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President/CEO Gary Molberg Membership Andrea McClintock, VP Christy Bigler Linda Palmer
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T E X A S
Amarillo Scores Trifecta WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo, Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show & AQHA Adequan Select World Show All Renew By: Eric Miller, CVC Director of Communications eric@amarillo-chamber.org
Communications Penni Bentley, Sr. Director
November was a winning month for Amarillo. In the space of 22 days, three of Amarillo’s premiere events announced long-term renewals.
Business Development & Governmental Affairs Jason Harrison, VP Mary Garcia
On Nov. 7, the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA) announced that the World Championship Ranch Rodeo will remain in Amarillo through 2015. On Nov. 27, the Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show announced a five-year extension with the Amarillo Civic Center keeping that show in town through 2017.
Events Kim Woolsey, Director
Finally, on Nov. 29, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) announced that the Adequan Select World Show will stay in Amarillo through 2015, with an option that could keep the show in Amarillo through 2017.
Quality of Life & Arts Becky Zenor, VP Mary Ramirez
“This success reflects the team effort we put in all our events. From the city, to the venues, to our hardworking staff, to the friendly people of Amarillo, everyone can be proud of this accomplishment,” Gary Molberg, president of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, says.
Convention & Visitor Council Dan Quandt, Exec. Director Mindy Bradley Jutta Matalka Eric Miller Tina Brohlin Emilea White Lindsey Arbeiter Mary Ramirez
There was some stiff competition for these events, but our effort to treat people as more than clients was successful in the end.
Visitor Information Center & Gift Shop Jutta Matalka Helen Martinez Ann Beach Lyn Bridges Denise Rayford PO Box 9480 Amarillo, TX 79105 806.373.7800 806.373.3909 fax Amarillo-Chamber.org
The WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo was born in Amarillo in 1996. This year was the 17th annual event, all performed in this city. Over the years, improvements have been made in the venue to keep the event all under the roof of the Amarillo Civic Center. Thanks to this renewal, the rodeo will celebrate its 20th anniversary here. The Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show is one of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural shows, based in the heart of our farming/ranching community. It draws over 500 companies to Amarillo to talk to more than 20,000 people who come through the turnstiles. Again, the all-under-one-roof ability of the Amarillo Civic Center makes this show possible.
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Finally, and perhaps most eagerly anticipated, was the sunny-day announcement that the AQHA Adequan Select World Show will stay in Amarillo, which is AQHA’s home town. Like the WRCA event, this show has always been in Amarillo but recently attracted city suitors from across the U.S. AQHA cited the venue and the city’s continued commitment to make improvements as a strong reason for the decision. Of course, it helped that all the AHQA employees are our friends and neighbors. “It is easy to put the value of these shows in dollars and cents but more important is the value based on relationships. From the professional staff handling the events, to the service staff at businesses helping the participants, to the area’s citizens and their friendship, all these relationships have more to do with renewing groups than anything else,” Dan Quandt, Executive Director of the Amarillo CVC, says.
Ag Lunch
2
Panhandle Days
2
New Members
3,5
Ribbon Cuttings
4-5
CVC News
6-7
Renewing Members
10
Editor’s Corner
11