The meeting is also the time to get involved and share your thoughts with your leadership team. Each
committee lead will present the activities from 2019 as well as thoughts as we look to 2020. In addition,
the meeting will feature an open membership forum for members to share thoughts and interact with
the leadership team on key issues and opportunities for our organization. Your Executive Committee
and BOD will also host the annual BOD retreat prior to the annual meeting. As a board, we take the
time to meet in person as a team and strategize and plan the upcoming year. It is a crucial time for us
to update our goals, set key priorities and review and discuss areas for improvement, opportunity and
expansion. Please make sure you reach out to your Regional Directors with comments, thoughts and
suggestions so they may represent each of you even better throughout our discussions.
The ballots have been mailed and are on their way to you. I urge each of you to cast your vote for the
2020 board of director positions. I’ve had the opportunity to share many conversation with applicants
and BOD members securing new positions – all which were vetted and recommended by our hard-
working nominating committee. These individuals are passionate and bring amazing talents to this team.
Now it’s your turn – your vote and voice matter.
With a strong leadership team, backed by the support and guidance of our membership, NWHA will
continue to grow and move forward positively and profitably.
While our financial stability and growth are very positive indicators for the success of our organization
– it’s not the glue that holds us together. And as I take time to reflect on the year and frankly the last ten
years, it’s the relationships, personal triumphs and horse friends I call family – that truly makes NWHA
special. Moments that we all share and celebrate – are the true heart and soul of our association – and
the special sauce that I believe sets NWHA apart in our industry.
The holidays will soon be upon us, and I want to wish you and your family a safe and wonderful holiday
season. It is a great time to unwind and spend some quality time with your loved ones – 2-legged and
4-legged alike.
I look forward to seeing each of you at the annual meeting, and am excited about making new memories
with each of you. I look forward to the great strides the organization will make in 2020 and beyond.
I thank each of your for your support over the last ten years and giving me the opportunity to lead this
wonderful organization.
Amy Spinelli-Olson
NWHA President
NWHA National News / November 2019
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