A Necessary Evil: USEF Board of Directors Meeting is Long, Tiring, But Rewarding

Photos and Article by Diana DeRosa

Presentations and Updates are an Important Part of the Process

Besides voting on whether to pass (or not) rules, various groups and individuals gave presentations.  John Long, CEO of the USEF, was one of the first to give an overview of the health and future of the organization.

John explained that 2007 has to go down as our best year yet as far as budgeting. “ We’ve tracked closer to budget then we never have before,” he commented.  John noted that a new phone system is presently up and running at the USEF and soon there will be a Call Center implemented.  This means that people who call in can either be redirected to the appropriate person or can have their question answered by the person answering the phone.  This is because of a comprehensive computerized system which will allow the representatives to track down answers to the many questions.  John feels this Call Center is going to be transforming on many levels.  “It’s going to allow us to take cost out but at the same time increase customer service skills.”

Another positive is creating paper free organization.  “Every document is scanned and put into the system,” he explained.  Less paper is always a welcome addition.

John noted that the organization has not raised its fees since 1996 and it’s time to review the cost structure and decide if there is a better way to deal with membership.  “Perhaps there is a way we can provide service and then add cost to it based on what each person chooses.”

To support the fact that perhaps they need to take a look at fees,  John noted that since 1996 postage rates have gone up 24%, cost of living is up 30%, health insurance premiums have gone up 122% and the exchange rate is down significantly which affects the organization because of all he international events our riders compete in.  At present the USEF has a staff of 144 and a membership of 91,000 (which is up from 1996).

A new addition to the organization is “Club Equestrian” which is the brainchild of Kathy Meyer, who recently replaced Maria Partlow as Director of Marketing.  Club Equestrian is an extremely interactive web site that gives members a great place to go for information.  It’s currently under construction but check back soon at www.clubequestrian.com to learn all about this new addition to the USEF.