The May meeting of the Great Smoky Mountain Cluster was held at the home of Wally and Carol Sommerfelt.  Present were: Wally Sommerfelt, Carol Sommerfelt, Barbara Byrum, Donna Burchi, Pat Hodges, Catherine Bell, Beth White, Joyce Cardwell, David Miller, Paula Smiddy and Debby Sharp.

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by the president.

DISCUSSIONS
There was discussion concerning mixed breeds which are now allowed, by AKC, to compete in some performance events. It was the general feeling that this not be done this year, but it will be open for discussion in future years.

The premium list will be available for proofing soon. It will be noted that no soft-side crates will be allowed ringside. Ringside crating will be available in designated areas with the caveat that crates be removed immediately following judging. Any other items that members wish to be included in the premium should be sent to Donna Burchi or Catherine Bell.

It was proposed that both sponsoring clubs become more active in community affairs. Both clubs have classes which are open to the public. It is felt that the cluster shows will assist in this venture.

TVKC has held the annual elections and there will be changes in chairs for some of the committees.

Chilhowee Park management has informed us that their will be a room available in which we could hold Red Cross classes for three days of the shows. Paula Smiddy will follow-up on this.

Catherine Bell will contact Linda Pitts to get information on the party which is planned on Saturday night.

It was suggested that Nursing Homes be contacted to invite residents who are able to one of the shows. No entry will be charged. It is thought that the shows on either Thursday or Friday would be appropriate.

The Cluster will rent two golf carts for use during the shows. Anyone else who wishes to rent one will be directed to Ladd’s to contract with them directly.

 

Carol, Donna, Catherine and Beth have completed work on the tri-fold brochures which will be used in contacting potential sponsors and advertisers. The brochure was reviewed and some
corrections made.

Classes will be held during the summer for those people who would like to steward at the shows. The first class will be held on July 12, 2010, at the Oak Ridge Training Center at 6:30 p.m. We will have a pot luck supper and the class will follow. We are asked to bring a dish to share, our own beverages and a chair.

Local vets will be encouraged to advertise in our catalogue. A cover letter will be sent to them along with the brochure. If they take an ad, they will be given five passes to be given to the clients of their choosing.

ADVERTISING
It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED, to use e-mail to notify exhibitors of the Cluster Shows. This should reach up to 100,000 exhibiters. Cost will be $95.00.

FUTURE SHOWS
Both clubs will be asked for suggestions for judges and also for a list of those judges that are not preferred.

ADJOURNMENT
The being no further business to come before the committee at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 21, 2010, same time, same place.

Respectfully submitted,
Debby Sharp
Secretary