February 2009

ALPEA NEWSLETTER

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

GOOD NEWS!  After the meeting of the ALPEA on December 9th, called in the absence of any communication or substantive action by most of the executive officers of the Association over the last several months, your association through its new executive officers have been able to work constructively to re-establish creditability with our finances and members and to direct the association in much needed change.

After the meeting on December 9th, we changed the club contact information with the Secretary of State and the IRS, as well as PHBA and AQHA and officers of other organizations.  The new Vice-President, Karen Turner, gained control, redesigned and began administering the web sites.  Without the benefit of any significant prior bank statements and other financial information held by the former officers, we were forced to write a formal letter to those officers who had maintained control of the books and assets for the since January 2006.  December 22nd we requested all bank records, secretarial records, show equipment and any other club assets be returned.  Our efforts, including telephone calls and emails were thwarted, blocked or ignored by the former officers.

With advice from our attorney, we contacted the Wilson County Sheriff’s office to discuss any legal proceedings available.  They were very helpful.  After visiting with law enforcement officials, we accompanied a Sheriff’s deputy to visit most of the prior officers at their family home in Adkins (Wilson County) to personally demand what our prior letters requested.  Although the house appeared to be occupied, no one came to the door, even at the insistence of the Sheriff’s deputy.

As of today, the association bank account contains only $603.85.  Until we can get more information, we cannot determine the actual amount expended over the last year, nor for what purposes, although we believe from our estimate of fees and dues and other monies paid in, several thousand dollars are unaccounted for at this time.  Due to the privacy act, no other information can be stated at this time.  Any information is being collected by and we are still working with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.

Meantime, Ruth Krimsky, the new Treasurer, was successful in securing the bank account and moving it for security reasons to another financial institution.  The checking account will require two signatures by officers, and specific limits on any one transaction.  Because the reconstruction of financial data is difficult, we will need membership help beginning with our records in 2006.  Whatever information including your payments to ALPEA for the purpose you state will be helpful.  Please send all information via email, fax or mail to the officers that you have been in contact with ASAP.

Consequently, while your board is awaiting answers from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, we are working hard to do other things we have control over.  This includes readjusting the by-laws for presentation to the membership, the way membership and board meetings are held to generate good and sound business practices, and hopefully, goodwill and trust among the membership.

To All Stallion Owners:  Thank you for your understanding and patience.  Please know that I, as a stallion owner like you, realize the time and work that goes into your ownership.  At this time, however, WE ARE ASKING YOU TO HELP BY SENDING US THE INFORMATION ON YOUR NOMINATIONS, DONATIONS, BREEDING/MARE INFORMATION, FOAL INFORMATION, REGISTRATION FEES AND ANY OTHER THING YOU MAY HAVE THAT WILL HELP US PUT THINGS TOGETHER AND MOVE FORWARD.  We must have help in reconstructing our books for several reasons, including maintaining our tax-exempt status from IRS.  Look at the copies you kept for your files, copy them, and send them to us!

Future Shows/Activities:  After we reconcile our records, we can proceed with the purpose of our association.  Several individuals have tentatively agreed to helps us with a future/show, raise funds with play days and a trail ride, including an arena, a judge and secretarial support, most at no charge for one event.  It is possible that the missing 2008 futurity/show and another show/play day in October or November of 2009.  The PHBA and the AQHA and other organizations may be willing to help in their official capacity.

I realize that this letter may be upsetting to many of you.  However, straight talk and constant communication is my goal as your new President.  I am willing to give of my time, energy and financial support to see that we are able to recover from our recent setback, that our new direction continues, and that we have a viable association again.

Please be present for our February 21st meeting so that we can carry out your association renewal.  Votes will need to be taken on the by-law changes and other matters that only membership can direct.  I earnestly hope you will vote in favor of the changes, and that the vote is unanimous so as to indicate your approval of the direction the new officers and the new board of directors is taking in this crisis.

Sincerely,

Mary Wagner

President

Alamo Palomino Exhibitors Association