SECAUCUS, NJ – On April 22, 2012 the best pet grooming has to offer gathered for an exciting night of recognition, dinner and dancing in conjunction with Intergroom. The night began with a serene harp music reception and ended with the dance band Phenomenon playing an encore set until one o’clock in the morning. In between Chuck Simons, the founder of The Groomys, hosted a sit-down dinner where The Groomy Awards were presented to the recipients.

The 2012 Groomy Awards:
• Marea Tully was presented with the “Groom Team Spirit Award”.
• Cheryl Purcell was presented with the “Groom Team Spirit Award”.
• Olga Zabelinskaya was presented with “The Peggy Harris Humanitarian Award”.
• Al Davis was presented with the “Grooming Industry Vendors Excellence Award”.
• Frank Rowe was presented with the “Grooming Industry Vendors Excellence Award”.
• Sam Kohl was presented with the “Contribution to the Industry”.
• Mary Meeks was presented with the “Contribution to the Industry”.
• Teri DiMarino was presented with “The “Grooming Industry Professional of the Year” Groomy Award”.
• Todd Shelly was presented with “The “Grooming Show Producer of the Year” Groomy Award”.
• Ann Stafford was presented with the “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
• Sally J. Liddick was presented with “The Sally J. Liddick “Legends of Grooming” Groomy Award”.
• Gwen Shelly was presented with “The Sally J. Liddick “Legends of Grooming” Groomy Award”.
• Liz Paul was presented with “The Sally J. Liddick “Legends of Grooming” Groomy Award”.

Commemorative Plaques were awarded to the current Traveling Team of GroomTeam USA. They included: Lindsey Dicken, Michell Evans, Jennifer Lee, Irina Pinkusevich and Olga Zabelinskaya. The Board of Directors also received the same plaques; they are Marea Tully, Teresa Dreese and Suesan Watson. As a token of GroomTeam USA’s appreciation, plaques were also awarded to their Premium Sponsors, which included Andis, Wahl, Lambert Kay, Kenchi Shears and 44/20.

Groom Team USA General Meeting
Meadowlands Convention Center
Intergroom, Seacacus, NJ
April 21-23, 2012

Present:
Dreese, Teresa, Board President
Watson, Sue, 2nd year Board Member
Otto, Kendra, Secretary and 1st year Board Member
Purcell, Cheryl, Coordinator
Simons, Chuck, WE, NE, PR

2012 Premium Sponsors:
Andis, Wahl, Nature’s Specialties, and Groomer’s Helper

The meeting was called to order at 8:05 pm, by Cheryl in Room A. Teresa then read the treasurer’s report and as of March 31, 2012 the total treasury was at $105, 975.91. Kendra motioned to accept the Treasurer’s report, Cheryl seconded and the report was accepted unanimously.

Kendra then read the minutes from the last meeting in March. Cheryl made a motion to accept the minutes, Tammy seconded and the motion was passed.

Unfinished Business:

Teresa reported that she would be contacting Glenn and Carol Visser to obtain new styles of the top 10 jackets and that she would have several styles ready for a vote at The All American in August. She had also announced that she will be starting on the GT parent Bios for posting on the website. She hopes to have most of it finished by The All American, but will definitely have it finished by the Annual BOD meeting in Dec.

Kendra announced that she would be emailing a link and password to all past and present GT top 10. This will ensure that everyone will have the option to update their GT Bio on the website. She also announced that the sanctioned show applications and information will soon be posted on the website. They can be filled out at anytime, but need to be in by Nov.15th, 2012.

Cheryl reported that Jodi will be making new smocks for the competitors that do not have one and it is up to the competitor to stop by her booth to be fitted for one. She also announced that the Secretary and 1st year board member GT positions will be opening up at the end of the year and for anyone that is interested, please send your resume to Kendra, and they will be reviewed at the annual BOD meeting.

Chuck announced that the Groomy’s dinner was to start at 7pm, and the party to start at 9pm. For a $25.00 donation you will receive a glowing necklace, window decal, lapel pin and a drink ticket. He is also asking for volunteers to help out.

New Business:

Teresa announced that we need articles donated to the GT newsletter and that by donating an article; it’s a great way to open doors to other industry magazines. If anyone would like to donate, please send to Kendra.

Cheryl reported that several new styles of supporter items were recently added to the GT website. She also mentioned that we now have the ability to get replacements for lost or broken crystal medallions. The contact info is: Pat@vansawardsplus.com or 1-800-498-7222.

Chuck made the announcement that Nature’s Specialties is now a premium sponsor as well as Pure Paws has become a benefactor for 2012. He also mentioned that he is trying to get Petco, Petsmart and Barkleigh on board for sponsorship for 2013.

Cheryl introduced the banner program for sanctioned shows that we cannot afford to attend, as well as offered to do seminars in exchange for a booth and travel expenses to be paid by the show promoter.

Cheryl then opened up the floor and Amy Treizenberg offered to make lighted stained glass clocks for the GT auction. A decision was made that she will be making them with the “GT supporter logo.”

The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:30pm

Respectfully submitted by Kendra Otto, Groom Team Secretary