AQHA continues with leadership program, seeks candidates for program

Amarillo, Texas, September 29, 2006 – The American Quarter Horse Association knows the importance of great leaders, which is the reason for Leadership AQHA. Approaching its third year of existence, Leadership AQHA was created to strengthen the American Quarter Horse industry through leadership development.

AQHA is now accepting applications for the 2007 leadership class. These individuals will become a part of a program intended to identify and train future leaders for the industry. Participants will have the unique opportunity to gain more knowledge about the various aspects of the industry as well as maximize their leadership talents.

Applications will be accepted until December 1, 2006, and selected participants will be notified by December 20. The 24-month leadership program begins April 2007, and no enrollment fee is required for consideration for Leadership AQHA.
After the application deadline, AQHA will choose 10 participants, one from each of the 10 regions. Those interested in applying must meet the following criteria:

· Must be AQHA members in good standing

· Should not be enrolled in an institution of higher learning due to travel requirements of the program

· Be able to attend one industry event (at AQHA’s expense) such as the AQHA Affiliate Management Workshop, Youth Excellence Seminar, American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Show, American Horse Council Convention, AQHA Racing Conference or the AQHA World Show

· Attend AQHA’s Convention in Houston, Texas, in March at the participant’s expense

· Be able to participate in on-line training and complete a variety of leadership projects

· Remain in contact with AQHA and be available for service to the Association following completion of the course

· Assist with training future Leadership AQHA participants

These 10 regional participants will become classmates with 45 representatives from certain AQHA Affiliates. The first leadership opportunity is a training session for all 55 selected participants that will be held in April at AQHA headquarters in Amarillo, Texas. Hotel and travel expenses will be provided by the Association.

“We are seeking candidates who are serious about making a difference in AQHA and becoming leaders in our industry,” said Leman Wall, AQHA Senior Manager of Membership Services. “This is an exciting opportunity, and we want candidates to be sure they’re ready to meet all of the criteria prior to applying.”

AQHA is pleased to incorporate an online training tool used by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) to further enhance the networking and educational experience of the program.

After participating in the leadership training program, members will be more aware of involvement options within AQHA including affiliates, standing committees, task forces and national directorships.
For more information and to download an application, visit aqha.com  or call AQHA’s customer service department at (806) 376-4811.