Lowanda McDowell, Asheboro, NC
2019-2020 PHBA President
Hello, Hello!
Show season is in full swing and I hope everyone is enjoying the ride. It has been a busy year so far in the office and for your board. It is so exciting to see and hear about all the enthusiasm at our horseshows. The pictures on social media tell the story of dedicated members doing what they love. Keep the pictures coming!
A lot of work is being done behind the scenes. Our new computer system is coming along and we are in the process of mapping the data from our existing computer system into the new software. This process has had plenty of issues but is steadily moving forward. Since we meet with issues on and off during the process I don’t have a time line for you just yet, but I promise as soon as we have one I will get the word out to you.
We will continue to run the capital campaign to raise money for new computer equipment, maintenance and updates to the system that will need to be performed as time goes on. We must be vigilant in our efforts to keep the system up to date once it is completed and have funds available to make changes in the software as requested by the membership.
This year we have a new pendant to offer with a minimum of $100 donation to the Capital Campaign Fund. This pendant is a palomino mare with a Palomino Bred foal by her side. The pendant is a limited edition, stamped PHBA 2019 and we expect to sell out quickly. They are available by calling the office and will also be available at the World Show office. Your support of this campaign is greatly appreciated.
The Bradshaw Challenge has been talk of the town since it was announced at Convention. It has been very successful, thank you to each one that contributed to its success. I would again like to thank Tammy & Terry Bradshaw for their generosity to PHBA; this has been an awesome fundraising opportunity. In addition, I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all those who worked on and contributed to our World Show this year. Mimsi Coon and Terri Green along with many members of the Executive Board worked tirelessly to obtain ads and class sponsorships. The World Show Program was filled with ads and highlights of the Youth Association celebrating its 50th anniversary and the Heritage Foundation celebrating its 10th anniversary. To each of you who placed ads and sponsored classes THANK YOU! It takes everyone working together to make PHBA the great association that it is.
PHBA has enjoyed hosting its World Show in Tunica since 2013 but, as requested by the membership, it’s time for a change. It is my pleasure to tell you that a new venue has been secured for our World Show. The State Fair Grounds in Springfield, Illinois has been contracted to host the World Show for 2020 through 2023. The facility is different in its layout but I believe you will find it to be very exhibitor friendly. There are many hotels and restaurants close by, a beautiful historic district downtown to walk around and plenty of RV hookups on the fair grounds. The Executive Board is thrilled that we have found a facility in an area that has more of the conveniences you have been asking for. As we move forward there will be more information made available to you about the sights and sounds of Springfield. I hope you will make plans to join us.
In addition, the 2020 National Convention will be held March 18-21 at the President Abraham Lincoln DoubleTree in downtown Springfield. This is a beautiful hotel and convention center and we are anticipating a large turnout. We are making plans to have a tour of the Fair Grounds along with some other possible new activities. I encourage you to make plans to attend, take part in the meetings and enjoy the fellowship.
Safe Travels!
Lowanda McDowell
