PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Julie Haney
Regional Club Manager
[email protected]
(817) 834-2742 ext. 404
Exemplary Regional Clubs Recognized for Outstanding Service
Across the globe, the American Paint Horse Association’s regional clubs provide members a local connection to the world’s second-largest equine breed association.
Five regional clubs will be honored with the President’s Club of Distinction award at the APHA Convention February 21–24, in Fort Worth, Texas.
The 2013 President’s Clubs of Distinction winners are:
- Florida Paint Horse Club
- Garden State Paint Horse Club
- Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club
- Virginia Paint Horse Club
- Washington State Paint Horse Club
The 2013 President’s Club of Distinction Honorable Mention winners are:
- Arizona Paint Horse Club
- New Mexico Paint Horse Club
- Texas Paint Horse Club
To earn the highly competitive President’s Club of Distinction, regional clubs must exemplify the qualities of a premier regional club—outstanding promotion and public service to Paint Horses and their supporters.
A prestigious title, the President’s Club of Distinction is awarded to Gold Star Clubs—those groups that excel in their dedication to members by hosting fundraisers, benefits, social gatherings, youth activities and special promotions while encouraging community service. Gold Star status must be justified every five years.
APHA congratulates the Northern California Paint Horse Club for obtaining Gold Star Club recognition in 2013. Both the Greater Los Angeles Paint Horse Club and Arizona Paint Horse Club have been approved to renew their Gold Star status, as well.
Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club, the only other Gold Star club to participate in the 2013 Club of Distinction contest, will receive a participation certificate.
By joining a regional club, Paint Horse enthusiasts are connected to friends who share a common bond and appreciation for a colorful, unique breed. Regional clubs promote friendship, activities, service, hospitality and competition, all within a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
For those regional clubs who aspire to the ideals of APHA, special recognition has numerous benefits. The 2013 President’s Clubs of Distinction will receive a $500 APHA General Store gift certificate, a $250 gift certificate from APHA Corporate Partner Gist Silversmiths and a certificate to the AjPHA Leadership Conference. Honorable Mention clubs receive a $200 gift certificate to the APHA General Store, a $250 gift certificate from Gist Silversmiths and a certificate to the AjPHA Leadership Conference.
“APHA’s regional clubs provide an outstanding service to our members at the local level,” APHA Executive Director Billy Smith said. “We’re proud to recognize all of these clubs for their dedication and promotion of Paints.”
About the American Paint Horse Association
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), the international breed registry for the American Paint Horse headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves over 52,200 active youth and adult members around the world.
About APHA Regional Clubs
Regional Clubs are the backbone of the American Paint Horse Association’s grassroots marketing program for the breed. Since its inception in 1962, the association has approved more than 115 Regional Clubs worldwide. Successful Regional Clubs are those that are well organized, have a clearly defined purpose and are dedicated to promoting the American Paint Horse. For more information on regional clubs, visit clubs.apha.com.