2004 was a very productive and successful year for the AKC and we remain enthusiastic about our prospects for the future.Financially, we have had an outstanding year. We have made a remarkable bounce-back in our registrations, attaining an increase that has brought us back to the level of 2002. Our investments are at an all-time high and management has done an excellent job of controlling expenses.
Because of our sound fiscal health, the AKC was able to donate up to an additional $1 million to the canine health foundation, bringing our total contribution for 2004 to $2.1 million. We were also able to increase our operating reserve fund to an amount near the level recommended by our external auditors. A level never before reached in the history of the AKC. We again donated $260,000 towards scholarships for veterinary school students and those undergraduate students who had participated in our juniors program. We also donated $170,000 to the AKC museum of the dog.
Working with the Florida area kennel clubs, led by Diane Albers, the AKC was able to donate funds and supplies to the relief effort for dogs displaced and abandoned as a result of the devastating 2004 hurricanes in Florida and other southeastern states.
As you know, several of our delegates encouraged us to embark on a formal strategic planning initiative. I am now pleased to report that we have engaged a firm with expertise in this area and that we are well on our way to achieving this objective.
2004 was an enriching year for our registry as we welcomed three new breeds into our ranks. Our online litter registration service surpassed 100,000 litters in October and accounts for nearly 30 percent of all AKC litter registrations. Dog registrations are quickly following suit. More than 12,000 individual dogs have been registered online to date.
We are delighted that Dr. Elaine A. Ostrander is providing us with her expertise and guidance in addressing DNA banking, canine health, and the protection of the integrity of our registry.
As a result of our new licensing program, AKC products have been flying off the shelves at stores like Target, Petco, and the premier toy store, FAO Schwarz. In fact, the renowned design firm, the Rockwell Group, has installed an AKC boutique at FAO Schwartz stores in New York City and Las Vegas. I encourage you to stop at the flagship store at Fifth Avenue and 58th street next time you are in New York City for a look at our wonderful AKC boutique.
During the past year, we enjoyed a high level of visibility in the media. Due to our new advertising campaign and public service announcements, AKC’s message has appeared in many national magazines and on television channels reaching millions of viewers across the country.
We made several appearances on major television stations, which provided us with an opportunity to educate viewers about purebred dogs and the AKC. Recently, the history channel devoted one of its entire programs to the history of the American Kennel Club and the sport of purebred dogs. I was pleased to share our story as their guest.
This past year, we held our second AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day with a well-attended event at Madison Square Park in New York City. More than 400 clubs and organizations — twice last year’s number — held local responsible dog ownership events during September. Many of the events were well covered in the media.
The AKC and the Intrepid Foundation presented the first D-O-G-N-Y Heroic Military Working Dog Award during the Intrepid’s Fleet Week gala in May at the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum in New York City. AKC was privileged to make a special presentation before military top brass and major political figures to honor military working dogs and their handlers who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service in Afghanistan and Iraq. At the same event, a bronze
D-O-G-N-Y statue was permanently installed at the Intrepid in the museum’s poignant 9/11 exhibit. This is another place I would encourage everyone to add to their itinerary on their next visit to New York City.
We proudly welcomed the Hartz Mountain Corporation as our sponsor of the AKC veterinary outreach program. We first developed a partnership with this outstanding company through
D-O-G-N-Y. Sales of the popular Hartz toy, bearing the likeness of real-life search and rescue dogs, have contributed well over $1 million to the AKC Companion Animal Recovery Canine Support and Relief Fund.
And finally, a major accomplishment of the past year is one that we all shared in. I am referring to the 2005 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Bringing everything together in a new live format, simulcast on two television stations and having our largest entry ever, was an incredible challenge that we met with resounding success. We saw a 50 percent increase in entries, with representation of all 165 AKC breeds and varieties, from all 50 states and 17 countries. The total entry for the weekend’s three events was more than 3,300.
In addition, more than 140 parent clubs took part in the AKC Meet the Breeds. Much of the credit for this fantastic part of our show belongs to the participating parent clubs and their members.
I know that I speak for the entire board and staff when I say that it is a privilege to serve this organization and the sport of purebred dogs.
We all recognize that when the delegates, the board and the staff work together toward a common goal, much can be accomplished. I look forward to an enthusiastic and productive 2005.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman