AKC Forms Club Development Department to Assist Clubs

New York, N.Y. – The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce the formation of a Club Development Department. Clubs are the cornerstone of AKC events and have a major impact on the success of AKC sports. On occasion, unique issues arise that can be difficult for a club to address on its own. The AKC has created a new unit in order to provide assistance when needed. Its purpose will be to work cooperatively with clubs to address challenging situations and enhance their ability to hold quality events.

The functions of the Club Development Department will include:

• Champion the Best Practices being developed by Delegate Committees and communicate the successes being experienced by other clubs.
• Proactively reach out to clubs when trends or feedback indicates assistance may be helpful.
• Develop educational material to pass on the knowledge needed by new event committee members.
• Work with clubs to address issues regarding the loss of show sites or cluster partnership problems.
• Assist clubs in exploring the feasibility of adding special attractions or complimentary events. This can range from adding 4-6 month puppy classes, NOHS or Open Shows to dock diving, Fast CAT or other new events AKC has in the works.
• B-Matches. Assist clubs in developing pre-event publicity and follow-up with success stories.
• Mentor new clubs during their start-up process or when adding new event types.The Club Development Department will be led by Glenn Lycan, Director of Event Operations Support. Working with Glenn will be Guy Fisher, Club Development Manager.

One of the first special projects to be undertaken by the Club Development Department is to re-emphasize the importance of the AKC Code of Sportsmanship.

“Sportsmanship is essential to the long-term health of our sports,” said Ron Menaker, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We must never compromise our commitment to fairness, respect, and a sense of fellowship.”

Superintendents will be provided large poster boards with the Code of Sportsmanship to be displayed at events. A smaller size will also be available. Interested clubs may obtain these free of charge by contacting the Club Development Department.

“Creating an organizational champion for clubs will provide the resources and focus that is consistent with the importance that clubs have to our future,” said Doug Ljungren, Vice President of Sports and Events. “If your club is facing challenges or is seeking advice, please feel free to contact the Club Development Department at ClubDevelopment@akc.org.”