From the President: Summer 2026
SCOA President Ann Bagnell and pack.
This year’s Annual Meeting at the Nationals was attended by 48 members, giving us the quorum needed to conduct official club business. Along with reports from the Board, members participated in thoughtful and lively discussions on three motions.
Two important motions were passed, making recommendations for the Board to act on:
Motion: Recommended that SCOA formally adopt the Spinone Salute as a permanent, recognized event held in conjunction with the annual National Specialty. The Spinone Salute is intended to recognize and celebrate the achievements of outstanding Spinoni in both conformation and field events. This event highlights dogs that exemplify the breed’s versatility, structure, and working ability – core values of our breed and club.
Motion: Recommended that the Board appoint a National Specialty Committee with experts in each event in support of regional groups hosting the National.
A third motion was made and referred to committee:
Motion:That the National Specialty should be held in the middle of the country in 2028 and going forward to allow for the best representation of the breed at the National.
What’s next?
Spinone Salute
A team led by Melissa Joens is planning for the newly structured Spinone Salute to begin in 2028. They will be coming to the Board with recommendations and a request to be formed as a standing committee.
As described in the handouts that Melissa provided at the meeting, “the Spinone Salute is intended to recognize and celebrate the achievements of outstanding Spinoni in both conformation and field [and other performance] events. This event highlights dogs that exemplify the breed’s versatility, structure, and working ability—core values of our breed and club. The Spinone Salute will be conducted as an annual specialty event, held alongside the National Specialty, and organized by a designated volunteer committee in accordance with club guidelines.
This event has grown out of the desire to support the Top Twenty event but to also include high achieving dogs in the field and other performance events, such as obedience, rally, and agility. Because the planning is already well underway for a similar event at the 2027 Nationals, the volunteer committee for the Spinone Salute will be planning for 2028.
Standing Committee for National Specialty Planning and Oversight
The National Specialty is SCOA’s largest and most expensive annual undertaking—and the only event required by our Bylaws. As costs continue to rise, its long-term success requires consistent planning, financial analysis, and oversight.
The Board retains fiduciary responsibility and final authority, but directors may not have specialized experience in producing Nationals. Annual event committees also change and must focus on the operations of a particular year. A standing committee would provide continuity, preserve institutional knowledge, evaluate costs and future needs, and advise both the Board and annual committees. It would not produce each National; that responsibility would remain with the annual event committee.
While AKC parent clubs use different structures, an effective model distinguishes between:
· A standing committee responsible for long-range National Specialty planning and oversight.
· The annual AKC Event Committee responsible for producing the licensed event.
The Board discussed next steps at its recent Goals meeting and will now begin developing the structure and responsibilities of a standing committee.
Tabled motion on Nationals location
This motion prompted a spirited discussion. During the discussion, several members left and the meeting temporarily lost its quorum. Once a quorum was restored, members voted to refer the motion to committee for more detailed study and development.
The new standing committee will consider locations and geographic rotation as part of its broader responsibility for National Specialty planning and oversight and will make recommendations to the Board for consideration and action.
Survey to come
Please watch your email for a future survey seeking your perspective on the National Specialty, including whether the current model should be modified and what changes you’d like to be considered.
A final note
The first two motions reflected careful preparation and prompted constructive discussion, with many members contributing their perspectives. Both passed with strong support, and committees are now being formed to study the issues and make recommendations to the Board for further action.
A clearly prepared motion helps members understand the issue and participate meaningfully. Members are encouraged to consult our parliamentarian, Chris Dickey, when developing a motion. The club secretary provides information about this assistance well in advance of the Annual Meeting.