NEWS FROM AKC PRESIDENT, DENNIS SPRUNG

AKC clubs have always demonstrated impressive community involvement by funding veterinary scholarships, purchasing equipment for K-9 units, supporting rescue dogs in need, and much, much more. We owe a debt of gratitude to the members that make these projects possible.

Here are some of my favorite recent examples of the remarkable work AKC clubs have done to benefit dogs in their area. ►

Show Committee Seminars

Are you a new event committee member? Have you been working with the committee for some time but still have questions? Have you been the show chair for many years but aren’t sure of all the new AKC policies? If you answered yes to any of these questions the AKC Show Committee Seminar is for you!

These seminars cover topics such as AKC paperwork, superintendent & judges selection, preparing a premium list, event hearings, new AKC rules, regulations, and policies and much more! A knowledgeable and experienced AKC representative facilitates the seminar and is available to answer any of your questions about putting on the best event you can. If your club is interested in hosting a seminar please contact Bri Tesarz at (919) 816-3514 or glt@akc.org.

Based on the overwhelming response received regarding adding practice rings to events, the AKC has put together a list of Best Practices. Take a look at it here.

New In The GR Toolbox: All Politics Is Local—Tips For Successful Canine Advocacy (Video)

AKC GR is pleased to offer a new educational video, All Politics Is Local—Tips for Successful Canine Advocacy. This video features a presentation by AKC Delegate (Conyers Kennel Club) and community leader Michael Houchard to the December 2014 meeting of the AKC Delegates legislative caucus. The presentation discusses tips for establishing credibility and effectively communicating with legislators and policymakers in your local community. Learn key questions to ask when a new ordinance, rule or policy is discussed and how you can get involved in the lawmaking process

Watch here  ►

Be sure to visit the GR Toolbox often for the latest materials you can use for canine advocacy and to help educate others about the importance of promoting and protecting responsible dog ownership, breeding, and events.

Read the entire August issue of Taking Command.

Courtney Korff Named 2015 AKC/AVMF Veterinary Scholarship Recipient

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) continues its support of students pursuing veterinary studies with the presentation of the 2015 AKC/American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) Veterinary Scholarship to Courtney Korff, a third-year student at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. This $5,000 scholarship, offered since 2009, is designed to support individuals with a background in AKC events and programs, who seek to promote animal health and medicine.

Learn more about the scholarship. ►

An important element of social media and public relations is creating feedback loops with AKC to provide us with the information you’re seeing out on Facebook or other platforms. This will help us promote the sport of dogs and bring new people into the AKC. If you see:

• Emerging pages with people interested in dogs
• Good groups or pages to promote
• Legislative issues being discussed
• Information on AR groups
• Good fodder the AKC could use for promotion
• News stories to which we should respond or promote

Message the AKC's Facebook page or email communications@akc.org.

National Specialty PR Tool Kit Now Available

Learn how to take advantage of press releases, media alerts, calendar listings and social media to achieve media coverage and increased public gate for your National Specialty.

Access the full guide here►

...for promoting AKC events, activities and opportunities across the country. Recognizing and utilizing your members' particular expertise and capabilities to put your own "spin" on AKC's message points helps them go even further.

Kudos to the Greater Indianapolis Brittany Club for fundraising and presenting over $500 to the Beech Grove Police Department K9 Association to help fund training, equipment and the health care of the Beech Grove Police Department police dogs.

Learn how they did it ►

Pets Always Stay Free at Motel 6
Motel 6 is proud to be the official lodging provider of the AKC. AKC registrants receive a 10% discount at over 1,100 Motel 6 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Call the special AKC reservation number 855-M6-4DOGS and mention CP542764 to receive your savings.

LEARN MORE ►

Thanks to all of the clubs that routinely generate positive media coverage. If your club has an idea or success story to share, please send it to: Stephanie Smith, Club Communications Manager, American Kennel Club, 4th Floor, 260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 or send us your brag in an e-mail to communications@akc.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
The AKC Communications Team