
SW Regional Director Candidates:
Alex Chisholm
The Southwest Regional Director position is a dynamic role that requires an entrepreneurial spirit and is critical to the success of the Region. The Regional Director’s primary /responsibility/ is to oversee the operation and development of their region. The primary /goal/ of the RD is to build strong, cohesive teams through their clubs and memberships.
The RD should appropriately invest in their members. You'll see evidence of my talent through the thirteen (13) years of being a breeder and exhibitor, being a member in ‘good standing’ with TICA for eleven (11) years, being a Provisional Allbreed Judge, and being an active member of three clubs, including being President and Treasurer within two of the three ‘active’ clubs. By setting vision, encouraging and challenging the membership and clubs, I will represent _them_ as a direct voice in the governing body of TICA.
The call to leadership as a Regional Director is a great responsibility. The Southwest Region is a ‘strong’ and substantial Region, and needs a RD that will represent them professionally as the vital link between the Southwest Members, SW Clubs and TICA. The SW Region, its members & its clubs must have a voice! That will be my job representing “*you*”.
We have had a strong RD for the past 5 years, who has moved on to become the President of TICA. We need another strong person to take up the mantle of Regional Director for the SW Region. It is my goal as RD not to be a ‘yes’ person. I will ask questions in order to make the best decisions for TICA and the SW Region. Additionally, in the checks and balance system within any organization, this will enable growth without a run-a-muck leadership. It is not wise to follow blindly any individual in charge. I believe it is necessary at times to question the normal way of doing things, understanding the ways and wherefores of procedures and propose changes to accomplish the goals of the organization. I know we must all try to be team players and we need to understand that when we state our opposition. It is not that we want to outright disagree, but that we need to come together with a common goal for the membership of TICA.
Where possible, I will poll the region for your input on upcoming items and issues. It is a huge concern of mine that everyone be treated fairly, whether they are breeders, exhibitors or judges. I will do my level best to see that happens. The only way I know to ensure this fair treatment happens, is to become a member of the board and have a vote on that board. To do that -- one must be a Regional Director.
My promises to the region are: 1) To report and confer with all members on a regular basis as to what is going on in TICA and the SW Region; 2) To get as much feedback from members on any items or issues coming up that the board will be voting on; 3) To ask questions, study and weigh all sides of any issue; 4) To see everyone is treated fairly and last, but by no means least; 5) To work diligently to continue to grow the SW Region and TICA as a whole.
Susan Levine
Having served as Interim SW Regional Director for the past three BOD Meetings, I would like to continue "working for SW Region and TICA."
I have been an active TICA Member for over 20 years, and have shown Birmans for 23 years. I have seen the SW Region grow into being one of the largest Membership Regions. We, to date, are only outdone by Asia and Europe West.
I am a Founding/Charter Member of Top Cats and Tails and a Founding/Charter Member of Kat Knappers. I have actively participated in two Annuals in the SW Region; Pomona, CA put on by WeBeKatz and more recently the Albuquerque, NM Annual put on by Enchanted Cat Club. I have actively participated in about seven SW Regionals over the years.
Having gone on the "Campaign Trail" several times, I have a very good idea of the costs involved as an exhibitor. I also am very well aware of how much it costs for a club to put on a show. Both can be expensive but both are rewarding.
Being a "visitor" to other Regions' Shows is eye opening. Things are different in other areas of the country. However, one thing stays the same: TICA is friendly and helpful and fun! This is why I chose TICA as our "organization of choice" over 20 years ago!
Yes, we are a diverse Region, with most of the clubs and shows in basically one general area...Southern California, traveling and attending shows in Tuscon, Denver and Albuquerque is not a rarity. The economic climate is grim...but we will survive. We do need to support the shows throughout the SW Region as best we can and I will be asking for some monetary support for next year's Regional in Denver.
The SW Region is financially stable. I initiated sponsorships for the very first time this year, for our Regional Awards, You all came thru in a very short period of time with over $1500. in sponsorships. Thank You!
Now that it is next to impossible to be the "Raffle Basket Lady" to raise $$$ for the Regional Fund...we have to think of other ways to help keep our Regional Fund solvent! The clubs now need all the $$$ from their own raffles to help defray expenses.
I hope to be elected as your SW Regional Director. I feel that overall TICA experience counts a great deal, as does showing cats consistently for 20+ years.
Susan Levine
Jackie Rose
This year, The International Cat Association is celebrating its’ 30 year anniversary. TICA has grown to be an international association and feline registry since that first show on July 28th, 1979. Wonderful breeds, friendly members, quality judges and a focused board have made TICA what it is today. We have the expertise and people to continue this progression in a responsible way.
I have a genuine lifelong love for felines and have been a Persian exhibitor since the late 1980’s with a presence in CFA, TICA and ACA. I started a small breeding program in 1995 and traveled around the country to shows. My gravitation to TICA started several years ago when I saw the friendly nature of fellow exhibitors and clubs. This was something refreshingly different and I developed a real appreciation because of it.
The International Cat Association is very diverse. The contrast in economics, distance and character require versatile and visionary leadership. A critical aspect needed by a member of the Board of Directors is to recognize those distinctions and act accordingly. This is likewise evident in our Southwest region with hubs of activity and large spans of distance between the hubs. We need a leader who is aware and empathetic to all areas. I enjoy going around the region (and beyond) to check out different clubs, venues, shows and do some visiting. This traveling will not diminish and I plan to see even more in the years to come.
My history provides essential skills and experience in management and dealing directly with people. I have worked in law enforcement as a Crime Scene Investigator and Officer with a local municipality followed by time spent as a Civil Deputy with the County Treasurers’ office enforcing property tax laws. For the past six years, I have assisted schools and pet groups across the country with their Cartridges for Kids and Recycle 4 Pets fundraising programs
I believe my work and life skills provide a solid base of strengths that would make a versatile Regional Director. My law enforcement experience enhances the ability to observe and read situations clearly, maintain confidentiality, evaluate without personal bias and base decisions on a solid platform. My family, friends and co-workers can attest to a solid individual who thinks outside the box and possesses a strength of will.
Your Regional Director represents you. Remember “Fabulous Felines, Fun and Friendships”. We need to show our personalities by mentoring and helping new feline owners, chatting with spectators at a show, or working with local pet groups. No matter where I go, what show or club I work with, I strive to represent TICA and the SW Region in a positive manner.
Your Regional Director keeps you informed. I plan to communicate with you in a variety of settings such as show meetings across the region, bi-monthly newsletters on–line and through snail mail; emails, phone, Facebook and other social networking sites. A Regional Director cannot properly lead if they do not encourage discussion, info sharing and ideas. Communication, communication, communication!
Your Regional Director should be creative with an eye to the future. Rhymes anyone? I am known for creative advertising for entries and spectators.
I am very excited about the future of TICA. The Junior Exhibitor and the Mentorship program were established with an eye towards the future. I strongly support this effort. These programs, in conjunction with the awards and titling aspect for household pets, makes us a unique organization. We are able to tap into the normal feline owner and the youth. We need to promote these programs at shows, fairs and expos. I believe the Southwest Region should be at the forefront of the future and would love to creatively come up with ways for us to do so!
IN CLOSE: After living in Burbank for many years, I am aware of many of the area issues and concerns. I brought back to Colorado the energy and vitality Southern California possesses. Using this knowledge and energy to encourage this side of the region, I am happy to say we are starting to see an upward swing of clubs, shows, members and regional/breed winners. Our future is unlimited when we work together. As Regional Director I will be representing each and every one of you in a positive, knowledgeable and diligent light. .
Thank you for your time and your vote, Jackie Rose jackierose.homestead.com
