I have declared for the position of Regional Director and I am requesting your support. Let me take this opportunity to tell you a few things about myself and the vision I have for the Region if elected.

What I Propose To Do As Regional Director: Fostering better communication with our clubs is a top priority: To this end, I will implement and distribute a newsletter on a regular basis that will keep our clubs, members and exhibitors up to date on events and pertinent information within our region and CFA. I will hold Regional Meetings throughout the Region. This will give our club members and exhibitors an opportunity to provide input, ask questions, and participate. Clubs will be provided periodic reports on our regional treasury so they will be in the loop on the financial aspects of our region. I will implement advanced planning for regional events. For example, regional awards shows need to be planned further in advance, several years when possible. I will make sure our regional events are moved around the region so everyone has a chance to attend such functions within reasonable proximity every few years. I will work closely with our clubs so no area of the region feels isolated or excluded. I will work to ensure all areas of our region feel that they are an integral and valued part of the region. According to the statistics provided by CFA, the Southern Region has more shows and larger shows than any other Region. I want to make sure we continue that tradition. Show scheduling has frustrated a number of clubs in our Region and this issue will be addressed! We need to revise the regional rules regarding the show schedule and publish them so all clubs are able to understand which dates are available and their chances of being able to utilize those dates. I will work hard for new clubs within our Region that have been accepted into CFA membership but have had to wait years for an available date before they can hold shows. It is in everyone's interest to see that clubs wishing to hold shows are able to do so. Entries are diminishing at CFA shows throughout the country and we need to be creative so our clubs can remain viable and successful. The economy is certainly a contributing factor but new, fresh ideas are at hand to keep our clubs and the Region thriving. The Southern Region is hosting the 2011 CFA Annual Meeting in suburban Washington, DC. We are getting a late start and need to incorporate our clubs in this big event. Susan Cook Henry and Donna Jean Thompson recently agreed to serve as co-chairs and worked hard to move the event to a terrific hotel not far from Dulles Airport. This hotel has 100 shops and restaurants within waking distance out its back door. This is going to be a spectacular location and an exciting event for you to both attend and on which to work, as I plan to do, making this an Annual that will be remembered for years to come. Today's CFA is facing a number of problems. Our registrations are down, our entries are down, and we face legislative issues that challenge our hobby's very existence. To keep CFA going, it is going to take a Board with creative and open minds to produce innovative ideas, a willingness to try new ways of doing things, and a sound business plan. I believe my previous service to CFA has proven that I have the necessary qualities - coupled with a strong desire to see our organization maintain and exceed expectations. It is going take a Board of individuals who can communicate well with those participating in our hobby. I have a keen knowledge and understanding of CFA's history and frequently share this information on the CFA List. I am ready to help and would very much look forward to achieving the goals which I have outlined above.

My Background

After 35 years as a Federal employee, I am now retired. When employed, my job was to analyze problems and develop solutions for those problems. This is a skill that I have often used in the cat fancy and would serve me well as Regional Director.

As a current and long-time breeder, exhibitor, and club member I have a working understanding of the problems faced by today's cat fancier. I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job.

I am currently licensed as a Master Clerk and have served as a clerk for more than 35 years. I currently belong to both the Exotic and Persian Breed Councils and served several terms as the Persian Breed Council Secretary.

I served four years on the CFA Board as Regional Director followed by eight years as a Director-At-Large. While on the Board I chaired a number of committees. I continued to maintain active participation within CFA by serving as chair on several CFA committees as a non-Board member. When I chaired the CFA Publications Committee we created the Online Almanac and revamped the Yearbook to reflect its current focus on breeds. I served on the CFA International Cat Show Committee from 1993 to 2006, and was committee chair for many of those years. This past year I was asked to return and co-chair that committee which resulted in a number of positive comments regarding the improvements made for 2009. We were able to take the show from a $39,000 loss in 2008 to a $29,000 profit in 2009.

30 years ago I helped create the National Capital Cat Show which has for many years been one of CFA's premier events. I work on not only large shows, but smaller, one-day shows, having served in virtually every capacity: show manager, entry clerk, show secretary, show treasurer, etc. I strongly support the concept of event shows which showcase CFA and its pedigreed cats.

I am passionate about CFA and am very excited about the opportunity to work with each of you to ensure our Region continues to be #1.

I welcome your questions and comments:
markh_@yahoo.com
PH: 540-635-9461