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February/March 2007 Issue
Look to the future
by Jennifer Shike
One of my favorite sayings is, “A leader’s job is to look into the future, and to see the organization not as it is… but as it can become.”
Every year the NSR Youth Advisory Board meets in December to evaluate the past year and plan for the future. We understand the importance of looking ahead to see what’s next for our organization. A special thanks to the people who make up the NSR Youth Advisory Board – an amazing group who offer innovative ideas, make progressive decisions and, most of all, show their support of the NJSA with their time, finances and energy.
This board was originally led by Kim Brock from 2000-2005. In 2006, Jim McCoy took over as the chairman. Today, the board consists of Warren Beeler, Lee Denzer, Dr. Jodi Sterle and Terry Shaffer. Past members include Grant Grebner, Jon Althaus, Steve Nichols and Trent Tiemann.
Many exciting changes will take place in 2007. Last month, every member should have received the NJSA Handbook. Please keep this handbook in your shows folder. NJSA members (and their parents) are responsible for reading through these rules that help create a level playing field for all exhibitors.
In addition to the rule changes you’ll find in the handbook, let’s take a look at some of the new programs that will start this year.
World Pork Expo (WPX) Junior National Sweepstakes Contest. A NJSA Sweepstakes Contest will be added to the WPX Junior National in June. The sweepstakes will combine points from the NJSA gilt show, judging contest and showmanship contest. Exhibitors will receive five bonus points if they participate in the barrow show.
NJSA All-Around Sweepstakes. An All-Around Sweepstakes program will start in September. From the 2007 NJSA Southwest Regional to the 2008 National Junior Summer Spectacular (NJSS), youth can compile points from the following shows’ sweepstakes contests: NJSA Southwest Regional, NJSA Eastern Regional, NJSA Southeast Regional, NJSA Western Regional, WPX Junior National and NJSS. The top 10 in each age division will be honored at the 2008 NJSS closing ceremonies. Youth must register for the program by Sept. 1. Watch for more information this summer.
NJSA recommended show guidelines. Many of you have asked for ideas to help start shows in your area. We are now offering a program to provide new and existing shows with advertisement and publicity, as well as suggestions to make it a great event.
A show can now be classified as a “NJSA-Recommended Show.” The requirements are simple. The show must require pedigrees on Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Yorkshire hogs and offer classes for all four of these breeds. The show must offer at least one educational component or leadership activity (i.e. showmanship, skillathon, mini-skillathon on paper or leadership speaker).
What benefits will the show receive for meeting these guidelines? The show will be considered a “NJSA-Recommended Show,” which can be advertised on show programs, fliers and other promotional material. The show will be listed on a special section of our Web site, www.nationalswine.com, under the NJSA link. It will also be eligible to receive half-price listings in the annual NJSA calendar.
The cost for this service is $20 per show/year or a total of $50 for three or more shows/year. The money generated from this will cover the cost of Web site maintenance and technical support.
We believe exhibiting swine with a pedigree provides an important, educational experience for youth. We attribute the success of our events to our focus on the entire educational experience, not just the quality of the pigs.
The NJSA section of our Web site gets a large amount of traffic, and would be one way we can help shows that offer opportunities for purebreds to receive greater attention and publicity.
The NJSA is working hard to find new ways to position the organization and its members for successful futures. Take advantage of the opportunities NJSA provides for you to participate in competitive shows, learn more about our industry and develop your leadership skills. Maybe someday you will meet with us in December to strategize for the future of the NJSA!
