February 2026 Board Of Director's Meeting Minutes

IAA Director’s Meeting

February 28, 2026

Stookey’s Thorntown, IN

4:30 pm

Welcome & Call to Order – 4:38 pm Carla West called the meeting to order. The following members were in attendance: President, Carla West, President Elect Deanna Hofing, Vice President Andrew Stewart, Treasurer, Melanie Ritz, Secretary Julie Innis, Past President, Joe Horstman. Directors: Ryan Otis, Kevin Newman, Jerritt Ross, Dr. Bruce Lamb, Kevin Swaim, Paul Hart, Les Carmichael, Sandy Carmichael, Jim Lindley, Mike Rose, Brandon Waterman, Jeff Innis, Dr. Phil Howell, Jerry Ott, Rachel Wynn, Aux. Representative, Kathy Wilson, Jr. Representative, Rosalind Kidwell, Membership Director- Liz Jenzen, Jr. Advisor Kylie Carr, Other, Krista Stillwell Jasper Stewart, Gina Hart, Teresa Rose, Loran Wilson, Brian Stillwell, Allie Howell, Judy Howell, Linda Lindley.

Secretary’s Report – The Secretary’s Report was presented by Julie Innis.  Melanie made a motion to accept the report as presents the motion was seconded by Dr. Howell. The motion was voted and approved unanimously.

Treasurer's Report –The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Melanie Ritz.  Jeff Innis made a motion to approve the report as presented. The motion was seconded by Jerry Ott. The motion was voted on and approved unanimously. See Attached

Budget & Finance Report -Kevin Swaim no formal report. Melanie Ritz explained the only change to the proposed budget was an increase to the membership column from $800.00 to $1000.00 due to increases in expenses. Sandy Carmichael made a motion to approve budget as presented. Kevin Newman seconded the motion. The motion was voted on and approved unanimously. See Attached

Activities & Show Report IN Preview/ Open Show -Chris Wickard reported on upcoming 2026 Preview Show. He reminded us there will be a show at the Lebanon Fair Grounds in 2026 but not in 2027 due to Eastern Regionals. He has already communicated with the fairgrounds we want our same date for the summer 2028. He explained we will be asking for sponsorships to help fund the show. He had a handout with various sponsorship levels available.  We are looking at purchasing a new backdrop for the show and hiring a professional photographer. He is asking for volunteers to help with various jobs during the weekend of the show. He announced Makenzie Padgett oversees awards. There will be a Fellowship dinner Sat. evening- The Southeastern Assoc. will sponsor a Corn Hole tournament for Juniors with cash prizes. See handout for sponsorships.

Membership Report – Liz Jenson reminded everyone to pay their dues. Before this meeting we had 84 memberships paid.

History Report -Kevin Swain stated he will be meeting with new curator for the Putnam Co. Museum in reference to our collection stored there.  

Auxiliary Report – Carla West was happy to report the Auxiliary brought back the tradition of selling pies for the upcoming auction tonight. She shared the Auxiliary is looking at setting up a calendar as a fundraiser. For farms or individuals to purchase months for advertising as well as the sale of the calendar. She shared they intend to use these funds from the upcoming fundraisers to increase their scholarship awards. She also reminded ladies to sign up for Auxiliary luncheon on April 11^th in Brookville, IN

National Board Report – Andrew Stewart reported on some updates he was aware of at a national level.

Junior Report – Rosalyn Kidwell shared the list of newly elected Junior officers. She shared Juniors have started planning for the 2026 Jr. National Show in Louisville, KY. They are using a baseball theme for stall cards, Tee Shirts etc. Allie Howell shared information on Eastern Regionals 2027 and proposed fundraisers to help offset show costs. She asked adults if they are hosting or having a sale would they please consider donating 50% of one lot sales to the Eastern Regional Show fund. She also shared our Jr. Assoc has been approved to sell tee shirts with the 2027 logo at this year’s Eastern Regionals as an addition fundraiser.  The ERJAS logo/ slogan was revealed to all those in attendance.  “All Aboard the Angus Express” is the slogan. The logo features a train much like the Boiler Express.  The color theme is Black and Gold to compliment our connections with Purdue University and us hosting the show in Lafayette IN.

Communication Report- Krista Stillwell reminded all of deadlines for upcoming Angus News issues.

Old Business: Eastern Regionals

Sandy Carmichael announced the Southwestern Assoc. voted to donate $500.00 toward the 2027 Eastern Regional Show. Carla suggested we wait and see what the Juniors can raise before we start discussing transferring funds we might have on hand. Deanna Hofing reported on old funds left over from the 2014 Jr. Nationals. She explained the process of where that money is and where or what investments it has been held in. In 2017 there was approx. 21,000.00 left over from fundraising for the 2014 show and then set aside for future hosting Jr. Nationals. This was in a bank account overseen by the adult association as a separate line item, then was later placed into a CD. In 2023, it was transferred to the Junior Account that is managed by the adult association treasurer. Since the original deposit of these leftover funds, interest has accrued. The Juniors discussed CD options and reinvesting these funds in a short-term CD at today’s meeting. They indicated they wish to do this to continue accruing interest from these left-over funds. Since our current relationship with the Indiana State Fair Grounds and the amount the charge for rental is not allowing us to be considered for rental of facilities for future National Junior Angus shows, we will have to discuss use of these funds sometime in the future but soon, they will invest in a CD.

IN Angus By-Law Committee – Dr. Lamb explained proposed changes and passed out copies to Directors.  A motion was made by Dr. Bruce Lamb to accept the proposed changes, and Dr. Howell seconded the motion. The motion was voted on and passed unanimously.  

New Business:

Long Range Goals & Adult Membership Drive- Carla West explained she has reached out to other states to see what they do reference long range plans or goal setting. She wants to work with Krista to create a new committee to come up with actions and a plan. She asked for volunteers to help on this committee. Julie Innis volunteered.

 Melanie Ritz made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jeff Innis seconded the motion. The motion was voted on and passed unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 5:38pm