Following Kamil's 10th. Birthday Party festivities, a group of 23 Giant Schnauzer Fanciers met to discuss the organization of a regional Giant Schnauzer Club. An agenda for the meeting was handed out which included a list of transitional officers and Board members.

Officers
President: Judi Boston Payne
Vice President: Joe West
Treasurer: Bill Ameser
Secretary: Anne West

Board Members:
Carey Bradley
Matt Smith
Enid Lagree

Minutes from the South Central States Giant Schnauzer Club:
March 8th, 2003; 5:50 pm.

The meeting was called to order by Judi Boston Payne to discuss the possibility and/or interest in organizing a new regional Giant Schnauzer Club.

Carey Bradley and Judi, having read the American Kennel Club rules for starting a new club, determined that the formation of a regional Giant Schnauzer Club would further the objectives of the parent Giant Schnauzer Club. They also noted the possible formation of a regional Giant Schnauzer Club would encourage membership in the national parent club.

Judi pointed out that in Texas and the surrounding southern states there are a number of Giant Schnauzer owners who would benefit from membership in a local club. The goals for the club should be Education, Sportsmanship and Fun.

Education:
With the rise in the popularity of the Giant Schnauzer, there has also been a rise in the number of misplaced Giants - dogs that have been placed in homes with owners who were uninformed or unfamiliar with the Giant's temperament, character, eventual size, grooming requirements and special needs.

Rather than fault the owners, people who love the breed should make every effort to educate and help novice Giant Schnauzer owners and potential owners. Information in the form of brochures and handouts can be made available through the club's Information Center to members and prospective Giant Schnauzer owners.

The need for information was stressed and suggestions from the group included: Seminars to include pet grooming, judging, obedience, and general Q&A -- with emphasis on the needs of novice owners. Club members could serve as regional information centers.

Sportsmanship:
It was noted that in the past Giant Schnauzer owners/breeders/handlers in the South have enjoyed a spirit of cooperation and friendship. This spirit of good sportsmanship should be encouraged through social gatherings at dog shows, club meetings and special events.

Fun:
Judi Payne put on the first Texas Fun Days in Dallas in the late 1970s. Sharon Thompson, Pat Gandy and Carey Bradley continued to organize the events through the mid-1990s. Everyone agreed that the club should sponsor Fun Days because they were so much FUN!

All Giant owners should be invited to bring their Giants for fun filled days of games, good food, raffles and costume parades. A nominal admission fee would be charged to cover expenses. Leftover profits would be donated to Giant Schnauzer Rescue.

Club Name:
The South Central States Giant Schnauzer Club Judi noted that the new club's name should reflect the regional makeup of the membership. A number of names were suggested and a discussion ensued. Katherine Arce suggested The South Central States Giant Schnauzer Club, which reflects the location of the states included: Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Membership:
While a certain percentage of the membership should come from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, it was stressed that anyone interested in Giant Schnauzers should be encouraged to join. The club's policy should be the more the merrier!

Membership Fee:
$20 Individual; $25 Family

Newsletter:
A discussion ensued concerning the merits of a quarterly newsletter. It was decided that the newsletter should be available both by mail and via the Internet.

Website:
A Giant Thank You to Carey Bradley! He offered to serve as the club's Web Master and donated the cost of setting up the domain, etc.

Next Meeting:
Rick Heschke suggested June or July for the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm.

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