COMMITTEE REPORTS

To serve on a LEC committee, you must be a current member. Please see our membership application page, our contact us page, or contact the committee chairperson for more information on joining.

To read our meeting notes, click here.

COMMITTEES AND DESCRIPTION:
1. MEMBERSHIP/DEVELOPMENT: Plans and implements membership drive and new member information and orientation. Reviews proposals for new member services and makes recommendations to the board to implement and monitor member services. Brings the message of the Council to the public and industry members. Encourages active memberships and publicizes efforts and accomplishments of the Council.
Chairman: Richard Hebert,membership@laequinecouncil.com, (337) 523-5437

2. EDUCATION/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Provides general educational opportunities for equine owners through short courses and clinics. This may include administering and promoting scholarship award programs, which may support educational opportunities for youth and adults. Youth organizations such as FFA, 4-H, US Pony Club, Breed Associations, etc. benefit from council assisted programs representing youth interest at the local, state and national level.
Chairman: Aleta Overby, aletao@latech.edu, (318) 257-2303

3. EQUINE WELFARE/HEALTH: Addresses welfare issues within the state's equine community that will positively affect the quality and performance of equines in a variety of areas including emergency disaster response, slaughter, safe transportation and rescue. Informs the horse industry of disease problems through continuing education formats. Maintains media contact to alert and inform equine owners about health issues and special events.
Chairman: Ky Mortensen, kmortensen@vetmed.lsu.edu, (225) 578-9590

4. TRAILS/LAND USE AND ZONING: Works to protect and expand the network of open lands available for trail riding. Provides an interactive forum between legislators, trail organizations and government and private agencies to preserve, improve and expand areas for equestrian recreation, land use and zoning.
Chairman: Peggy Bianchi,peggy_bianchi@yahoo.com,(225)933-4200

5. LEGISLATIVE/GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS: Works to influence legislation and agency regulations for the benefit of the horse industry and horse owners in all areas pertaining to equine activities, welfare, land and trail use.
Chairman: Daniel Lyons, lyonsdairy@charter.net, (337) 684-6751

6. MARKETING/PROMOTION: Works to promote the Council and its programs. Distributes press releases to local media on activities of the Council.
Chairman: Daniel Lyons, lyonsdairy@charter.net, (337) 684-6751

7. FACILITIES COMMITTEE: Seeks to maintain a dialog between horse facilities in the state and groups who use them. Develops a list of public and private facilities and monitors their condition.
Chairman: Melinda Kennedy, mekbarrelhorse@msn.com, (318) 688-2438

8. EQUINE ASSISTED PROGRAMS: Educates the public in the benefits of equine assisted activities (therapeutic riding and driving). Encourages quality program standards and supports existing and new centers through clinics, educational programs and mentoring. Informs horse owners of the benefits of a "second career" for their horse in a therapeutic riding program.
Chairman: Dixie Bunton, highlandfarms@hotmail.com, (337) 896-6738

9. FINANCE/BUDGET/GRANTS: Oversees the Council's financial resources including investments and manages monthly, annual and long-range budgetary needs. Receives committee budget requests and submits proposed annual budgets to Board of Directors. Monitors financial contracts and grants. Recommends and reviews financial policies for the Council. Reviews audited and unaudited financial reports and reports findings to the Board of Directors.
Chairman: Debbie Devitt, dsdogwood@aol.com, (225) 634-5591

10. NEWSLETTER: Facilitates LEC communication of news and useful information through quarterly membership newsletters, board e-news.
Chairman: Ginger A. Schouest, gar@camelotwildernessranch.com, (337) 507-7267.

11. WEBSITE: Facilitates LEC communication of news and useful information maintaining a dynamic and current website.
Chairman: Mike Dartez,webmaster@laequinecouncil.com

12. NOMINATIONS/BOARD DEVELOPMENT: Provides nomination guidelines, smooth board transitions, and execution of nominations.
Chairman: Johnny Spears, johnnypatriciasp@bellsouth.net, (225) 654-6052
Co-Chair: Daryl Schouest, pds@oxlite.com

13. ANNUAL MEETING: Organizes annual meeting, overseeing location, events and publicity of meeting.
Chairman: Ky Mortensen, kmortensen@vetmed.lsu.edu, (225) 578-9590

14. HORSE FAIR/EXPO: Organizes annual meeting, overseeing location, events and publicity of Expo.
Chairman: Ruby Collins,lrfarms2003@yahoo.com, (318) 281-7123

15. LEC BYLAWS: Manages and maintains current LEC bylaws.
Chairman: Daryl Schouest, pds@oxlite.com
Co-Chair: Daniel Lyons, lyonsdairy@charter.net, (337) 684-6751