2021 NYHA Annual Meeting Minutes

2021 Annual Meeting Minutes

Jason Pullis, Beth Keene, Jason Lloyd, Tom Harkenrider, Larry Hill, Dan Crowell, Anita Menzi, Katy Kemmermen, Patsy Gifford, Devin Kuhn, Jim Perrotti, George Merrill, Cathy Littlefield-Bush, Justine Kelsey, Steve Vanlieshout, Kelly Driver, Deb Quackenbush, Alan Danforth, David King, Curtis Nolan, Hal Lusk, Cam Davis, Marvin Luders, John Marshman, Michael McCaffery, Melissa Hart, Lynnette Wright, Dick Wright, Betsey Howland-Gerber.

President Jason Lamb called the meeting to order at 11:05 am. on January 15, 2021.

Pullis then thanked everyone for joining the annual meeting and asked Vice President Beth Keene to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Tom Harkenrider made a motion to dispense the secretary’s minutes of the previous meeting from November as they were published in the December issue of the New York Holstein News and accept them as written. Deb Quackenbush seconded this, motion passed.

President Pullis then called on Tom Harkenrider to give the financial report for the association. Harkenrider started off by including John Marshman, NYHA financial chairman, stating that Marshman would be providing input and answering questions, if needed. On the profit and loss statements, senior income is down for the year and continues on a downward trend as it has been over the last couple years. Membership and cows are down. Harkenrider reported that by including cow numbers on the annual membership forms that the association hopes to not see such a significant loss on cow numbers next year. Harkenrider spoke to the importance of all of us going out and encouraging new members to join. He also mentioned that if you have any ideas on how to increase the membership to please let us know. Spring Show financials are showing no loss or gain as there was no Spring Show in 2020. Sale income is also down which is a result of not having a Spring Show sale; however, the Fall New York Breeder’s sale was able to generate some sale income. Harkenrider continued by reporting about the news income which is down as well due to a decrease in advertising. There is a gain in event sponsors as any sponsor that sponsored the Spring show was given the opportunity to either roll that sponsorship over to 2021 Spring Show or move it to Event sponsorship. Many chose to roll it over to Event sponsorship which is why you see a positive there. On the expense side of the report payroll is down which is the result of no longer having Mike McCaffery as editor. All other expenses were stable.

Harkenrider moved on to the balance sheet and reported that the association applied for the PPP loan and was awarded $33,000 use towards salaries, rent, and other utility costs. Harkenrider noted the auditors will be assisting with the loan forgiveness application and it is likely the association will not have to pay the loan back. Alan Danforth asked if the association would be eligible for the second round of PPP and John Marshman answered saying that that loan will be more restrictive and it is not likely that the association will be eligible unless the financials show a significant loss in the year of 2020.

Lynette Wright asked why the junior checking was showing a $28,000 decrease and John Marshman responded that it was because money was transferred from checking to the reserve funds since it was not making any money in the checking account. Alicia Lamb asked if there were plans to move any of the money from senior checking to the reserve fund to pay back the money that was taken from the reserve fund 2020 and 2019. John Marshman reported that the current surplus in the checking account is due to the timing of when membership dues come in and that this not an accurate reflection of the association’s overall financial situation. Harkenrider mentioned that the executive board is cognizant of the fact that we do need to pay back the reserve fund in the future but plan on how to formalize that will need to be discussed. Harkenrider thanked the association’s financial advisor Breanna Lundy for all that she does and noted that the accounts within Edward Jones have had a good year.

Harkenrider then reported on the 2021 budget report. He reported that there is a reduction in salaries under personnel expenses and asked Pullis and Hanselman to speak more about that. Pullis reported that the executive committee has been very aware of the financial situation of the association for a few years now and are aware that changes needed to be made. The executive committee decided to eliminate the office manager position, filled by Jennifer Ginzery, by March 1. Hanselman will take over the majority of the office manager’s duties with more oversight financially from the association’s treasurer. Pullis continued that this was not an easy decision for the executive committee but is confident that this is one that is needed for the association and its members. Hanselman reported that Stacie Sherman’s salary was increased as she will assume some additional responsibilities. Harkenrider continued with the budget, explaining that office maintenance is up a little from last year to allow for the association to explore electronic record storage options and internet/cloud storage options to improve the quality of work being done while working from home.

The budget predicts a decrease in spending for rent, as the association will not be renewing their lease at the current location and will move into a smaller, less expensive space. Spring show expenses will remain the same but money will be budgeted for a 2021 State Show. Overall, the projected budget shows a positive of $1800, which puts the association in a better place financially than the previous two years.

Harkenrider made a motion for the acceptance of his report and Anita Menzi seconded it, motion passed.

Pullis thanked Harkenrider for reading the treasury report and for Marshman being available to the Association and for his continued guidance and support.

Justine Kelsey presented the publications report. She started by thanking Ginny Wolfe for all of her time and efforts that she spent over the many years with the association as publications chair. Kelsey reviewed the financials, reporting that there were only two months in the year where the News was in the red and that overall, the News made more money this year than historically. The committee proposed only sending one News to every household as a way to cut costs for the next, which would be a savings of $2,700 a year. Kelsey provided a couple examples where advertisers had been found to cover the cost of certain content in the news and Kelsey continued by saying that this is something Melissa Hart and the executive committee will continue to do to offset some of the costs. Kelsey reported that the publications committee voted and agreed that for the next year all members who have provided the association with their

email will receive a digital copy of the News; next year members will be provided with the option to receive the digital version or the hard copy. Kelsey continued by discussing the possibility of bundled advertising which would include hardcopy advertising but also digital advertising on the website and Facebook page. Kelsey made a motion for the acceptance of her report and Harkenrider seconded it, motion passed.

Lynnette Wright then gave her a membership and breed and promotion committee report. Lynette did membership awards. OHM had the most new Senior members in 2020. Senior membership goal awards for 2021: Wayne-Ontario met 86%, Madison met 76%, and Chenango and Nioga met 735%. Juniors membership awards were presented next with Tri-County having the most new members. Junior membership goal awards for 2021: Onwego met 133%, Lewis met 90% and Cortland met 74%. Wright then talked about overall membership for the year 2020 and reported that she feels the association actually did pretty good considering the times, as Seniors 94 percent of the goal while Juniors made 90 percent of their goal. As of January 2021 current membership is only slightly down (about 60 members for both groups) but Stacie still has some memberships to process and believes we are on track for where we need to be.

Counties that did well on their membership goals last year were the counties that were able to have county shows. Wright continued with her report by saying all directors have their current membership lists so please make sure you are encouraging your members to renew their memberships. Wright reported that the committee proposed having a business membership but the committee believes that this needs to be looked into further before making a decision. The summer picnic location is to be determined but Wright is hopeful that it will happen for 2021. Wright finished her report by talking about the Cows of the Century book and mentioned that it is still currently available to purchase; if you are interested you can find it on the Holstein webpage. Devin Kuhn proposed removing membership awards to save association money. Beth Keene responded by saying that she thinks it is important to recognize people. Beth then asked what constitutes an active club. Hanselman reported that there are two inactive clubs currently because they have not submitted their reports in 3 years. Beth then asked what happens if you have a paid member in an inactive club. Chelsea said their club cannot vote but they have all other rewards and benefits of being a member. Lynette made a motion to accept her report, Cathy Littlefield seconded it; motion passed.

David King Was called on to do the sale report. King started out by saying the association had to make some changes this year and get creative due to the pandemic. The online breeder’s sale was able to generate some revenue and King reported that online sales seem to be a successful forum for selling cattle. King then reported that the ET sale will be on and is scheduled for February 12, 2021 and encouraged all to participate. The committee has also been looking at Spring show and is trying to put together a live sale. King reported that Adam freely is on board with auctioneering that sale, however it may be difficult to pull the sale off if we are unable to find enough help to care for the sale animals. King reported that the sale committee be looking at a budget for sales moving forward so money isn’t lost. King continued by saying that the association has a commitment to try and help members sell their cattle and promote the Holstein cow but it can’t be done at the expense of the association. King moved for the acceptance of his report and Harkenrider seconded it; motion passed.

Jason Lloyd then presented the show committee report. Lloyd reviewed the 2020 show year, reporting that the Spring Show was canceled but the association was able to put on a successful State Show at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Looking ahead to 2021 show season, Lloyd explained that in July 2020 the association was informed by the state fairgrounds that the grounds would be unavailable until mid-May for the Spring Carousel Show, as they were keeping the coliseum under ice. Hanselman and Lloyd researched facilities in New York and the executive committee agreed the only facility that could handle the size of Spring Show was the Eric County Fairgrounds in Hamburg NY. Lloyd continued by saying the dates were decided on based on the fairground’s availability. The carousel committee approved this location and dates as well as judges for the show. The committee will move forward with planning a 2021 state show. Lloyd report that the committee most recently talked about what dates work for everyone, whether it will be a national show, and what location that this event will be held up; however, nothing has been confirmed. Lloyd made a motion to accept his report and Cathy Littlefield seconded it; motion passed.

Melissa Hart gave a report as NY News editor. Hart mentioned that some of the themes will be changing for the monthly News’. February/March is youth issue with convention highlights, April/May combined with Carousel results and All-NY R&W issue, June is the convention issue (hopefully there will be National convention) and picnic preview with a membership directory, July/August will include show results and will highlight farms that are processing their own products, September will be more show results and the type issue where you can highlight your high type cows, October will be the expo issue and the Harvest sale, November/December will highlight Fall shows and pre-convention stuff.

Hart moved on by thanking everyone for advertising in the News and appreciates everyone that supports the News. Hart talked about the importance of supporting print and emphasized that by saying that print becomes your official record. Hart then echoed what Kelsey had said in the publications committee report, reporting that all members can receive a digital copy of the News now, which seems to be a great option considering how slow the Postal Service has been during the pandemic. Keene asked Melissa what her thoughts and plans were on reaching members given her distance from New York. Hart reports that in a normal year she believes she will be in New York several times a year attending events and visiting farms and members. Hart continued by saying she believes that personal relationships are important for her to have with the members and she is always welcome to talk to members and hear their ideas or suggestions in their stories. Lynnette Wright made a motion to accept Hart’s report, Anita Menzi seconded it; motion passed.

Hanselman then gave her executive manager’s report, where she thanked everyone for being patient with her over these first several months while she learned her new role and she reported that she hopes that next year will allow her the opportunity to meet with more members in person. Hanselman went on to say that Despite the pandemic the association was able to provide opportunities for our members. Hanselman then gave a brief overview of what to expect for the virtual junior convention that takes place January 16, 2021. Hanselman finished her report by thinking the executive committee the chair people and all of the volunteers that put in time to help the association be as successful as possible.

Pullis called on Marshman to give a national directors report. Marshman commented that the pandemic has impacted the office in Vermont and that the majority of the staff continue to work remotely and adhere to certain protocols under Vermont rules. Financially Holstein is down 5 to 8% in all areas, which was to be expected. Marshman commented that Holstein did a good job of cutting expenses when income began to slow. The nominating committee met and they are going forward with the

election process. Our region is not up for re-election. Holstein is committed to having elections this year regardless of whether national convention is in person or not. Keene asked how registration numbers have looked through the pandemic. Marshman answered that registrations are behind about 5-6% and transfers are behind closer to 10% due to the decrease in sales.

Mike McCaffery, Field Representative for Holstein USA, then provided his report. Mike echoed what John said mentioning that Holstein finished strong for the year despite the challenges all have faced. Registrations were only down 3% overall for New York. Holstein continues to offer a wide variety of programs to help meet the needs of its members and breeders. McCaffery briefly touched on the classification schedule for New York which will start in February and reported that Holstein will doing the annual awards for distinguished breeders again this and encouraged folks to get in applications. McCaffery finished by saying that if you know of someone or you yourself are having a hard time getting registrations completed or if you have questions about any of the programs to not be afraid to reach out to him.

Presidents Pullis thanked McCaffery for his attendance and report and then went into his President’s report. Pullis started off by saying that we started the year of 2020 looking forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the association. He spoke about Kelly leaving the association and Chelsea starting, as well as impacts of COVID on New York members. Pullis continued by saying that the State Show was a tremendous success and it was proof that if we all come together we can pull of an event for the greater good of everyone. Pullis also remarked on the success of the cows of the century contest and thanked the Wright family for all of their work towards this contest. He reported that great cows with great people behind them was what the contest was about.” Pullis then spoke of the changes the association will be facing and the challenges that may occur with having less help, but he reported that he believes overall these changes will be the best move for the association. He finished by saying that he hopes that the Holstein cow will continue to be the focal point of our unity and that we can overcome our differences if we keep this in mind. Pullis then asked about old business (none) and new business. Lynette Wright asked how many DJMs applications there were for this year and Hanselman reported that there were no 17 and over DJM’s but considering there was no convention there were good applicants in the other age groups. Hanselman continued by saying that this year would provide opportunity to evaluate the Junior Executive Committee’s responsibilities and possibly changing some of these roles. Kelsey suggested getting mentors for the JEC members to help rejuvenate this committee. Marshman commented that he thinks it would be beneficial for the association to have a plan about how to help counties restore events since some of the smaller counties may struggle getting events up and going again after a year of not having anything. Marshman continued by suggesting that a group forms and gets together during the spring show to talk about how this is going to happen and one suggestion is that maybe regions get together or multiple counties get together to plan events to get going again.

Pullis then called on Beth Keene to do resolutions, where we were all provided a moment to remember those we had lost in the last year.

Harkenrider made a motion to end the meeting. Wright seconded it; motion passed.

Rollin' in to 2021 to 2021 With a Junior All-American

Roll-N-View Jacoby Emery-ET VG-88

2020 Jr. All-American Jr 2-YR-Old HHM All-NY Jr 2-YR-Old Res. Junior All-NY Jr 2-YR-Old Potential 9th Generation EX! Jacoby x Budjon-JK Gld Embarrass-ET EX-92 EEEVE

Emery is due in April to Cheers! She will be ready for the summer and fall shows!

Owned by Caitlin Bennett

Granny-Anne Registered Holsteins

We couldn’t be more proud of Miss Natalie Capluzzi!

✰ 2020 NY 14-16 DJM Finalist ✰ Amazing big sister who helped take care of her siblings while continuing to excel in school and maintain honor roll. ✰ Competitive Cross Country, Track, and Race

Walk Team member. ✰ Helping at Grammy and Papa’s with chores and choosing sires to continue to improve her herd genetics. She’s even learned how to drive tractor.

2020 may have put a damper on things but she never let it get her down. Here’s to an exciting 2021 and all the amazing things she will accomplish this year! Love, Mommy, Daddy Zach, Joel, Violet, and Aunt Jessie, Grammy & Papa

Mi-Care- Acres

Mike and Carey Houghtaling, and Family 8964 Cobb School Road - Arkport NY 14807