An organization is only as strong as its staff – the group that implements new ideas, solves challenges, deals with our customers and represents the AKC to the world.
We are starting 2004 under the new leadership of President and CEO Dennis B. Sprung and I know his extensive background in the sport of purebred dogs combined with his unwavering dedication to the AKC’s mission will trickle down and infuse all staff.
Also, in a prominent leadership role, is newly hired CIO Charley Kneifel. He and his staff are responsible for the recently introduced online litter registration service, which continues to exceed expectations. Approximately 15% of litter registrations are being conducted online, with a high of 23.5% Christmas week. This is just the beginning of all the good things we can expect from this team.
AKC has always faced the unique challenge of hiring staff members who have both dog smarts and top management skills. For over a year we have been dedicated to the aggressive development of current employees, as well as the recruitment and training of some well-qualified external candidates. At the forefront of this initiative was our Management Services program. I believe that, ideally, positions should be filled from within the ranks, rather than recruited from outside. This program is now in full swing with the goal to provide employees with the necessary experience and skills to move into key management positions. This includes identifying candidates and setting time frames for them to reach the specific goals that will prepare them for promotion.
Last year we put in place our first Internal Consulting Group. The team spent their time learning new analytical and managerial skills and increasing their knowledge of the AKC business. I am pleased to report that we have just promoted three individuals from this area to AVP positions. These individuals have well-rooted backgrounds with AKC. Our new management will continue to lead a workforce that is more motivated and versatile as a result of these and other initiatives.
More and more we recognize that the youth of today is the fancy of tomorrow. We will continue with our summer internship program, which offers top students, with a background in dogs, job experience within various departments at AKC in both New York and Raleigh.
More than anything else, taking the time, effort and resources now to ensure that we have a multi-talented, highly prepared staff with professional skills, knowledge of the sport and the morale to continually strengthen our organization will ensure our future success.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman