Who am I?

I am first and foremost a breeder with the intent to improve and maintain the wonderful breeds we have in CFA. I have been involved in raising Persians under the "Cacao" name since early childhood, first in the Midwest Region, then in the Gulf Shore Region since 1987. I am a long term member of the Persian breed council. I am also a lifetime exhibitor, exclusively CFA. I support and show in a large majority of Region 3 shows, usually attending more than twenty shows a year. I am an active member of Fort Worth Cat Club, Ozark Cat Fanciers, and I am secretary of Land of Oz Cat Club. I have served several times as entry clerk for these clubs, as well as show manager, clerk, steward, show floor manager, hospitality, and numerous other aspects of show committee responsibilities.

Cats are a lifetime love and interest of mine and I believe in the right to breed and show cats. Legislative matters are the number one issue cat fanciers face today. I believe while we are making strong gains, there is still much more we need to accomplish and I believe it is important to continue to fight for our rights as cat owners. This effort will require all of us working together. We have several key people in our region who are already working hard for us; we need to support them and welcome all who wish to join in.

In addition to being a member of the committee that developed and brought about the CFA Ambassador Program, I have been an active Mentor in the CFA Mentor program since its inception. I have always been a strong promoter of bringing new people into the fancy and I am usually actively mentoring several protégés at any given time. Welcoming and guiding new people into the fancy has been one of the highlights of my showing career, as I strongly believe that these people are the future for CFA. Whether they are breeders, exhibitors, or both, I believe that all people who love cats have a place in CFA.

I believe a Regional Director should have strengths in many areas:

1. A Regional Director should have strength of will, so they will not be easily cowed when it comes to issues in our region. As many of you know, I have always been outspoken when it comes to the interests of this region. Whether it is cats from other regions "shopping" our region for a regional win, or shows from other regions endangering our long-standing show dates, I remain a staunch advocate for the Gulf Shore Region.
2. A Regional Director should have strength of mind, so they can quickly and easily recognize new problems and expediently solve them with innovative solutions. As a classroom teacher, I am always "re-inventing the wheel" when it comes to working with new strategies. Additionally, I have learned how to apply tried-and-true solutions to a variety of situations.
3. A Regional Director should have strength of character, so they will not become embroiled in personal conflicts or controversy. While I am known for having strong personal feelings about many issues, I am also known for being able to put aside my personal feelings in order to evaluate a situation from all angles.
4. A Regional Director should have strength in communication and accessibility, so that all people in the region feel they can always talk to their Regional Director. Not only am I accessible at the numerous shows I attend, but I am also easy to reach via phone or email.
5. Finally, a Regional Director should have strength in technology. This is the age of internet, website, and email. I have the knowledge and experience of creating and maintaining websites and group email lists. I believe group email lists are an excellent means of communication. As your Regional Director, I would implement a list just for newsletters from the Regional Director (bi monthly, at the very least) to keep the region up-to-date on regional news. Not everyone is able to attend the shows where Regional Meetings take place, so I believe it is very important that all people have access the most recent "going's on" in our region at any time.

My choice to run for Regional Director was not made lightly. It is something I have carefully considered for many months. I completely understand the responsibilities involved and I believe I am prepared to be the Regional Director this region needs. During my time in the cat fancy, I have accumulated vast resources, both in wealth of personal knowledge and wealth in friendships with long-term established fanciers. I intend to use every resource I have available to serve the region to the best of my ability.

My decision to run for Regional Director is not to further any agenda, either personal or hidden. This isn't a stepping stone for me in some larger, greater plan. I want to improve our region in areas that interest us all, and I am willing to take strides to make a difference where it counts.

In closing, I offer the Gulf Shore Region the abilities, resources, and strengths required and desired in a Regional Director. Please feel free to speak to me at the shows, by email, or by phone. I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Carissa Altschul
carissaaltschul@tx.rr.com
817-939-8208