STRATHMORE – I have recently read that the Calgary Stampede is one of the most respected volunteer organizations in the world. Two thousand community volunteers contribute leadership, time, and energy to organize events and activities for the 45 different committees that make the organization run all year long. Stampede shareholders are also volunteers and their shares do not grant dividends or appreciate, nor can they be sold.
Every March, shareholders elect the Board of Directors at the annual general meeting and once again Strathmore’s Teri McKinnon has been selected to be a Stampede Board member. Each term on the Board is a two year stint and with McKinnon entering her 4th term on the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors, she couldn’t be happier. McKinnon says each and every one of the Board members are passionate about what they do and she is proud to be a part of it. “It is the 1800 shareholders who vote you on to the board” says McKinnon.
“There is an extensive nomination process which involves conducting business and Stampede references, as well as an in-depth interview”.
“It is an extensive review and vetting process to identify individuals with the leadership skills, vision, experience, business acumen and dedication to guide the Calgary Stampede into the next 100 years” says McKinnon.
The Calgary Stampede is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of 20 directors elected by shareholders, seven appointees, and the immediate past president.
McKinnon’s bio on the Stampede Board website reads: Teri has spent the last 15 years championing the agriculture industry. She has focused her career development on creating and facilitating life-skills programs through government agencies, community organizations and an international youth adventure company. Work overseas enhanced her global perspective and insight on community and youth development. Teri is a freelance writer and has contributed to three award-winning Calgary Herald publications. She joined the Stampede as volunteer in 1982 and was elected to the board in 2007.
McKinnon was extremely excited to be on the board at the tail end of the last century and is looking forward to being part of the new century. The other news she wanted to share was the new Agrium Western Event Centre that is currently under construction at Stampede Park. The $70 million Agrium Western Event Centre will provide a new focal point for agricultural events on Stampede Park. The world class multi-purpose facility will be a year-round gathering place for agriculture, commerce, education and entertainment. This building will be significant by bridging urban and rural culture. The complex will triple the agricultural space at Stampede Park. The 150,000 square foot agriculture building will be a showcase and competition venue. In the new Interpretive Centre there will be plenty of hands-on educational experiences for young and old. Much of the past agriculture educational focus has catered to the elementary schools aged children and the new venue will expand to the junior high grades, 7 to 9. It will be fun, relevant and give the kids an understanding of the key role that agriculture plays in health and medicine.
The Agrium Western Event Centre will have a competition arena, exhibit hall and multipurpose space that will give you a sense of the importance of agriculture to our heritage. The Main Arena is comprised of 31,250 square feet of clear span space for rodeo and equestrian sports. Sounds like a great place to visit when it opens in June 2014.
We’re proud of you Teri, keep up the great work.
