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Scott Harris Elected President of Fur Commission USA
CORONADO, CA: Fur Commission USA held its 2005 Annual Meeting mid-August and reports it was productive and well-attended. "Truly one of the best meetings we've ever had," commented Teresa Platt, FCUSA's Executive Director. "I was very impressed with the professionalism of the Board and volunteers who give so much time and energy to the success of FCUSA's programs."
Elected officers are President Scott Harris, Vice President Paul Westwood, Treasurer Robert Zimbal, Sr. and Secretary Jim Wachter. Brad Wiebensohn was welcomed at the meeting as a newly elected Board member along with new volunteers Jason Roesler and Dennis Rees who will serve on FCUSA's Animal Welfare/Government Affairs Committee (AWC/GAC).
Ryan Holt was elected Chairman of the AWC/GAC and will continue to serve as FCUSA's delegate, along with Paul Westwood, to Fur wRaps The Hill, a joint industry project focusing on two issues at the federal level: eco-terrorism and trade. Brad Wiebensohn will serve as alternate for these two FWTH delegates.
Robert Zimbal, Sr. was re-elected Chairman of FCUSA's Research Committee and Paul Westwood will continue as FCUSA's representative to the International Fur Trade Federation, of which FCUSA is a member.
The Board noted the extraordinary efforts of Paul Westwood who has worked tirelessly over four years as FCUSA's President. "I am looking forward to continued service on our Board," said Paul, "but with a lightened work load. And we are all grateful to Scott for his willingness to take over the reins."
Commented incoming President Scott Harris, "These will be big shoes to fill but I look forward to working as a team with Paul as Vice President and commit to doing my best to secure a solid future for our U.S. mink farmers."
Also attending the meeting were representatives of American Legend Auctions, North American Fur Auctions, the Canadian Mink Breeders Association and the American Mink Council. Speakers included Assistant U.S. Attorney David Schwendiman and Jared "J.J." Brown, legislative aide to Senator Hatch, ranking member of the Finance, Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees. Progress was made in strategy relating to animal welfare and government affairs, setting research priorities and designing communications programs as found on FCUSA's websites www.furcommisison.com and www.maninnature.com.
Farmers are welcome to contact Teresa Platt at the FCUSA office at (619) 575-0139 and furfarmers@aol.com for detailed information about the meeting and/or to volunteer to help with FCUSA programs.
To take a cyber-tour of a fur farm, visit Fur Commission USA's Fur on Film at http://www.furcommission.com/video/index.htm
© 1998-2010 Fur Commission USA