Posted on May 4, 2009 - by Russell

Update from TLBAA Chairman of the Board

Glen Lewis, Ordway, CO, representing Region 16 and Justin Hansen, Paskenta, CA, representing Region 18 submitted letters of resignation from the TLBAA Board of Directors on April 25, 2009, TLBAA Chairman Maurice Ladnier announced. “We wish both Glen and Justin the best and appreciate the short time that they served on the Board,” said Ladnier. “Glen’s lengthy letter pointed out numerous concerns that he had about the TLBAA and the Board of Directors. Since his letter was emailed to a great number of our members, I would like to assure the membership that many of his concerns are not justified.”

Please be assured that:

1. Our Board has DNO insurance that was renewed last month for the entire year.

2. Many sales reports are covered in both E-Trails and the Trails magazine. All of the sale reports (4) that were covered in the May issue were not TLBAA sponsored and yet they were covered. The association makes great efforts to publish information about sales when it is available.

3. Autobahn Super Stakes is listed in the ‘Save the Date’ calendar of events in the Trails magazine. All Texas Longhorn events that are submitted in writing are listed in the calendar.

4. The next Board of Directors meeting was discussed during the Board phone conference on April 2, 2009, and it was decided to have it take place June 27, 2009, at 8 am to 11 am in White Pine (Morristown), TN before the Inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Registered Texas Longhorn Sale.

5. Many non-profits with memberships have fund-raisers throughout the year. It is not and never will be the intention of the TLBAA to “beg” members to donate cattle or money to the TLBAA. Throughout the year, members want to donate cattle at various sales with the proceeds to go to the TLBAA. It was the decision of the Board that a donation sale at one place would give more members the opportunity to donate their cattle. We are very appreciative to all those that have donated, will donate and will purchase those cattle at the West Sale on May 16 in West, TX.

6. The Board of Directors has not discussed and has no authority to sell the famous bronze, “Texas Gold” created by T. D. Kelsey. “Texas Gold” was a gift from the artist T. D. Kelsey and his wife, Sidni, to the TLBAA Foundation, but conditioned by an agreement that it is not to be sold during the Kelsey’s lifetimes. We are happy to report that T. D. Kelsey is alive today. The Board has discussed the possibility of selling the property located in the Stockyards in Fort Worth in order to begin the process of building a new headquarters.

7. The TLBAA sponsors only two major sales a year, the Premier Heifer Sale and the Horn Showcase Sale. The TLBAA serves the members by offering the opportunity to sell cattle at the West Sale four times a year.

8. The IRS audited the TLBAA in 2008 and stated: “Our examination of the information return(s) indicated above disclosed that your organization continues to qualify for exemption from Federal income tax. Accordingly, we accept the return(s) as filed.”

9. The TLBAA employs a payroll company to process all staff payroll, thereby insuring that all reporting and tax deposits are conducted in a timely manner.

10. The Foundation, from time to time has supported the organization, which was one of its purposes when it was created. Although not required, over the years some of the money was paid back to the Foundation. Since January 15, 2009, there have been no funds allocated from the Foundation without Board approval. All Board approved funds from the Foundation are planned to be repaid by July 1, 2009.

Members are encouraged to contact their director if they have any concerns or questions.