Original Bylaws adopted 9/17/89
Chartered as a not-for-profit corporation September 22, 1989
The
founding of the Missouri Equine Council and the people
who made it happen
The Missouri Equine Council arose in a sense from the
ashes of unfortunate events. Around 1986, a long-time Missouri horse
breeder was accused by the state’s Department of Revenue of not paying
taxes due on the sale of breeding stock, and not paying sales tax on other
associated livestock expenses such as hay and tractors. On further
questioning, the taxing body revealed that it regarded horses not as
livestock but as pets. With some diligent research, the breeder
discovered that at least fourteen Missouri statutes defined horses as
livestock, thus putting them in the same category as cattle and other
livestock. The taxing body on the other hand disclosed that in 1981, it
had summarily passed a rule ignoring the state statutes and declaring
horses as non-livestock. Furthermore, under the cloak of protecting
confidentiality, the revenue department refused to divulge how many other
horse breeders and others they had pursued since 1981 under the rule.
Eventually, with no relief or reasonable explanation
from the taxing body about this policy which contradicted state laws, the
accused horse breeder appealed to the media for assistance in finding out
if others connected to the horse industry had been pursued by the state
revenue department as well. The media made a laudable effort. Not only
did horse breeders come forward, but so did feed businesses selling to the
horse industry, and a number of state legislators many of whom owned
horses, cattle and farms and were unaware of the “rule”. Their courage was
remarkable.
Bill Kimmons, a southwest Missouri real estate broker
and equine industry lobbyist, offered substantial assistance in initiating
the effort to confront the state taxing body in regard to its “rule” which
he affirmed ignored Missouri’s state statutes defining horses as
livestock. The revenue body’s defense was instructive: they were
ill-informed about the equine industry. They did not know that horses are
actually used for far more tax-generating purposes than are all other
livestock e.g. recreation (ticket sales, for example), meat, hides, tack,
other equipment, and medicinals. Moreover, in denying that horses were
livestock, they had also overlooked the use of horses in farmwork, and as
an indispensable source of farm soil fertilizer.
In time, after considerable legislative diligence,
and some years of effort and expense on the part of a number of private
individuals, the Missouri legislature officially re-clarified the state’s
statutes so that once again horses were ensured of their livestock
status. Not only did horse owners and farmers express great relief, but
so did feed dealers and others serving the equine industry in contested
areas.
“Those who cannot remember the past are
condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana 1863-1952
MISSOURI EQUINE COUNCIL: Founding
history
Meanwhile, in the interest of avoiding another
similar debacle in the future, several Missouri state legislators,
including Senator John Russell, requested that the equine industry unite
to provide a single voice on behalf of its interests. Specifically, they
suggested an industry-wide organization with a communication tool which
would help all interested parties including legislators and relevant
government bodies to stay connected with and informed about the equine
industry. They cited the equine industry’s “invisibility”: an obviously
large industry important to Missouri’s economy, yet poorly understood by
the public, including policy-making government agencies. At that time
agriculture was the state’s premier industry with tourism following as a
close second. Both of these entities were connected with the equine
industry. The legislators urged the industry to unite to educate and
inform the general public and the equine industry as well.
Thus, after considerable discussion and planning, The
Missouri Equine Council (MEC) was founded in 1989 to meet these goals.
After months of work, the by-laws were finalized by the MEC Board of
Directors (BOD) July 26, 1989 and adopted September 17, 1989. MEC was
officially chartered by the State of Missouri as a not-for-profit
corporation on September 22, 1989. The first Officers were elected
November 8, 1989. MEC’s Founding (BOD) consisted of Wayne P Stevens,
Sullivan, President, Mary-Charlotte Shealy, Fair Grove, Vice-President,
Roger D. Ferguson, Brookline, Secretary/Treasurer, Michael Klem, Jr.,
Kirksville, C.C. Nycum, Edwards and Sarah Runyan, Parkville. By March
1990, the MEC Board had added to its members: Maurice (Bud) L. Hirsch,
Jr., Chesterfield, Dr. Wayne Loch, Columbia and Joyce Newcomb, Eugene.
For historical accuracy, the intent and debate of the
founders are worth noting. The name, Missouri Equine Council, was easily
agreed upon as an umbrella under which all those involved in the equine
industry could feel comfortable. The organization’s slogan, “Uniting
Missouri’s Horse Industry”, was adopted only after considerable debate by
the founders who did not want anyone in the industry to feel excluded.
The compromise was reached to use “horse”, a familiar term, because the
Missouri Equine Council name signified inclusiveness.
The statement of MEC’s “Philosophy” again reflected
the familiarity of the term “horse”, and embraced all participants in the
equine industry:
“The Missouri Equine
Council is committed to representing and promoting the common interests of
the Missouri horse industry, both individuals and organizations, in a
professional way; and to working harmoniously with the Missouri Department
of Agriculture, the Missouri Department of Tourism, The American Horse
Council and other state, local and private agencies supportive of the
horse industry, in representing and promoting the common interests of the
Missouri horse industry.”
The next challenge was to adopt a mission statement
for MEC, identified as “Objectives”.
-
To provide a means of education and communication
within the horse industry.
-
To serve as an educator to those outside the horse
industry.
-
To monitor legislation and administrative decisions
which could have an impact on the horse industry, and to keep the horse
industry apprised of those.
-
To promote interest both within and outside the horse
industry in horse-related activities.
-
To collect and update data relative to the horse
industry for appropriate dissemination.
-
To work actively to unite the horse industry in its
mutually beneficial goals.
Finally the Founding BOD, keeping in mind the roots
of its beginnings, decided to focus its initial efforts on two in-print
communication tools: a quarterly newsletter and an industry-wide
directory. Again, to emphasize the inclusive purpose of MEC, the Founding
BOD designated the newsletter as The MEC Masthead., also
called The Masthead: “the Newsletter of the Missouri Equine
Council”. The name of the newsletter was open to debate from time to time
during the first several years of MEC’s existence since it was often
referred to as The Masthead with no “equine” designation in its
title. Failing to come upon a neutral and uniting option however (even
after a public contest for a new name), the MEC BOD chose to retain the
name of The MEC Masthead, and its close alternative.
From MEC’s founding, The MEC Masthead was
regarded by the MEC BOD as the main means of fulfilling the organization’s
obligation to its stated mission. The first issue was published in 1990.
Although there was an Editor, each issue of The MEC Masthead was
reviewed and finalized by a team of usually three individuals with outside
contributions welcomed. The popular dark blue print was adopted in 1994
and significantly increased MEC’s visibility. The first annual MEC’s
Horse Industry Directory was published later, perhaps in 1994.
The early years of the Missouri Equine Council were a
beehive of activity and productivity thanks to the generous talents of
many people from around the state. Wayne Stevens was an effective
networker, a retired Coast Guard officer who brought in many equine
industry people primarily from eastern and central Missouri. Roger
Ferguson had numerous industry contacts, both among individuals and
businesses in southwestern Missouri. Membership solicitation began in 1989
with the mailing of a MEC survey to determine who in the equine industry
would be interested in supporting MEC. The MEC BOD also made plans for
its first industry-wide public event, a Horse Fair. By June 1990, MEC
welcomed its 100th member. Corporate sponsors were awarded an
appreciation plaque and membership benefits. The early MEC Horse
Industry Directory reflects the wide support that MEC gathered from
individuals, organizations and businesses. In 1990, MEC also joined
the American Horse Council as the Missouri state representative.
In January 1991, Attorney Dale H. Roberts, Columbia,
provided needed legal services in registering the MEC trademark/logo
created and donated by artist Shirley Bryan of Chilhowee, Missouri. MEC
also received Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(6) tax-exempt status. The
first MEC Registered Office was in Brookline, Missouri; in 1996 it was
moved to Fair Grove at Brindabella Farms. The first MEC Administrator
(1996) was Pat Smith, Columbia. She was succeeded in 1997 by Ellen
Valagene, Republic, who held the position for several years.
Well organized administration staffed by many
competent and generous volunteers was the key to the early success of the
Missouri Equine Council. When in December 1989 MEC completed its initial
membership drive, Standing Committees were formed and those who stepped
forward to assume the Chairs were from all over Missouri. The initial
Standing Committees and their Chairs were:
Legislative Roger Ferguson
Trails L. Gail Gartside, Ash Grove
Racing Mike and Janette Zeigelmeyer
Membership, Marketing and Promotion Sarah Runyan
Youth Gen Severson, Hillsboro
Education and Program Joyce Newcomb, Eugene
Horse Industry Directory Jan Trimble, Fulton
Competition and Shows
Horse Fair Wayne Stevens
Economic Impact Study Dr. Wayne Loch, Columbia
Publications Mary-Charlotte Shealy
Finance Roger Ferguson
Nominating Wayne Stevens
Ethics Wayne Stevens
Annual Meeting Planning Wayne Stevens
“Without active committees
pursuing the goals of a volunteer organization, that organization is
doomed to failure.” (Source unknown)
The MEC Masthead
Volume 1 No. 2 June 1990
The energy and successes of the early years of the
Missouri Equine Council can be firmly attributed to the embracing of this
belief manifested in the wealth of talent and industry that surged forward
to vitalize this young organization in uniting the equine industry. From
the beginning the emphasis was on a team effort.
The above list of volunteers reflects only those who
in the earliest days of the Missouri Equine Council stepped forward to
assist. Soon after, the organization was supported by a veritable
army of people as needs unfolded. The equine industry’s need for a
uniting body was quickly apparent.
| By January 1990, the MEC BOD was addressing the
following issues: |
- Domestic and foreign marketing of equine industry
products
- Missouri’s interest in developing what would become,
thanks partly to the aggressive effort of the Missouri Equine
Council, “Missouri’s Equine Limited Liability Statute”
- Animal Welfare which resulted in MEC’s widely regarded “Animal Welfare
Policy” adopted by the MEC BOD January 26, 1991 (see below)
- Horse slaughter
- Horse racing in Missouri
- Comprehensive Equine Industry Study, spearheaded by
Dr.. Loch and Wayne Stevens
- Katy Trail controversy over denial of horse use on
trail
- Coggins Test law revision tightening regulations
|
| The above issues were being explored in addition to
|
- the planning of MEC’s 1st Annual Meeting which took place at
University of Missouri-Columbia January 26, 1991 thanks to the
combined efforts of Jan Trimble, Dr. Wayne Loch and Joyce Newcomb
- the publication of the first issue of The MEC Masthead March 1,
1990 Vol. 1, # 1 (Mary-Charlotte Shealy, Editor)
- the development and publication of the MEC equine industry directory (Dr.
Loch and Jan Trimble)
- the development and publication of “Trail Ethics” (L. Gail Gartside,
Editor) which was eventually adopted nationwide by other trails groups
because of its regard for ethics on multiple use trails
- the production and sale of MEC logo T-shirts and polo shirts as a
marketing tool
- the designation of MEC as the commodity group representative for
equine by the Missouri Department of Agriculture
- the publication of a MEC membership information brochure for public
distribution (Roger Ferguson developed this)
- MEC’s Executive Committee’s meeting with the Department of Natural
Resources (who noted somewhat caustically that horse people are
“invisible”); and the Division of Tourism (who were unaware of most equine
activities in the state)
- MEC’s holding meetings around the state: Carthage @ Royalty Arena
(3/17/90) Kirksville (3/31/90); Chesterfield, Columbia and Kansas City, to
introduce the organization and seek input from horse people. The first one
was at Trowbridge Livestock Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia
January 27, 1990
- solicitation of MEC Corporate Sponsors (PFI Western Store, Springfield was
the first to sign: 2/1/90)
|
While some of MEC’s earliest projects and concerns
took years to come to fruition or be resolved e.g. the equine economic
impact study, the equine limited liability law and the confirmation by the
legislature of horses as livestock, other issues were able to receive
speedier resolution. For example, MEC was under pressure from the
beginning by animal rights and animal welfare groups, as well as by others
in the equine industry to take a position on this matter. On January 26,
1991, MEC’s BOD approved the following statement, adopted at the 1st
Annual Meeting:
“Animal welfare is
concerned with the protection and well being of animals in their use which
includes proper housing, management, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane
handling, and when necessary, humane euthanasia.
The MEC adopts the
promotion of animal welfare as its official policy and supports the
responsible and humane use of animals, as determined by experienced,
knowledgeable and concerned persons, for human purposes such as
companionship, recreation, food, fiber, and research conducted for the
benefit of both humans and animals.
Further, the MEC supports
the identification and the correction and/or elimination of practices that
are contrary to this policy.”
In 1993, the Missouri Equine Council BOD was
approached about an equine-related matter of great concern that had been
brought to the attention of the Missouri state veterinarian and the
office of the state’s Attorney General by private citizens. A
residential facility for troubled children had been cited for well
documented evidence of misconduct and inhumane practices involving the
equines in its care and its horsemanship program.
MEC was asked to organize an on-site review of the
administrative, humane, veterinary, and personnel aspects of this case.
Wayne Stevens, President of the Missouri Equine Council, assembled a team
of seven highly qualified individuals from around the state, including an
attorney, veterinarian, animal humane investigator, clinical institute
administrator and two people with experience in accreditation standards.
Confidentiality and professionalism were MEC’s greatest concerns. The
review team’s goal was to obtain an accurate in-house understanding of the
problems and to make constructive suggestions for correction in a written
report to be submitted to the institution and the concerned government
entities who had requested the review.
This invitation and the high regard in which its
written findings were held, including the state agency’s pursuing
vigorously the resistant institution’s administration until it met the
review team’s recommended standards, was a welcomed confirmation to the
Missouri Equine Council BOD that its goals from its genesis had been met:
an organization established on a foundation of integrity and
professionalism with a mission to unite Missouri’s equine industry.
This Founding History of the Missouri Equine Council
records the major activities of the organization through 1993. It is
compiled from documents of meetings, publications, legal transactions and
relevant notes archived by Mary-Charlotte Shealy, MEC Founding Board of
Directors, the Missouri Equine Council.
Submitted by Mary-Charlotte Shealy
October 21, 2004
Copyright 2004 by Mary-Charlotte Shealy This
document relating the founding history of the Missouri Equine Council is
submitted to the Missouri Equine Council, Inc. at the request of its current President, Harriet Francis. It may be used
in its entirety by the Missouri Equine Council for the purpose of
recording the organization’s history. No part of the document may be
altered in any way, including being used out of context, except by
permission of the author.
Mary-Charlotte Shealy
Brindabella FarmsR
5607 South 222nd Road
Fair Grove, Missouri 65648
PH: 417-267-2900
FAX: 417-267-3911
www.brindabellafarms.com
