The Estevan Exhibition Association is seeking some modest growth in 2014, armed with a healthy membership and full slate of directors.
About 40 people attended the Association's annual general meeting Monday night in the Exhibition Hall to discuss the direction they intend to take for the remainder of the year.
President Dallas Spencer welcomed 14 new or returning directors to the 21-member board, all elected for three-year terms.
The membership agreed to turn some attention to the horse barns on the exhibition grounds. They said it would be necessary to "spruce up" the barns in time for the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games since they will be expected to play host to the equestrian events.
Spencer later told the Mercury there was a desire to fence in the east side of the grounds this summer so that better use can be made of that space, including an expansion of the parking facilities.
On the financial side of the picture, the Association reported a slight profit of $2,755 on operations in 2013 with total revenues exceeding $265,000. This was down from the $300,000 realized in 2012, but it was noted that a one time, work-in-kind donation of over $82,000 had been included in the 2012 financial statements as opposed to a more typical $300 cash donation record in 2013.
Office manager Glory Knight and director Brenda Noble explained how some sponsorship and donation items as well as several capital works items were included in the individual committee financial breakdowns. There was some additional discussion concerning rodeo revenues and expenses as they related to sponsorships and capital investments, such as new bleachers.
In total, the rodeo events brought in fresh funds as did the yearly exhibition itself along with a one-day horse show, 4-H shows and sale and domestic competitions during the summer exhibition.
Noble reported the horse show provided 70 classes for their one-day event and that the spectators appreciated the new bleachers. A net income of over $1,100 was realized.
Mary Jacobs provided a breakdown of the domestic displays during the exhibition, which were down slightly, mainly due to the late spring. There was a small financial loss on that front.
Chad Ross provided the 4-H report and later, he and brother Jeremy engaged the membership in a discussion regarding the removal of manure during stock events and ways the costs and odours could be reduced for the benefit of all.
Chad noted the 4-H clubs had painted the cattle barns, replaced some worn boards and oversaw the repair of some power cables on the grounds.
Laura Mantei reported on the rodeo, noting a healthy increase in sponsorships and the fact the stock providers, managers and contestants appreciated the upgrades.
This year's rodeo will be held Sept. 5 and 6. The 4-H shows and sales will be conducted from July 6 to 8 while the Rumble in the Dirt will be June 14. The exhibition will again be slated in mid-June.
Spencer noted that exhibition attendance was up in concert with the overall increase in population showing over $68,000 in gate admission and bracelet sales.
Questions regarding the quality of lighting and exhibit tables in the hall that are used by renters, were addressed with the members voting in favour of improving both.
The members also voted in favour of playing host to a privately sponsored junior steer and heifer show on the grounds in mid-May.
The new or returning members who were elected to the board of directors who held an in-camera meeting following the AGM were: Graham Collie, Mary Jacobs, Cec Mantei, Laura Mantei, Darwin Dukart, Lindsay Collins, Brenda Noble, Lyall Tedford, Carrie Spencer, Dallas Spencer, Russ McFarlane, Byron Stepp, Cecile Anderson and Terry Sernick.
