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BUILT A TENT INITIATIVE
Topic: Suri Network Board of Trustees position regarding the "Build a Tent Initiative"
(For those members who are not familiar with the Build a Tent (BAT) Initiative, go to AOBA's website, www.alpacainfo.com, and click on the "Build a Tent Fiber Industry Initiative" box in the lower right of the screen.)
The Suri Network Board has received a number of comments, questions, and concerns regarding the recently proposed BAT initiative brought forth to the industry thru AOBA with an initial funding of $10,000. From what we have heard, once formed, it appears that the entity resulting from the Build a TENT initiative will, officially, function independently from AOBA. The SN Board has monitored these developments and finds it refreshing to see AOBA demonstrating an increased level of recognition for alpacas as fiber producing livestock. AOBA, it seems, has finally recognized the need to promote, in a broad sense, the domestic alpaca fiber industry.
As an organization whose purpose, as stated in our bylaws, is to "--promote to the public an awareness of and interest in Suri alpacas and their fiber--" we have watched the development of BAT with interest. To date, the focus of our interest has been an attempt to determine whether or not this initiative would be supportive, in particular, of Suri fiber interests as compared to a general emphasis on alpaca fiber. At this point the number of huacaya breeders involved in BAT appears to significantly out number Suri breeders and historically we can infer that any specific emphasis on Suri, while possible, is unlikely.
There may be some confusion among Suri breeders as to Suri Network's position regarding BAT. This may relate to a Power Point presentation used in Nashville at the first BAT meeting in which Suri Network is listed as endorsing BAT when, in fact, the Network's endorsement was never sought or given. At this point, the SN has paid expenses for the chairperson of the SNPDC to attend the initial meeting of BAT on 11/19/10. This has enabled the board to stay in touch with the process. In addition, the SN has invested the $250 required to assure the ability of SN to stay informed and to have a vote under the proposed BAT structure. Therefore, Suri breeders via SN will continue to have an avenue for future participation in BAT. The official voice of the SN with BAT regarding policy issues, voting rights or other present or future activities will be the SN Board.
At this point in time there is a significant lack of detail on what exactly BAT plans to do and how, as a subset of the alpaca fiber industry, Suri interests will be promoted. So, while the SN has made an initial investment on behalf of our members, the SN cannot in good faith recommend that our members individually make or not make an investment in this initiative.
Our assessment of the situation may change as more details are forthcoming and SN remains open to that possibility. As this process unfolds the board would appreciate feedback on how members see this initiative functioning in support of Suri breeders.
Suri Network Board of Trustees
February 10, 2011
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