Buckler, Kelly to Leave Fur Commission

Robert Buckler and Marsha Kelly, who have held staff positions with Fur Commission USA and its predecessor organizations for much of the past thirteen years, will end their association with the U.S. fur farming industry on March 31, 1998. The resignations came as the company owned by Buckler and Kelly, Issue Strategies Group, Inc., leaves the field of association management to concentrate its business activity in the areas of issue management, strategic planning and investor relations for international corporate clients.

"This was the most difficult business decision we have ever had to make," Buckler said. "We have greatly valued our association with the fur farming community, especially the board members who have worked so hard and given so much of themselves over the years to Fur Commission USA programs. Our work with the fur industry has been a tremendously challenging and regarding experience, and we are fortunate to have been part of it."

Buckler began working with U.S. fur farmers in 1985, when his company, then known as North Star Policy Associates, was retained by the Fur Farm Animal Welfare Coalition to develop its certification and communication programs. The company was later retained by the National Board of Fur Farm Organizations to manage government relations for the industry. Kelly joined the firm in 1989 to manage the Coalition's media relations program. In 1991, she became a partner, and the company was renamed Issue Strategies Group, Inc.

Fur Commission USA President Tom Mohoric said the board is deeply sorry to see its relationship with Issue Strategies Group come to an end, but respects the decision by Buckler and Kelly to shift the focus of their business.

"Bob and Marsha have agreed to help us assure a smooth transition to other staff," he said. "We will work closely with them over the next two months to make sure that the excellent programs we've developed together over the years are continued with the same high standards of professional competence they've reflected in the past."

"The friendships we've made in the fur industry will always be important to us," Kelly said. "I guess fur -- and fur trade friendships -- are really forever."

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