The_Ledger_Summer_2019

BY JESSIE TOPP-BECKER, MANAGING EDITOR Strong Structure, Diverse Membership Launch AAA to New Heights W hen leaders with a vision and committed members work together, they have the ability to do exciting, goals; 4) designing systems for effec tive execution and involvement; and 5) empowering committees to solve prob lems and develop new ideas. The board’s primary focus is The industry is taking note of American

innovative things. This is especially true in the case of the American Ab erdeen Association (AAA). Governance Structure The AAA’s new governance struc ture – launched after the association’s 2019 annual meeting – focuses on active participation and effective com munication. Under the structure, the association is made up of three levels – regions, committees and a board of directors (Figure 1). The five regional associations form the structure’s foundation. Each region is tasked with: 1) creating a vehicle for local member voices to funnel to the board; 2) developing a consensus among regional members on important issues and concerns; and 3) sending a voting representative to each committee meeting. Committees comprise the middle layer of the association. AAA currently has 12 committees: Breeder Services; Bylaws, Rules and Resolution; Finance; International; Juniors; Ledger; Nation al Sale; National Show; Nomination; Promotion; Regional Presidents; and Strategic Planning. The role of the committees is to: 1) divide up the work of the organization; 2) expedite work by removing routine tasks from monthly board consider ation; 3) utilize members’ specific talents and knowledge; 4) permit broader participation by all members; and 5) create a place where all mem ber voices can be heard. Each committee plays a pivotal role in the success of the organization’s structure. When the committees func tion as intended, they ensure that the board can focus on the bigger picture, while giving members a pathway to voice their ideas. The board of directors sits at the top of the structure and is tasked with: 1) organizational oversight; 2) effective governance; 3) developing the vision and outlining strategic organizational

developing the association’s vision and strategic goals, which allows the association to capitalize on future op portunities. While the structure isn’t ground breaking, it’s a change for the associa tion that encourages members to get involved. Under the new structure, effective communication is critical to the suc cess of the association and its mem bers. AAA’s structure enables informa tion to flow from members all the way up to the board and vice versa. While the structure prioritizes effec tive communication, and the board encourages members to share their opinions, it’s up to each member to be a vocal participant and unite with other members to drive the associa tion forward. Diverse Membership Since the association was formed, the number of members has steadily increased. American Aberdeen can adapt and thrive in a variety of en vironments; consequently, they are raised across the United States. Today,

Aberdeen, and now is the time to get involved

AAA members can be found in 48 states, Canada, Australia and England. In 2018, the top AAA membership states were Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Washington and Missouri. These states consistently represent some of the top states for membership in the associa tion. Beyond being located across the country, AAA members also represent a variety of operation sizes. AAA is proud of its diverse membership that Continued on page 66  and recognize how American Aberdeen genetics can create value for your operation.

Figure 1

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