Hello Big Rivers Members,

I want give y'all an update on happenings within our chapter and also to get some feedback for upcoming events. Please refer to the report from Kevin Sherrodd regarding Training Days and Fall 07 Test information. We have a very ambitious schedule for both. He has done a great job organizing and mobilizing volunteers for both. We are currently well over 100 members in the chapter and growing. I am particularly pleased about so many "new" volunteers to help out with BRC events. We really need that and Thank You for the support. Plan to attend an event in your area and if none are scheduled contact us to get one on the books. I am going with Kevin to the South Texas Training Days early in July. I am planning to attend other Training Days this summer so that I can hear personally from you as to how we can better serve the membership needs in your area. If you have concerns or questions don't hesitate to contact me or any other Board member for assistance.

Some of the items I am wanting feedback on is WHERE, WHEN and WHAT do you want at your BRC 08 Annual Meeting. Ideally I would love a group from one of the regions to step up and say that they would like to host it in their area. I would be easily able then to work with that team to secure a site and schedule events. This does take a bit of time to do but it is so beneficial for members. We need to see a larger turnout as a chapter than we had at the 07 AGM in Denton,TX. We had discussed doing this in May of 08 but some people are now suggesting doing our meeting over the winter and have a Breed Show in conjunction. Any thoughts? We have to schedule this by September 15th to allow everyone enough advanced notice to plan.

I have been securing commitments from members to be State Chairman within BRC. These people will coordinate membership for training and test events, become a contact for new members, and advise the BRC Board on issues in their area. Currently I need volunteers for Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. If you would like to help out please contact me. I am going to forward a complete list to the BRC Board for approval by the end of the month. Also, we are in the process of launching a BRC website. Be on the look out for notification where to forward pictures and other information that you would like included. Also, for now if you have ideas regarding what you want on the website send that info to me. I will be able to incorporate that into the design that is currently underway.

I like many of you are trying to train during the "dog" days of summer and it is tough. I have a new girlfriend, Gabby vom SoDak, that I am having a blast working with. Be safe with yours and enjoy the summer. Dove and Teal seasons are just around the corner. I can't wait. I look forward to you comments and feedback.

Always for our DDs,
Brandt Hardy
Chairman Big Rivers Chapter