In the fall of 2004, the Board embarked on a strategic planning initiative designed to establish a roadmap for accomplishing the very important mission of the AKC.
Given the challenges we face from anti-dog legislation, animal rights extremists, and competing registries, we believe it is essential to develop a clear plan for the future. To that end, we established an aggressive timeline and engaged experienced consultants to assist us in our task. We envision this process being strengthened by the many voices that comprise the American Kennel Club.
In December and January, I wrote to the Delegates asking for their participation in the strategic planning process. Their enthusiastic response has contributed tremendously to our efforts. Nearly half of the delegates who were present in Tampa at the AKC Eukanuba National Championship attended the strategic planning briefings held on January 16. This is reflective of their passion and commitment to the AKC. Attendees were interested, engaged and asked many thoughtful and probing questions.
Also, more than 65 percent of the Delegate Body responded to our strategic planning survey – an impressive response by any measure. The AKC Board of Directors and staff appreciate this high level of Delegate interest and participation. The commitment shown by this group will ensure that the AKC’s strategic plan is as strong as it can possibly be. A summary of results from the survey will be distributed to the Delegate body this month.
In addition to soliciting input from the Delegate Body, the strategic planning team has worked to understand issues concerning and facing the larger AKC community. We have interviewed breeders, judges, educators, veterinarians, club officers, and pet supply retailers. The team has gathered information about competing registries and will launch surveys to club officers and the general dog owning public in March. This research will help us fully understand the American landscape for purebred dogs.
To complete the plan on schedule, the Board of Directors has already devoted four full days to strategic planning with four additional days scheduled in April and May. Staff has collected and analyzed data, prepared for board workshops, and identified issues that must be addressed. The process requires a high level of commitment but we believe the end product will be well worth our time.
For the strategic planning process to succeed, we must address difficult issues. Tackling these major issues will allow us to lay the groundwork for creatively addressing the challenges that we face. These challenges include but are not limited to competing registries, anti-dog legislation, and our responsibility to operate as a sport-governing body and as a viable business. There are many opinions about how the AKC should respond to these challenges. In the end, we must identify a response that will best ensure the continuation of our sport and its core values, while at the same time, enable us to effectively advocate for all dogs.
In late 2003, I appointed a committee, chaired by David Merriam, to study the matter of conflict of interest in our sport. The committee concluded its study and submitted a final report in December 2004. I expect this report will be incorporated in the Board’s Strategic Planning meetings.
Over the next two months, the Board will work with staff to finalize the strategic plan that will guide the AKC in the coming years. The Board expects to review the plan in May, solicit comments from the Delegates, and present a summary of the plan to them in June. We have a great deal of work to accomplish to complete the plan and even more work to make the plan a reality. With the fancy’s continued support, I am certain our combined efforts will produce wonderful results for the AKC and for purebred dogs.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman