Transcript for the NAFA Candidate Chat December 16th, 2017
DanaHanson
Good morning and
welcome to the third and final candidate chat. I am Dana Hanson, elections
chair, and will serve as moderator today. Kyle Mankes,
also of our election committee, serves as bouncer today. Please remember when
asking a question of the candidates to submit it to me as a personal message
and beginning your note exactly: //pm DanaHanson.
2 hours ago
DanaHanson
With us today are
Aaron Robbins, Emma Mak, Jan Brule, Kathy Haney, Lisa
Daum and Lynda Mantler.
John Forseth is working through some connectivity
issues. Candidates please prepare your opening remarks.
2 hours ago
EmmaMak
Hi there! Thanks to
everyone joining in for the last chat to find out about the candidates’ views.
I really enjoyed the last one, as the questions were interesting and almost
everyone came. Thanks so much to Dana Hanson, Kyle Mankes
and the Election Committee for arranging and running the chats.
2 hours ago
LyndaMantler
Hello everyone, If you are here reading the transcripts, you really care
about flyball and that is wonderful to see. I’d like to thank those that have
organized and are moderating this chat. It is an honour
to be here with you today, fellow candidates and those reading online as we get
to know more about the great slate of candidates. I am ready to go!
2 hours ago
JanBrule
Good morning all. I
would like to again thank all involved in our election process. I look forward
to our discussion this morning. I am honored to be nominated and hope to have
the opportunity to serve on the board.
2 hours ago
LisaDaum
Good Morning Everyone!
I’d really like to thank all of your for taking time out of your busy holiday
schedule to chat with myself and the other candidates.
2 hours ago
AaronRobbins
Good Morning! Thanks
everyone for joining and being involved in the future of NAFA. Thankful for
this platform to communicate with all of. thanks to everyone who can make it
happen
2 hours ago
KATHYHANEY
Good morning everyone.
I would like to thank everyone for joining us and for the opportunity to give
you a chance to learn more about me and what I can bring to the Board of
Directors. I am a 16+ year veteran of flyball and have run my own club for the
last 8 years. We have host 2 tournaments per year and I have very strong
relationships with the other clubs in Regions 6 & 16. I think NAFA is ready
for some significant changes and I would like to help that happen.
2 hours ago
DanaHanson
From Steve Corona:
Between serving on Committees, travel to meetings, the AGM, and CanAm, the Board has the potential to be a very time consuming position at times. How are you prepared to
fit this into your already busy family and work life balance?
2 hours ago
LyndaMantler
I am eager to serve on
the board and participate at every board meeting. It is important for board
members to attend the meetings. I will make the time to do this. Yes, I am busy
in my work and home life but because I am passionate about flyball this is fun
work for me. There is a quote that I like: “If you want something done, ask a
busy person to do it.”
This past year I have attended every in person board
meeting and all but one telephone meeting which I had to miss due to a work
function. I emailed my thoughts on the agenda items in advance of the meeting
and then after the meeting I arranged a phone conversation with the Chairman of
the Board in order to be informed of the discussions that took place during the
meeting.
1 hour ago
EmmaMak
It is a big time commitment. I feel it’s really important to not let
the NAFA community and other board/committee members down, and would be making
it a top priority to contribute and attend all of the above. I have already
take on a lot with my committee work and proven myself a valuable contributing
member, so the workload will not be a surprise for me. The saying goes – if you
want something done, ask a busy person. I have 4 kids (and lots of dogs – as we
all do lol), but do have flexibility with my part-time work from home.
1 hour ago
LyndaMantler
Great minds think
alike, Emma!
1 hour ago
AaronRobbins
Well since I am self employed I have the oppoturnity
to plan my schedule around important dates and events. I dont
have any children so home life is pretty easy to get away. Of
course I have other things on the go but I have a great partner that can
fill in the spaces when I have a board commitment.
1 hour ago
LisaDaum
Currently, my schedule
has been much less active and I have plenty of time to devote to all of these.
When I'm involved in something I give 100%. Being in the Navy, one of the
things that you learn is all about commitment and teamwork. I'm prepared to
commit and be a part of the NAFA Board.
1 hour ago
KATHYHANEY
Fortunately for me I
am at a place in my life where I have the time to devote to this. I have been
reluctant in the past to step into this role due to the time constraints and
would not want to be unable to fully commit to it. I spend a lot of time with
my flyball club and now have more time to devote to the entire sport through
NAFA.
1 hour ago
JohnForseth
It is a commitment
that I discussed with not only my wife but some members on the board and my
flyball team. When I take on new task I like to break down the big picture into
smaller pieces. It allows me to be flexible with my time.
1 hour ago
JanBrule
I am understand that being a member of the board would be very
time consuming. However, flyball is already a huge part of my life and finding
time to serve on the board would not be an issue. I am at a point in my life
where I am able to juggle my job responsibilities and my other interests.
1 hour ago
DanaHanson
From the Moderator:
What do you believe are the characteristics of a great board member?
1 hour ago
DanaHanson
As the candidates
respond: While this is the third and final chat, if you have unanswered
questions for any of our candidates after this chat concludes, please reach out
to them directly. A frequent criticism of your board is communication. This is
your opportunity to open a channel with each of our candidates.
1 hour ago
EmmaMak
I would think that a
great board member would be a strong contributor with their time and talents,
would have strong views, but be open-minded, would be supportive of other board
members, but most especially would be open and seek out communication with NAFA
flyball members.
1 hour ago
LyndaMantler
• A passion for the
cause - working to make flyball better and bring in new ideas
• Respect for others - very important for having a cohesive and productive working
environment.
• Thoughtful ability to consider issues, and to articulate those thoughts
• A sense of responsibility for making things happen
• The vision to think beyond today
1 hour ago
JohnForseth
Someone that is open
minded to understand that their personal agenda might need to take a backseat
for the better of the organization. The ability to listen to many different
views and put them together to work out the best possible solution.
1 hour ago
KATHYHANEY
First and foremost the ability to truly listen to others' points of
view and to assume that everyone's opinion has value. Also
the ability to be able to present and stand behind your own opinion without
stomping on other people.
1 hour ago
JanBrule
I believe a great
board member is someone who is open to new ideas and change. Someone that is
not afraid to tackle the tough issues. Someone with good communication skills
and is enthusiastic and passionate about the sport.
1 hour ago
LisaDaum
I believe the
characteristics of a great board member would include a pre-existing passion
for the cause,
eagerness to participate at every meeting, willing to prepare ahead for
meetings, to be anxious to serve on committees, and a strong desire for
stewardship to others.
1 hour ago
AaronRobbins
To be a great board
member you need to be efficient, effective and to adhere to the current processes
in place as well as developing new processes to take NAFA to the next level. To
listen to your Nafa Members, and BOD Members ideas
and concerns and to communicate appropriately.
1 hour ago
DanaHanson
From the moderator:
Identify NAFA’s strengths as you see them as well as its weaknesses (or areas
for improvement, if you prefer) as an organization.
1 hour ago
JohnForseth
Strengths-
1 hour ago
AaronRobbins
Strengths - Great
Members, Detailed Rulebook, yearly championship, great title awards
1 hour ago
KATHYHANEY
Strengths - A lengthy
history of being a well run
organization, a really well run yearly championship, provides great access to
information and to the BoD
1 hour ago
DanaHanson
While our candidates
respond, remember to vote. Polls close Monday, January 22, 2018, at midnight
CST.
1 hour ago
JanBrule
I think that NAFA is:
organized, they want to see flyball move forward, they try to promote flyball
and its membership. They try to give all members the opportunity to play and
compete whether you have a fast team or a "for fun" team.
1 hour ago
LyndaMantler
I realize that the
status quo is not good enough in organizations. If we stay the way we are, we
are actually falling behind other organizations that are making advancements
and taking some of our members. We need to continue to evolve and improve.
There is competition out there which definitely makes us better. We need people
who are open minded and willing to make changes that will make our sport
better.
Ie, new awards, new tournament formats, new
technology, exploring ideas from the membership. The order that the
Invitational classes were run at CanAm this year is
an example of doing something different that had a positive effect on the
tournament and the idea of a practice start was something that was brought
forward from the open class changes feedback emails.
A great strength of NAFA are the members that continue to step up to contribute
and have chosen NAFA as their choice of organization to compete in. There are a
lot of dedicated individuals who work very hard behind the scenes.
1 hour ago
JanBrule
Sorry, hit enter
before I was done.
1 hour ago
AaronRobbins
Weaknesses -
Communication with Members, Website isnt user
friendly or well organized, Financial Statements (After reviewing P&L's),
Implementation of new rules(Timelines), Technology(Apps,
Lights), Wasteful Spending.
1 hour ago
LisaDaum
NAFA strengths include
a
1 hour ago
LisaDaum
NAFA strengths would
include
1 hour ago
EmmaMak
NAFA is a large
organization, relative to other flyball entities. It is a non-profit run by volunteers
and designed to not be dominated by one club, or one person. This is a
strength. The weakness, I’ve seen in the past, has been communication. It’s a
lot of work being a board member, if you choose to be a strong contributor, and
often communication has fallen by the wayside. As I mentioned in the previous
chat, I would like to be part of the solution for this. I have spoken with a
current board member and ideas are already in the works for this.
1 hour ago
JohnForseth
Strengths- Ever
changing system to keep up with the times. The ability for it's
members to make changes through elections and voting. A wonderful community.
Weaknesses- Equipment should keep up with the times (timing system, measuring).
Communications.
1 hour ago
JanBrule
As far as weaknesses:
I think more open communication between the board and membership would be
helpful, as well as new people to bring in other ideas.
1 hour ago
KATHYHANEY
Needs for Improvement
- More willingness to make changes in tune with the changing times, more
understanding that different area of the countries have
different (mostly geographical) issues. Some communication
1 hour ago
DanaHanson
From the moderator:
(While Lisa continues on the strengths/weaknesses question) Some of you touched
on the next question in your last response. What ideas do you have for
improving communication between the Board and members/
1 hour ago
EmmaMak
As I said in the
previous chat – I would like to see a team of two or three board members
created, that focuses on communication to NAFA competitors. It would likely
consist of the Chairman, the ED and one or two other board members. They would
go to meetings with an eye to communicating a ‘big picture’ overview of what’s
going on to NAFA competitors. It would also be good, as a current board member
mentioned to me, to have a non-board member on that team.
1 hour ago
JanBrule
Since not everyone has
the opportunity to talk to board members one on one, I think it would be nice
to have an open chat similar to this where members could ask the board directly
about their concerns.
1 hour ago
KATHYHANEY
Perhaps an online
Q&A forum which goes directly to a BoD committee.
Also a quicker posting of meeting minutes.
1 hour ago
LisaDaum
NAFA strengths would
include the openess between the board and all flyball
members. There is an open door policy. If someone has
a question or a problem, they can go to any board member for help or guidance.
I also believe that all members are 100% invested in NAFA’s missions and goals.
NAFA Weaknesss – I believe that the board regularly
evaluate its performance, both collectively and individually. Second a plan for
improving leadership performance so that the board becomes visionary and that
NAFA becomes even more successful.
58 mins ago
JohnForseth
Trail periods and a
way to send feedback has been very nice this past year with exploring Open
Class changes. To go along with this process it would
be nice to get feedback by using surveys of possible Trial periods or major
changes. Town Hall meetings in different regions to hear the different needs or
issues. Social Media is a great plat form for blasting out information but is
not a good or productive way to get feedback.
57 mins ago
AaronRobbins
Its a Non-Profit organization. Full Transparency.
Itemized Financials, Opportunities made available to everyone (eg. Giving mats away after Canam,
or other paid opportunities). quarterly online NAFA member meeting such as
this. Keeping judges informed and talking to them about region issues and using
them as a communication extention of the BOD.
57 mins ago
LyndaMantler
Proactively asking for
feedback from members. Having a forum specifically for that. People have more
support for that which they have helped create and have had a voice in. Contact
club owners directly for thoughts from their club. A live audio chat or YouTube
meeting. A tool such as Survey Monkey is easy and inexpensive or free to use to
get a quick gauge of how membership is feeling about issues. Being transparent
in communication builds trust.
53 mins ago
DanaHanson
From the moderator:
2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the CanAm event.
What importance do you place on that? What are your expectations for the event?
And how can you help NAFA realize those?
52 mins ago
DanaHanson
One question remaining
in the cue.
47 mins ago
JohnForseth
CanAm is always one of my favorite tournaments to
go to. The BOD always does an outstanding job of organizing this event and
would expect no less this year. I would help out in anyway needed to make sure
that all competitors that attend from all across the US and Canada would have a
great time and a feeling that NAFA made this event about them and their dogs.
47 mins ago
EmmaMak
It's a great milestone.
I have enjoyed attending them (I’ve attended most years). CanAm
is always a great event – it’s almost like the “prom” for all us NAFA flyball
fanatics. It’s a huge amount of work for the board and I’ve always appreciated
the effort they put in and would love to contribute by being on the board. I
think it also marks a point where considerations need to be made as to whether
the venue should be moved, going forward. I also wonder whether there should be
more non-board members added to the team that runs the event, as it is a huge
focus of the board’s energy. So my view is one of -
excited to celebrate the past, and looking forward to positive changes for the
future.
46 mins ago
LyndaMantler
Ten years of CanAm is an awesome milestone. The support from competitors
who enter the tournament and work at the event is outstanding. I expect it to
be as it has been - The Greatest and largest flyball tournament in the world.
The premier NAFA event. There will be improvements, as ways to make it better
are learned every year. I plan to be present and working at CanAm
and have been asked to organize workers/volunteers for 2018.
45 mins ago
KATHYHANEY
Any event that reaches
a 10 year anniversary is something to be celebrated,
especially one of this size. I would expect to have prizes that celebrate and
acknowledge the outstanding event that CanAm has been
for all of these years. It would be my great honor to be on the board helping
to make this the best CanAm yet and setting the tone
for all of the future CanAms.
43 mins ago
LisaDaum
I feel that the 10th
anniversary of the CanAm is a great milestone. It's a
big event to put together and NAFA has done a terrific job. The first CanAm I ever attended was only 4 years ago and I was just
amazed at all the teams from all over coming together to play flyball. I feel
that the event should run the same with maybe a few added surprises. One of my
favorite tournaments is Double Dog Dares Summer Camp. Might be fun to have
something set up so that all the teams get out and about and met and learn more
about the other teams there. I would also have to agree with Emma, that it
would be a good idea to try to bring in some non-board members to assist the
board in running the event.
42 mins ago
AaronRobbins
10th Anniversary
should be all about giving back to the participants. So
I would be contacting sponsors and vendors and asking for monetary or product
donations and maintaining those relationships with those companies throughout
the year. Maybe host a raffle for fundraiser towards bigger awards or help a
cause. Add in special awards (sportsmanship, Top coach, Top contributer,
fastest breed etc) some are voted on by participants
and others appointed by judges or BOD. A banquet dinner on Saturday night to
meet the social perks of CANAM. Finding a new venue I
think would be a big help in a better area with better hotel options.
40 mins ago
DanaHanson
While Jan is typing,
we have only one question left in the cue before closing comments.
40 mins ago
JanBrule
I think the 10th
Anniversary of CanAm is a huge milestone for NAFA. My
expectation and hope is that there would be even
higher participation. NAFA will need to really promote participation. Also,
everyone loves the prizes that are given out to the clubs, maybe there could be
something special celebrating 10 years. I think CanAm
would also be the perfect opportunity for some kind of a meet and greet not
only for members to meet and talk to board members but also an organized event
for all the clubs to have an opportunity to meet other clubs. They have the
gift exchange which is great, but maybe we could expand on that idea and get
more clubs involved.
39 mins ago
DanaHanson
From Steve Corona: Do
you have any ideas on how to improve our exposure to the general public to gain
new members either through increased marketing or other outlets?
36 mins ago
DanaHanson
Two additional
questions have been cued.
32 mins ago
EmmaMak
I think this is
something that needs to be encouraged by the board, but done more at the
regional and club level. I came up with some awards in a report I prepared for
the board’s last meeting that would aim to encourage activities that would
increase membership. For example, NAFA Flyballers of
the Future Award – give to the club that adds the most handlers in a year.
Another – NAFA Flyball Training Excellence Award – a flyball teacher or club
that provides excellent training and education in flyball and encourages new flyballers. The awards could possibly be of monetary value
(saving in NAFA fees) as well as promotion on the NAFA website.
31 mins ago
LyndaMantler
We need to be good
ambassadors when competing and encourage spectators to ask questions. Encourage
prospects to come out and see what flyball is about, take part in public demos
when possible. Reinforce that all dogs are welcome. Invite people we know that
have not seen flyball to come out to a tournament to see the excitement and
fun.
I have participated in many public demos at events such as fairs, Canada Day
celebrations and at church groups. I also was one of the organizers and
trainers for introductory flyball lessons for many different sessions over the
years. We handed out flyers that were produced by our club and also the NAFA
brochures. And of course, I talk about flyball to anyone I meet who does not
know about it!
The flyball club that I am a member of is currently working on details for our
members and dogs to perform at a half time show at a local lacrosse game.
Those that have businesses that involve caring for and training dogs are in a
good position to promote flyball to get new members.
31 mins ago
JohnForseth
Working with our
sponsors to help promote their product and our sport. This might be done
through creating National Ad's with multiple viewing platforms. Creating NAFA
as a brand and us it similarly as organizations like NFL, NBA, NASCAR. Using
any revenue to offset NAFA cost and grow each region to create classes and
train people and dogs.
30 mins ago
LisaDaum
In our area, we do
several demos a year and have been currently working on setting a demo set up
with Old Dominion University. Working with ODU could potentially get flyball
some local TV exposure as well. Weather we do this at a football game or a
basketball game it would be wonderful. It's also always great to work with our
local school systems trying to bring in new junior handlers to flyball. Working
with local obedience/agility clubs to add a flyball class to potentially bring
in other potential dogs and owners.
29 mins ago
AaronRobbins
Putting out ads in
other dog related magazines or newsletters, Promotional videos on how to get
involved that when members post to social media they get a discount code
towards an entry or registration of a new dog. Club directory on the NAFA
website of teams per region that are open or closed for new members. Clubs
advertisement page. Contact Dog training companies that when a student
completes a certain level of flyball training they get a discount on
registration. Or if you introduce a friend to the sport there is some sort of
incentive. Teaming up with the sponsors and working cohesively on promoting
both NAFA and their products via websites or email directory or social media.
29 mins ago
KATHYHANEY
Local media is a great
way to get the word out about NAFA. I think some updated flyers with
information which could be sent out to the media along with dates and
information about local tournaments would be a good start. Teaming up with
local rescue groups and presenting demos at the rescue group fundraising events.
We participate in as many demos as we can in order to give the public more
awareness of flyball and, since we practice in public parks, we always try to
have flyers available to pass out to passersby.
26 mins ago
JanBrule
Marketing and exposure
to the sport of flyball is extremely important especially with so many other
dog sports available for people to participate in. Perhaps working with local pets stores doing demos or informational forums. Pet
adoption days would be a great time to talk to people and promote flyball. Pet
expos would also be a good place to expose the public to flyball. A lot of
communities have community ed or community festivals
that might also be a way to expose the public. Some other opportunities to get
our youth involved would be demos or talks with local 4-H clubs, Boy Scouts and
Girl Scout clubs. Exposure is key.
25 mins ago
DanaHanson
Candidates please
prepare your closing remarks.
21 mins ago
AaronRobbins
Very thankful for this
opportunity to convey my ideas on this platform. I'm looking forward to working
with NAFA members and BOD. I think keeping NAFA current with technology, rules,
financials and safety is of most importance. I have been in this sport for 25
years and watched many things come and go and feel I have great insight on
where the sport is headed and how to get it there. I hope to get your votes so
we can work together making NAFA a stronger organization
21 mins ago
JohnForseth
Thank you Dana, Kyle, and NAFA for putting on this chat this
morning and thank you to everyone that submitted a question. If anyone has any
additional questions that they would like to ask of me feel free to reach out
to me directly. I look forward to the possibility of serving everyone in the
NAFA community.
20 mins ago
DanaHanson
While the candidates
prepare their remarks, let me remind you that transcripts of this and the two
prior chats are available at the NAFA home page via link. Please take time to
get to know your candidates. If you have additional questions, reach out to
them.
17 mins ago
KATHYHANEY
I would like to thank
everyone who has provided us with this opportunity to let the flyball community
get to know me and the other candidates and to everyone who has participated in
this chat. I have enjoyed hearing what the other candidates have to say. I hope
I will now get the opportunity to give back to this wonderful game of flyball
in the form of being a member of the Board of Directors. I am ready to do all
that it takes to keep NAFA strong and make it an even better organization. I
look forward to being a representative to all of the NAFA membership.
17 mins ago
LyndaMantler
Thank you for your
interest in the chat today. I am certainly willing and up to the challenge to
serve on the NAFA board of directors. I hope to get elected and I will work
hard on your behalf. I have a sense of responsibility for making things happen
to keep NAFA current and relevant. Thank you for considering me.
Good luck to all the candidates!
Wishing you all a fantastic holiday season and fast times and clean runs in
2018!
17 mins ago
SteveCorona
Thank you candidates for your time and thoughtful responses to the
questions posed during all 3 candidate chat forums. Good luck to everyone in
the upcoming election! I look forward to exploring these ideas and working
alongside you in the future.
17 mins ago
EmmaMak
There were some great
(and some quite ambitious!) ideas presented today. It’s great that there is
such a lot of energetic, passionate candidates to choose from. Thank you very
much to NAFA, most especially Dana Hanson and Kyle Mankes,
and those participating, both those posing the great questions and my fellow
candidates. Thank you for considering me for a position on the NAFA Board. I
hope I have demonstrated through my years of volunteer work and during these
candidate chats that I'm willing to work hard and push for what's fair, as well
as keep the sport moving forward. Enjoy your weekend, everyone.
14 mins ago
LisaDaum
I would like to thank
everyone for this opportunity. I am 100% committed to continue to improve NAFA
and to taking flyball to an even higher level. It would be an honor to serve on
the Board of Directors. If not elected, I will continue to dig right in and
promote flyball and help where ever I am needed. Thank you
Dana and Kyle for hosting these chat sessions and it’s been a pleasure
getting to know the other candidates.
11 mins ago
JanBrule
I would just like to
say thank you to everyone involved. I always like to discuss flyball with
anyone who will listen. I love flyball and I think NAFA is a great
organization. I am extremely honored to have been nominated for the board. I
have been involved with flyball for over 25 years and I have a passion for
flyball. I would very much like the opportunity to give back to the
organization as well as helping to move forward. Thank you for your
consideration.
10 mins ago
DanaHanson
Thanks to all of our
candidates for joining us today and for their willingness to serve. Best of
luck to all of you. Thanks, too, to Steve Corona, chairman of the board, and
Kyle Mankes, nominating chair and elections committee
member for joining and helping steer today’s chat. To our membership, please
vote. Polls close Monday, January 22, 2018, at midnight CST. Great weekend to
all!
10 mins ago
KyleMankes
Thank you to Dana for
scheduling these candidate chats, and to Emma for her technical help. Good luck
to all of our candidates.