Recognizing and Informing the Volunteers and Supporters of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

MAGAZINE

November 1994—Vol II, No. 4

Home of the World’s LargestLivestock Show and RodeoExtravaganza

Magazine CommitteeOfficer in Charge

Suzanne Epps

ChairmanRoy Elledge Jr.

Vice Chairmen/Committee Editors

Bill BarrettPeter A. Ruman

Copy EditorNancy Leverett

Editorial BoardMark AnawatyJohn Murphy

Marshall R. Smith IIIStephen Stepinoff

ReportersSamuel N. Allen

Nancy BurchYahsmine Catli-Cowan

Deborah DahlkeCheryl Dorsett

Amy GlassFreeman GregoryWhitney Horton

Ann JacobsBeth JohnsonMark Jones

Charlotte KirkPamela Malone

Melissa ManningElise Oppmann

Design/LayoutPegasus Design, Inc.

PhotographerSam Pierson

Magazine Staff/ManagementManagement Coordinators

Leroy ShaferSuzy Brown

Production EditorJohnnie Hendon

Staff Coordinator/EditorTeresa Padgett

PhotographerFrank Martin, D.V.M.

Cover photo Sam Pierson

Houston Livestock Show and RodeoExecutive Committee

Joseph T. Ainsworth, M.D. James O. Bloodworth Allen H. Carruth

James R. “Dick” Graves Hal Hillman Don D. Jordan

H. Stuart Lang Jr. Louis M. Pearce Jr. John O. Smith

Clayton Underwood Tommie Vaughn P. Michael Wells

James M. Windham Jr.

Lifetime Member - Executive CommitteeDouglas B. Marshall

Chairman of the BoardJames R. “Dick” Graves

PresidentDon D. Jordan

OfficersRichard E. Bean John H. Causey John T. Cook

George A. DeMontrond III C.R. “Bob” Devine Suzanne Epps

Wayne Hollis Jr. Jim Janke Robert V. McAnelly

John J. Montalbano David E. Mouton, M.D. Tom R. Northrup

Paul G. Somerville

General ManagerDan A. Gattis

Volume II, Issue 4, is published by the HoustonLivestock Show and Rodeo, Copyright 1994. Letters

and comments should be sent to: Marketing Department, Houston LivestockShow and Rodeo, P.O. Box 20070, Houston, Texas 77225-0070.

TABLE OF CONTENTSA Message From the President ——————————————1

Features

A World Class Marketing Force ——————————— 2

An Ambassador to the City ————————————— 3

Horse Sense ———————————————————— 4

International Livestock Congress ——————————— 6

Where Are They Now? ——————————————— 8

Taking a Look Back ———————————————— 10

Go Texan Events Calendar ————————————— 11

Committee Spotlight

Calf Scramble Committees ————————————— 12

Breeders Greeters Committee ———————————— 13

Parade Committee————————————————— 14

Western Art Committee —————————————— 15

Executive Committee Portrait

Clayton Underwood ———————————————— 16

Department Profile

Logistics and Service Support ——————————— 17

Calendar of Events —————————————— Back Cover

MAGAZINE,

he annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo isonly three months away, and everyone is in the

final stages of production and organization for the 1995event.

Any day now, you will be receiving in the mail afirst-ever volunteer handbook. Please take the time tolook over this publication, as it details important Showpolicies, changes for the 1995 Show and importantdates. Take a few minutes to read carefully throughthe badge policy. Keep in mind that in wearing a goldbadge, you represent the Houston Livestock Show andRodeo as well as its goals and purposes.

The handbook also lists names and photos of allShow officers, your management staff as well as allstaff coordinators. Each of the 93 Show committeesand their chairmen are listed as well. We truly hopethis will help answer many of your frequently askedquestions.

As we approach the end of 1994, it also is the timeof the year when we take time to give thanks for all ourblessings.

At the Show, we have quite a lot for which to be thank-ful. Each of you plays an instrumental part in puttingthis entire event together, and your time, efforts and ser-vice are all greatly appreciated. For many people, it ishard to imagine a volunteer force of almost 11,000 indi-viduals, but that is part of our notability. Without eachof you, the Show simply wouldn’t happen.

Many committees are in full forceand meeting frequently. At some ofthese meetings, our scholarshiprecipients are bringing their mes-sages of gratitude and achievementto those who truly make it all hap-

pen for them—the volunteers. We also value thesescholars tremendously, as they are the primary reasonfor our work here at the Show.

We are the envy of many fairs and expositions allover the country, not only because of the volunteereffort, but also because of our remarkable facilities—the Astrodome, Astrohall and Astroarena. We are look-ing forward to these buildings housing a recordnumber of livestock and horse show entries this year!

We’re also thankful for our unwavering commu-nity support. Thanks to the people of Houston,we’ve sold out season tickets again and corporateinvolvement is outstanding. We are now in thefinal stages of securing event sponsors and pre-senters.

Additionally, we have established a partnershipwith Ray Cammack Shows, our carnival company,and we are presently working on promotional pack-ages for more corporate involvement with the car-nival.

With the Show right around the corner, many GoTexan events are being held throughout the area.People are already tossing washers, pitching horse-shoes, playing dominoes and hosting cook-offs, all tobolster excitement for the 1995 Show. A schedule ofGo Texan events through February is listed in this issueof the magazine. I hope each of you plans on attend-ing one or more of these activities to support our Show

promotions and fund-raisingevents.

I’m thankful to be a part of thisgreat organization and feel particu-larly blessed to work with all of you.Have a great holiday season.

1

A M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

T

D O N D . J O R D A NP R E S I D E N T

F E A T U R E

2

A W O R L D C L A S S M A R K E T I N G F O R C E

hat does it taketo make theHouston Live-

stock Show and Rodeo a house-hold name and a growing success?

According to Leroy Shafer, assis-tant general manager of Marketingand Presentations, it is largelythrough the efforts of the Show’s30,000 volunteers and membersand their ability to reach differentgroups of people ranging from theHouston metropolitan area to therest of the world.

“The Show is the essence of pro-motion,” Shafer said. “Our historysays that seven men met in 1931 toorganize the first Show the follow-ing year to promote the livestockindustry in Houston. So from its

very inception, the Show wasdesigned to promote.”

“Today we promote youth andeducation as well as the livestockindustry,” Shafer continued. “Wepromote Houston and the state ofTexas’ heritage and culture. Wepromote harmony and under-standing, and we promote good

times and feeling great. If you wrapall that up, that is the HoustonLivestock Show and Rodeo.

“When we sit down and analyzewhat has made our Show the phe-nomenal success that it is, we cannever discount the fact that wehave 30,000 members out therewho share our goals, objectives andbeliefs with their friends andneighbors.”

Suzy Brown, manager of theMarketing and PresentationsDepartment, agreed that specifi-cally the Show’s almost 11,000 vol-unteers contribute a great dealtoward marketing and promotingthe Show. “All of our committeesare, in some effort, going to bedoing public relations for the

Show. People who sell ads for thesouvenir program, or group tickets,or floats for the downtown paradeare selling the Show by emphasiz-ing the charitable aspects of ourorganization. We feel that our vol-unteers do a tremendous job.”

Brown said there are some com-mittees, such as the Go Texan com-

mittees, whose sole purpose is topromote the Show. The 2,000 mem-bers comprising the seven GoTexan committees “take the mes-sage of the Show, ‘Benefiting Youthand Supporting Education,’ toother aspects of the community andsurrounding counties. The demo-graphics in Houston are changing,and in order to keep up with thatchange, a lot of grassroots efforts arebeing made by these groups.”

The members of the SpeakersCommittee also fan out in theHouston area to educate the publicabout the Show. Chairman BillTeague said, “Last year we had 185talented individuals who pre-sented 9,000 speeches reachingmore than four million people. It isno wonder why we are called ‘thevoice of the Show’.”

Also working locally are the rep-resentatives of the Parade Commit-tee. Annually, this group organizesthe Show’s downtown rodeo paradethat draws half a million people todowntown Houston as well asanother half a million people whowatch the parade on television.

Although it is essential to satu-rate the city of Houston with thespirit of the Show, volunteers alsomake it a point to promote thisevent across the globe. Workingworldwide to do just that is the International Committee.Members of the committee travelthe world—making time duringtheir vacations or business trips—to promote the Show to foreign cit-izens and leaders of othercountries. “Our goal is not only toinvite people to Houston to attendthe Show, but to educate theprospective buyers about livestockand other commodities that areavailable at the Show,” said PaulSomerville, officer in charge of thecommittee.

The International Committee

WStory byYahsmineCatli-Cowan

$S

am P

iers

on

Area businesses feel the impact of the Show, especially from out-of-town visitorswanting to don the latest Western wear.

3

F E A T U R E

Story byFreemanGregory

A N A M B A S S A D O R T O T H E C I T Y

also hosts approximately 2,500international visitors during theShow. International guests repre-sented 66 different countries at the1994 event.

More than 1,100 volunteers ofthe horse show committees spreadthe goals and objectives of theShow, and as a result, the HoustonHorse Show draws top exhibitorsand is known throughout the coun-try as one of the most prestigiousequine events.

“We also host the National

Cutting Horse Association finals,as well as the International CuttingHorse Competition, which drawsthe top quality horses from all overthe nation as well as the world.Because of that, we receive a lot ofpublicity,” said John Causey, offi-cer in charge of all 15 Horse Showcommittees.

“Every committee volunteershould be aware of and proud ofthe fact that he or she is part of themarketing and promotional ele-ments of the Show,” Shafer said.

“Every committee comes into con-tact with the public and is market-ing the Show—marketing ourgoals, objectives and beliefs.”

“I really seriously doubt that youcan go into the Houston metropol-itan area and find even the small-est neighborhood where there isnot a person on that block, street orneighborhood who is not a mem-ber of the Show. There is no entitythat I am aware of that has a mar-keting force equal to our 30,000volunteers and members.”

Just what is a marketing depart-ment of 30,000 people able toachieve?

Every year, it translates to con-sistently increasing attendance,breaking world’s record auctionprices, paying the richest regular-season rodeo purse to the world’stop cowboys and cowgirls and pro-viding Show patrons with first-class entertainment. Thanks to thehard work and professionalism ofthis marketing element, you can’ttune in to a local television or radionewscast without seeing or hearingat least one feature about the event.

But most importantly, it enablesthe Show to dedicate its efforts tosupporting youth and educationand to serve as an ambassador tothe community and the public.

Because of the organization’scontributions to both the youth ofTexas and the entire community,the Show has quite an impact oncountless entities throughout thecity, the state and the entire world.The Show affects not only thoseinvolved, but also businesses

and other organizations in theHouston area.

Rodeo contestants, livestock andhorse show exhibitors and specta-tors don’t, in all circumstances,simply “visit” the Houston Live-stock Show and Rodeo. Theyattend the area’s other attractions.They frequent restaurants. Theystay in hotels, buy clothing, filltheir vehicles with fuel, dry cleantheir clothes, rent cars and trucks,and shop at grocery stores. In gen-eral, they contribute to just aboutevery facet of commerce this areahas to offer. In fact, the Show gen-erates a projected $250.4 millionworldwide each year — $84 mil-lion of which are direct expendi-tures. Of that $84 million, almost$70 million is spent right here inHouston. The evidence expressesclearly that the economic impactof this Show touches a great rangeof merchants, vendors, servicecompanies and people in Houstonand surrounding areas.

It’s not surprising, then, that thearea views the Show as an impor-

tant component to Houston’s con-tinued economic success. Inrecognition of that significance,several organizations havebestowed distinguished awards onthe Show, including the John SealyMemorial Award, presented by theWest Houston Association; theOutstanding Public ServiceAward, presented by the AmericanSociety of Public Administration;and the Institutional Award, pre-sented by the Greater HoustonConvention and Visitors Bureau.

Also, the Show recently becamethe first organization to receive theInternational Executive of the Yearaward, presented by the GreaterHouston Partnership and theKiwanis Club of Houston.

The Houston Livestock Showand Rodeo has not only evolvedinto a traditional, unparalleledevent, but its members have become genuine ambas-sadors for Houston by effectivelyextending the areas of good will to all levels of the public.

4

F E A T U R E

H O R S E S E N S E

ust because you’re amember of the Show,everyone thinks you are

an expert on horses and cowboys,but, truth be known, you mightnot know a brood mare from abilly goat. Well, fear not, for inyour hand you hold your very ownEquine Crash Course, just in timeto impress all your friends andfamily at the 1995 HoustonLivestock Show and Rodeo.

The American Horse Councilestimates that 750,000 peopleown more than nine millionhorses across the United States.In excess of 20 percent of thehorse population is in Texas.Texans love their horses and loveto talk about them—sometimes interms the equine novice mightnot understand.

Through this quick brush-up,you hopefully will be able tounderstand (and maybe even con-tribute to) these conversations.Three areas that even the mostinexperienced horseman canbecome familiar with in a short

time are breeds, coat colors andequine events.

BASIC BREED

There are literally hundreds ofbreeds, from Miniature Horsesand giant Clydesdales toArabians and Palominos, andeverything in between. As a start-ing point, the beginner can focuson the Quarter Horse.

Known as the first all-Amer-ican breed, the Quarter Horse isclaimed to be the “most popularhorse in the world,” with morethan three million registered withthe American Quarter HorseAssociation.

The Quarter Horse is character-ized by wide hips and heavilymuscled legs but only stands anaverage of 15 to 16 hh.

It was originally bred as a workhorse and was occasionally racedshort distances of approximatelyone quarter mile, hence its name.

Quarter Horses are commonlyused by trail riders, barrel racers,calf ropers, steer wrestlers, teamropers and grand entry riders.

COAT COLOR

The color of a horse’s coat is aprime characteristic for somebreeds, but for other breeds, it car-ries no consideration. Whenwatching the parade or the rodeo,color is how horses can easily bepointed out or commented upon.When the person sitting next toyou says, “that’s my daughter onthat yellow dun,” will you be ableto locate her?

To inform you about a few ofthose, a Bay has a red-brown to

dark brown-gold coat with blackmane, tail and legs. A Chestnuthas reddish-gold shades with aslightly lighter or darker maneand tail. A Roan is characterizedby a black or black-brown body,with white hairs, giving a bluishor reddish tinge. A Palomino hasa yellow-gold coat with a whitemane and tail.

AT THE SHOW

When the Show begins inFebruary, there will be plenty ofhorses to see. At the 1994 event,the Show drew more than 3,000horse entries.

Horses are vital to the success-ful performance of steer wrestlers,calf ropers, team ropers, saddlebronc riders and barrel racers...and that’s just in rodeo.

Many years ago, rodeos were lit-tle more than a celebration at theend of a long cattle drive.Cowboys would flaunt their skillsand compete only to be called “thebest.” Times, of course, havechanged. There is much more atstake than a reputation....there arethousands of dollars in prizemoney, belt buckles and saddlesto be won. Rodeo competitiontoday requires skill, dedicationand professionalism on the part ofthe participants. A great deal oftheir mastery of the sport is depen-dent on the animals.

In addition to the seven featuredbreeds at the Houston Show, eachequine event includes a separatedivision for the horse breed andage group of the exhibitor/rider.This makes for more than 100 divi-sions of competition in the 6,000-seat Astroarena.

To participate in the horse show,each entry must be registered

JStory byAmy Glass

Colt - uncastrated male horse under 4 years old

Filly - female horse between the age of 12months and 4 years

Foal - colt, gelding or filly up to the age of 12months

Gelding - castrated male horse

Hand - (denoted hh) - unit of measurement todescribe horse’s height

One hand equals 4 inches

Mare - female horse of 4 years and upward

Stallion - uncastrated male horse of 4 yearsor more

TERMS ANDINFORMATION

5

F E A T U R E

within its breed, then the horse ispermitted to compete against horsesof the same breed in each event.This element greatly distinguishesthe horse show from the rodeo.While a horse participating in thehorse show must be registered, onlythe contestant needs to be registeredin rodeo events. “In rodeo, anybreed or mix of horse will do if itcan get the job done,” said JudyJordan, Horse Show Director. “Forthe horse show, we are concernedwith the breed and registration ofthe animals in addition to the qual-ity of their performance.”

One of the most popular eventsin Houston is the National CuttingHorse Association competition,which is the exception to the strict

guidelines of the horse show. Cutting horses are any breed or

mix of breeds. Unlike team ropingand calf roping, where horse andrider work as a team, the cuttinghorse works virtually indepen-dently of the rider. Once a horseunderstands which calf is to be cutfrom the herd, the rider can take aseat, hold on to the saddle horn andwatch the skilled animal work itsmagic.

So there you have it...a littlehorse sense in just a few minutes.Soon you’ll find yourself sayingthings like, “That dapple gray fillyis standing about a hand taller thanthat bay colt.” And you might evensound like you know whatyou’re talking about!

• Bay • Black • Brown • Sorrel • Chestnut • Dun • Grullo • Buckskin • Palomino • Gray • Roan

The Houston Horse Show features competi-tion in seven breeds:• Appaloosa • Arabian • Half Arabian • Miniature • Paint • Palomino • Quarter Horse

Horse Show competition events includes:• Western and English pleasure• Pole bending• Cutting• Jumping• Halter

BASIC COAT COLORS

FEATURED BREEDS

FEATURED EVENTS

This prize-winning QuarterHorse captured the GrandChampion Gelding award inthe halter classes at the 1994Houston Horse Show.

Shu

gart

Pho

togr

aphy

F E A T U R E

6

I N T E R N A T I O N A L L I V E S T O C K C O N G R E S S

ne of the most predomi-nant challenges intoday’s society is contin-

ually improving the quality oflife, maintaining a proactive atti-tude toward refining our futureand making a difference wher-ever possible.

The Show plays a cardinal rolein cultivating and shaping futuregoals in the livestock industryglobally through its support of theInternational Livestock Congress.

In cooperation with the Showand The Texas A&M University

System, the International Live-stock Congress is sponsored bythe International Stockmen’sEducational Foundation.

The mission of the Congress isto solicit the support and partic-ipation of world industry leaders,to foster better international com-munications and to help the agri-cultural industry respond toever-shifting technological, tradeand political circumstances. It

provides the opportunity forindividuals to “make a differ-ence, to become involved and todirect industries toward positivechange.”

For three days during the Show,agricultural leaders, livestockraisers, scientists, governmentleaders and educators converge toaddress issues that affect theindustry on a global scale.“Hosting the Congress reinforcesthe Show’s reputation as a leaderin agricultural education, saidDan Gattis, Show GeneralManager and president of theCongress. “It elevates theHouston Livestock Show to a cer-tain level of prominence in theindustry.”

Hal Hillman, a past president ofthe Show and current boardmember of the Congress, agrees.“The International LivestockCongress extends our educa-tional outreach beyond theUnited States, and, as a result, itmakes the Show more prominentin the eyes of industry leadersfrom foreign countries,” Hillmansaid. “It also lends an interna-tional flavor to the Show thatmany other livestock shows androdeos do not have.”

Unlike a single rodeo perfor-mance, which may bring in morethan 50,000 spectators, theCongress draws a smaller crowd.“Our focus for the Congress is toattract the decision-makers in theindustry, the policy-makers andpeople who make things happen,not to have thousands of peoplecome through the doors,” Gattissaid.

The North American FreeTrade Agreement has opened thedoor for greater trade among theUnited States and its neighboringcountries. Last year’s Congressbrought together, for the first

time, the presidents of the cattle-men’s associations from Canada,Mexico and the United States.According to Hillman, by spon-soring the Congress the Show alsohighlights the city of Houston, aninternational port city that willplay a pivotal role in trade result-ing from NAFTA and the growthof the agriculture industry world-wide.

In addition, cattle-raising isalso a growing industry in theAsian Pacific countries such asThailand and Japan. As a result,the Show and the Congress areexpanding their outreach toindustry leaders from those areas,Gattis said.

According to Patricia Lee, exec-utive director of the InternationalLivestock Congress, the HoustonLivestock Show is essential to thesuccess of the Congress. “TheHouston Livestock Show andRodeo is the vital link,” she said.“Its involvement in internationalaffairs helps the Congress draw aninternational audience. Membersof the International Committeehelp promote the event, and theyprovide logistical support—they’ve seen this program throughgood times and bad.”

The 1995 Congress will focuson the beef industry and the horseracing industry. “Sessions willaddress important topics such aspublic relations issues in the beefindustry, governmental concernsinvolving regionalization andfuture trends in the agriculturalindustry,” Lee said.

The 1995 Congress also will bethe site of a historic event of inter-national interest—the governorof Texas and several governorsfrom Mexico will meet and sign atrade alliance between Texas andMexico. This year’s conferencewill feature guest speakers and

OStory byMelissaManning

THE FOUNDATION AND ITS MISSION

The International Stockmen’s Educa-

tional Foundation was founded in 1986

as a successor to the 25-year-old

International Stockmen’s School. Since

1961, more than 10,000 stockmen from 15

countries have attended the Congress

or its predecessor, the International

Stockmen’s School. The mission of the

foundation is to conduct and support

programs of education that contribute to

wider and more effective application of

science in animal agriculture; to further

communications and understanding

between stockmen of various countries;

and to foster policies that will benefit

stockmen worldwide.

7

F E A T U R E

lecturers representing thePhilippines, Mexico, Australiaand the United States.

“There is a rising interest in theprogram,” Lee said. “People arerealizing that getting together todiscuss issues of mutual impor-tance does affect the industry,and that we can have some bear-ing on the future.”

The 1995 International LivestockCongress will be held at theSheraton Astrodome Hotel, Feb.22 - 24. For additional informa-tion, contact: Patricia Lee,Executive Director, ILC, TexasA&M University, College Station, Texas 77843.Phone: (409)845-3808.

1 9 9 5 I N T E R N A T I O N A L L I V E S T O C K C O N G R E S STOPICS OF DISCUSSION

“HORSE ‘95”

• Contribution of Pre-Existing Diseases to Severe Musculo-Skeletal Race Track Injuries

• Predicting of Horses At Risk For Race Track Breakdown

• The Effects of Fatigue on Breakdown

• The Effects of Training on Bone Development and Ultimate Failure

• Effects of Shoeing—Poor Conformation and the Combination of the Two on Race

Track Breakdown

• Race Track Design and Construction for Maximum Safety

• Is It Possible To Breed Sound Horses With World Class Speed?

“POSITIONING BEEF IN THE GLOBAL FRONTIER”

• Why Us?

• Regionalization: Like It or Not, It Is Coming

• Quality: A Growing International Concern

• The Global Impact of the Food Safety Revolution

• Who is Producing What and for Whom?

Hal Hillman, past president of the Show, speaks at the InternationalLivestock Congress in 1994. Hillman serves on the Congress’ board ofdirectors.

8

S C H O L A R S H I P W I N N E R S ’ P R O F I L E

W H E R E A R E T H E Y N O W ?

Even two decades later, the prideand emotion Barham Fulmer felt atreceiving his Houston scholarshipstill comes through. “It made sucha difference in the direction of mylife,” he said. “It gave me wonder-ful opportunities in the choice of myschool and my major, agriculturaleconomics.” He still recalls shak-ing the hand of Show PresidentBuddy Bray and posing for pictureswith his fellow recipients.

Being selected for the scholar-ship was a goal he pursuedthroughout his FFA activities.“When I realized the Show hadexpanded the number of awards toseven in 1970, I felt pretty confi-dent, but I wasn’t sure until I wastold.” His scholarship enabled himto enroll at Texas A & M University,where he would graduate magnacum laude. “I remember whenHouston sent me my last scholar-

ship payment; I was struck by theShow officials’ interest in me.They really did care.”

Today this former FFA StatePresident is president of theLindell National Bank, putting hiseducation to good use. Married tohis former high school sweetheart,he has two children. The leader-ship ability he displayed as ateenager is still evident by his com-mitment to his community as pres-ident of the school board, pastKiwanis Club President andDistrict Lt. Governor. He also hasbeen a member of the Show’sSpeakers’ Committee.

It must have seemed like a dreamto a very young Dennis Umlang,finding out he had won a HoustonLivestock Show and Rodeo scholarship in 1972. “I thought I

wouldn’t win,” said the mild-man-nered veterinarian years later. “Itopened so many doors for me. Iwas the first one in my family to goto college.”

From Lincoln, Texas, Umlanghad graduated from Giddings HighSchool. Encouraged by his teach-ers, he worked toward bigger goalsand brighter horizons. At SamHouston State University, he grad-uated with a perfect 4.0 grade pointaverage with a degree in animal sci-ence. A teacher who cared told him“you shouldn’t stop with this; youwould be wasting your time if youdon’t go on.”

Inspired by this and knowing hewas a Houston scholar, he appliedfor admission to the College ofVeterinary Medicine at Texas A &M University. Turned down hisfirst try for having no veterinaryexperience, he went out and gotsome, working in clinics for a yearuntil he could reapply. He wasaccepted and would graduate withhis degree three years later in 1980.Today, he exudes the same quietconfidence and determinationthat, combined with Houstonscholarship funding, enabled himto realize his potential. He and hiswife, Cindy, have three sons. Hisexample led his younger brother toattend college. And, he remainsinvolved in his community andschools, encouraging others toreach for their dreams, just as hedid almost 25 years ago.

Stories byEditorialBoard

BARHAM FULMER

DENNIS UMLANG

Twenty-five years ago... the Show had successfully negotiated a major crossroad in its history by moving to the Astrodome complex. The organization was taking its first steps on the

road to tremendous growth and new records. The scholarship program was on its way also. In 1969,the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo had 18 recipients enrolled at eight different Texas collegesand universities. Though a far cry from the 929 recipients attending 71 colleges and universities in the 1994-95 school year, their stories reflect the same qualities and character found in today’s

scholars. Following are profiles of five of the students from this era.

9

S C H O L A R S H I P W I N N E R S ’ P R O F I L E

Jerry Trotter can undoubtedly tes-tify to the benefits of receiving a Showscholarship. Today, he has parlayedhis agricultural knowledge and expe-rience into a position as group man-ager for the Frito-Lay division of thePepsi-Cola Corporation in Hereford,Texas. He and his colleagues areresponsible for contracting for thecorn used by the company. Becauseof his efforts, corn is transported toPuerto Rico, Korea, Japan and GreatBritain as well as to U.S. Frito-Layoperations west of the Mississippi.

Thinking back to the time hereceived his award, he remembersthe prestige the scholarship con-ferred. “It was the premier assis-tance that any student couldpossibly receive in pursuing an agri-cultural or animal science degree.”He thought it would be “nearlyimpossible” for him to receive theaward, since he came from such asmall town. Plus, his older brotherMichael had been named a recipi-ent only two years before.

His dream came true and heattended Texas A & M University,receiving a degree in animal sci-ence in 1974. He and his wife havethree children and he fosters inthem his same desires—achievinga better future through education.

As a Professional Rodeo CowboysAssociation bulldogger, StanleyHackfeld may never have competedin the Astrodome, but he still was abig winner at Houston, receiving afour-year scholarship in 1969 at theFFA State Convention.

The scholarship made a differ-ence in his life, one that has beenechoed throughout the years byhundreds of recipients: “Withoutthe Houston scholarship, I probablywould not have been able to go tocollege. I was so grateful to get it.”He used his scholarship to attendTexas Tech University, where heliked being a member of the rodeoteam so much that he competed onthe PRCA circuit for several years.

When he tired of the bone-jarringabuse a bulldogger takes, hereturned home to Loraine, Texas,near Abilene, to use his animalhusbandry degree to run a familyranching operation. His involve-ment in the Show has continuedthrough his three daughters andtheir livestock exhibitions. Liketheir father, the girls have wonawards showing steers at Houston,winning ribbons with Charolaisand Angus steers, though neitherhas equaled his position as FFAVice President for Area II—yet!

“I will never forget the day Iopened the letter with the returnaddress of the Houston LivestockShow and Rodeo,” Carter Hounselrecalls. “Knowing that the support-ers of a large city organization caredabout the well-being and educationof a small-town boy” filled him with “pride and thankfulness.”Receiving a Houston scholarship in1970 was the achievement of a four-year goal for Hounsel, from HighStar, Texas, and it made “the differ-ence between having the educationI wanted as opposed to one that Iwould have had to accept as theonly thing I could afford.” A cumlaude graduate of Abilene ChristianUniversity, Hounsel received hisDoctor of Veterinary Medicine fromTexas A & M College of VeterinaryMedicine in 1977. Working withthe food safety inspection service ofthe U. S. Department of Agriculture,he has been commended for exem-plary contributions for the evalua-tion, development and design of theResidue Violation InformationSystem. He maintains his ties toFFA and points with pride to hisyounger brother Ken’s following inhis footsteps; he received a HoustonLivestock Show and Rodeoscholarship in 1982.

STANLEY HACKFELD CARTER HOUNSELJERRY TROTTER

F E A T U R E

T A K I N G A L O O K B A C K

W H A T W E W E R E D O I N G 2 5 Y E A R S A G O A T T H E

1970 1995Price of a ticket $00 $10Number of performances 15 20Overall attendance 562,781 1,616,113 *Size of membership 5,000 30,000Committee volunteers 2,000 10,400Number of committees 46 93Scholarship recipients in school 18 929Livestock entries 16,000 29,000 *Rodeo purse $104,000 $618,053Grand champion steer price $35,000 $300,000 *Economic impact of show $15,000,000 $250,000,000

* 1994 Show

Chairman of the Board: Louise M. Pearce Jr.President: M.C. “Buddy” BrayTreasurer: Bill DahlstromSecretary: Ray K. BullockVice Presidents: Bill Bass, Clem Boettcher, Allen Carruth, Wade Caves, James C. Epps Jr., Leroy Gloger, Joe

Polichino, Ebb Rose, and Tommie Vaughn

Lester Goodson • E.J. Gracey • Stuart Lang • Douglas Marshall • Al Parker • Gail Whitcomb • Bill Williams

Bud Adams Jr.Harry V. BakerBill BassJames H. BeallBubba BeckerT.P. BensonErnest BlackW.D. Black Jr.Cecil BobbittClem BoettcherB.W. BraswellBuddy BrayMason BriscoeEdgar Brown IIIRay K. BullockT.C. BurtonAllen CarruthRex CaubleMack CaudleWade CavesChuck ChalmersBert CharlesSherman ClarkJohn ConnallyJ.F. “Pat” Corley

N.A. CrawfordJ. Brown CutbirthTroy DacusBill DahlstromBob DerdenCarl DeteringJack DieziJimmie DuncanRobert Dundas Sr.Dr. M. Durham Jr.Gordon EdgeJ.A. Elkins Jr.Bill EnglishJames Epps Jr.John FergusonJ.R. FergusonBert FickerDick FreemanVernon FrostVernon Frost Jr.Dr. H.L. GardnerJack GarrettHarry GaydenDr. George GayleE. Norwin Gerhart

Carson GibsonLeroy GlogerLenode GoldstonLester GoodsonE.J. GraceyLloyd GregoryClaud B. HamillGranville HarberT.I. HarkinsRobert HarrisCliff HawthorneJ. Scott HendersonRobert T. HerrinCharles G. HeyneEric HiltonRoy HofheinzThomas HolmesFrank Horlock Jr.Rex HudsonLuke JohnsonJames JohnstonJohn T. JonesWilliam T. JonesFloyd KarstenGeorge P. Kelley

George J. KniggeDanny M. LangH. Stuart Lang Jr.W.C. LeasureBob LeMondDoug LeMondHerbert LightfootClaude LindseyReese B. LockettSonny LookJohn E. LyonsR.R. McGuyerWilliam McHattieDon McMillianEarl McMillianLeonard McNeillDouglas MarshallHarris MastersonNeil Masterson IIIJohn W. Mecom Jr.James A. MeredithWalter M. MischerBill MitchellBill MonroeDavid H. Morris

T.C. MorrowLatimer MurfeeSydnor OdenE.A. “Bud” OlsonBuster Parish Jr.R.A. “Al” ParkerM.S. ParmleyLouis Pearce Jr.Fred J. PaulyTex PedenJack PenceJoe PolichinoOdus PolkRaymond PryorDan J. PulaskiGeorge PuigJohn F. Rader IIISeth RameyCliff RampyJ.M. RichardsonArthur RiedelRobbie RobertsonEbb RoseJ.H. Rose Jr.James D. Sartwelle

Bubba SchomburgJake SchrumEddy ScurlockJesse R. SharmanCarl B. ShermanPanama ShiflettTyson SmithBuster SnyderC.A. SpearsM.A. TaylorW.E. ThomasonF.L. TuckerTommie VaughnT.C. VinesWillard WalbridgeForrest WarrenBruce WeaverBert WheelerGail WhitcombThomas L. WhitcombSol WhiteBill WilliamsLeonard Wilson Dr. W.H. WorrellCharles E. Wyatt

10

A Comparison

1970 Show Officers

1970 Operating Council (Executive Committee)

1970 Board of Directors

DATE EVENT LOCATION/TIME

NOVEMBER

25 Deer Park Arts & Crafts Show Deer Park Activity Center, Deer Park7 a.m.

29 Aldine/Spring/Klein Rodeo Dance Midnight Rodeo Night Club, Spring5 p.m.

DECEMBER

3 Waller County Turkey Shoot The Hill Bar & Grill, Waller11 a.m.

4 Tomball Team Penning Competition Lone Star Arena, Cypress2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

6 Spring Branch/Memorial Dance, silent auction Wild West Night Club, Houston5 p.m.

JANUARY

6 Baytown/Highlands Chili Cook-off, washer and San Jacinto Mall, Baytownhorseshoe pitching, quilt and hay hauling contests 5 p.m.

6-8 Pasadena Bar-B-Que Cook-off, Go Pasadena Fairgrounds, PasadenaTexan contests, beauty pageant, teen dance 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

7 Spring Branch/ Memorial Diamonds J. W. Mariott Hotel Westside, Houston& Studs Gala, casino, live and silent auctions 5 p.m.

13 Cy Fair chili cook-off, Go Texan Trader’s Village, Houstoncontests, dance noon

13 San Jacinto/Galena Park Cook-off and dance, Rotary Pavilion, Northshorebeauty pageant, auction, art contest, 8 a.m.horseshoe and washer pitching competition, quilt contest

14 Fayette County Bar-B-Que Contest Fayette County Fairgrounds, LaGrange9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

14 Alvin/Pearland Casino Night Pearland Community Center, Pearland7 p.m.

20 Aldine/Spring/Klein dinner, Wyndham Hotel Greenspoint, Houstondance and style show 6 p.m.

21 Tomball Diamonds & Denim Golf Tournament, Del Lago Resort, Conroecasino, live and silent auctions 8 a.m.

21 Alief/Southwest Dance, live and silent auctions Houston Mariott Hotel Westside, Houston6 p.m.

28 Katy Go Texan dance, bar-b-que dinner, dance, VFW Hall, Katylive and silent auctions 6 p.m.

28 Lamar/Needville Boot Scootin’ Ball, fish fry, American Legion Post #271, Rosenberglive and silent auctions 6 p.m.

FEBRUARY

4 Tomball Go Texan Dance, live and silent auctions VFW Hall, Tomball8 p.m.

F E A T U R E

G O T E X A N C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

11

ne of the most colorful 10 min-utes of the Show is the calfscramble event—not only for

the young 4-H and FFA contestantswho exert every ounce of theirenergy across the 4-acre Astrodomefloor, but also for the 50,000-pluscheering fans who can’t help but tobe captured in all the excitement.

Few athletes have the opportu-nity to experience the butterfly-in-the-stomach adrenaline rush thatcomes from competing in the Dome.But every night of the Show, 28 kidsfrom rural communities and metro-politan cities across Texas come toHouston with determination andsights set on capturing a calf.

A year of preparation and organi-zation goes into each calf scramble,with 500 volunteers on four com-mittees handling its operations andlogistics.

CALF SCRAMBLE

The largest of all four groups, theCalf Scramble Committee, plansand conducts the actual scramblecontests. At each of the 20 perfor-mances, members conduct orienta-tion, escort contestants to the rodeo,serve as arena judges, assist the kids(and calves) in the winners’ squareand maintain arena records.

“Each performance is a time ofsharing,” said Jim Janke, officer incharge of all four committees. “I getto spend a few minutes expressingwhat these kids mean to the Showand to the state of Texas.”

CALF SCRAMBLE ADVISORY

“The Advisory Committee func-tions as a consulting forum to eachof the committees,” said Jesse R.Sharman, whose name is synony-mous with the calf scramble. He hasserved as a committee member, vicechairman, chairman and officer incharge of the Calf ScrambleCommittee. The Advisory Commit-tee also provides a continuingreview of the calf scramble opera-tions while looking to the future toprovide recommendations for newprograms.

CALF SCRAMBLE DONORS

Gathering support from localindividuals and businesses is theresponsibility of the Donors Com-mittee, headed by Jerry Britner.Members of this committee solicitdonors for 16 calves for each of the20 rodeo performances as well as 20calves each for the livestock judg-ing contest and the dairy judgingcontest. Ultimately, 360 calf scram-

ble donors pledge $1,000 each forthe 1995 Show.

The Donors Committee also plansthe annual scramble awards ban-quet and arranges introductionsbetween donors and scramble win-ners each night after the event. “Wehave several donors who have beensupporting this program for manyyears,” Britner said. “About 15donors have been involved for morethan 20 years.”

CALF SCRAMBLE GREETERSWhen the scramble winners from

the previous year return to the Showwith the calves they’ve raised forone year, Greeters Committee is infull force. Members of this groupwork with the students, helpingthem get organized once they get toHouston and setting up stall assign-ments. “Last year, one of the kidsforgot his white shirt,” said RustyCampbell, chairman of the com-mittee. “So one of our committeemembers gave the student a shirt ofhis own so he could compete in theshow ring.”

Robert Norwood serves as generalchairman of the calf scramble com-mittees. “With the help of all fourcommittees, we hope to give eachparticipant an experience they willtake home and never forget,”Norwood said.

For more than 50 years, the calfscramble program has been a uniqueand heartwarming part of theHouston Livestock Show and Rodeo. To date, almost $4 million and more than 13,000 animals havebeen placed in the hands of the youth of Texas through thisevent.

O

C O M M I T T E E S P O T L I G H T

Calf Scramble Committees

C O M M I T T E E P R O F I L E S

Story byCherylDorsett

12

Committee members work quickly on the Domefloor to relay the message to the announcers ofwhich contestant has just caught a calf.

Sam

Pie

rson

C O M M I T T E E P R O F I L E S

13

fter a year’s worth of hard work,the big day finally arrives forthe newest set of exhibitors at

the Houston Livestock Show andRodeo. Many have traveled allnight, maneuvering their rigsthrough miles of unfamiliar free-ways and city traffic to have theirday at the world’s largest livestockshow and rodeo. Tired, nervous anda little bewildered, they turn intothe Astrodome complex parkinglot. Before the thought even crossestheir mind about where to headnext, several of the 357 BreedersGreeters Committee members aredirecting the exhibitors though themaze of pickup trucks and trailersand giving them what they willcome to expect from the Show andits people... a warm smile, a heartywelcome and quick, courteousanswers to their questions.

The primary objective of theBreeders Greeters Committee is tomake sure every one of the livestockexhibitors feels welcome at theShow. They are, as committee chair-man P.W. “Lucky” Long explained,the first people that most of theexhibitors come in contact with atthe Show. “You only get one chanceto make a good first impression,”said Long. “And we try to make thatexperience as pleasant as possible.”

The idea and need for a “recep-tion” committee was conceived in1963 when the Houston Fat StockShow was being held in the city’sdowntown Coliseum. Unofficially,the first member of the committeewas R.T. “Bob” Herrin who, at therequest of his friend and then man-ager of the Show, John Kuykendall,was asked to greet the breederswhen they arrived at the Coliseum.

It was not until the Show moved

to the Astrodome facilities in 1966that the Exhibitors Reception Com-mittee became an official commit-tee. Finally, in 1980, the name waschanged to the phrase that everyonecoined so easily, Breeders Greeters.

To many, these volunteers may be the unsung heroes of today’sShow. Their official duties includegreeting and assisting exhibitors,assisting in the check-in and check-out of animals and their healthpapers, checking parking permits atthe south gate during the entireShow and manning the informationbooth in the Astrohall.

One of their most critical respon-sibilities encompasses supervisingand directing traffic on Showgrounds as well as at a remote park-ing site located at ButlerStadium. Traffic is a crit-ical issue for this com-mittee. And ironic as itseems, the more success-ful the Show is, the morechallenging their jobbecomes, as they alsodesign traffic routesaround new gateentrances and exhibits.

Managers of organizedchaos, the committee isbusiest the second weekof the Show, when thejunior exhibitors movein. On Monday, memberscheck in the swine exhibitors; onTuesday, the steers; on Wednesday,the lambs and poultry; and onThursday, the heifers. After thejudging, the process starts all overagain—only this time, it’s sayinggood-bye.

As vast as their Show responsi-bilities may seem, the committeealso does a lot of behind-the-scenes

work. During the middle of January,the committee heads to CollegeStation, Texas, where it supervisesand conducts the initial banding andissuing of market poultry. “Basically,every child exhibiting poultry gets50 chicks of which they’ll exhibitonly three,” explained Long. “Weend up issuing about 50,000 1-day-old chicks.”

During the end of the first weekof the Show, while the commercialexhibitors are showing theirbreeds, the committee also per-forms double duties in Fort BendCounty and Brenham, Texas, wherethey operate the poultry, lamb andswine “sifts” (preliminary judging).

Suzanne Epps, officer in chargeof the committee, summed up the

obligation that each committeemember faces. Their responsibil-ity is to “be there to help with asmile upon their face,” she said.“During our first committee meet-ing, I like to remind our committeemembers that word livestock isfundamental in the Show’sname—without the live-stock, there is no Show.”

ABreeders Greeters Committee

Story byPamelaMalone

Committee members spend an entire day banding 50,0001-day-old chicks to issue to exhibitors.

Ron

Litt

teeped in Western tradition andrepresenting the numerous cul-tures from which Texas was

formed, the annual downtownparade is more than a fitting way tolaunch the Houston LivestockShow and Rodeo.

Hundreds of thousands of spec-tators line the streets of downtown

Houston, while half a million tunein to two live television broadcaststo see the colorful floats, wagons,drill units on horseback, giant bal-loons, trail riders, school bands, andpublic and Show officials traveldown 24 city blocks. The commit-tee’s focus is to showcase entries

that have a Western theme and thatrepresent part of Texas’ roots andheritage.

Each year, the downtown paradeliterally hits the streets runningwith the annual 10K rodeo run, arace that was ranked nationally inthe top 10 of 10K runs last year.More than 4,000 runners travel 6.2miles for the event, which con-cludes at the Astrodome.

Although the parade itself lastsonly a few hours, its success restswith months of painstaking prepa-ration on the part of more than 285committee volunteers. “Everymember has a sense of purpose formaking sure that we have the bestevent possible to kick off each year’sShow,” said Hap Hunnicutt, com-mittee chairman.

Several subcommittees of thegroup work together—and in coop-eration with other Show commit-tees—to plan the extravaganza andcoordinate the 125 entries eachyear. However, the committee’sresponsibilities extend much fur-ther than just the logistics of theparade.

Two subcommittees transforman entire city block into seating forphysically and mentally chal-lenged children and senior citizensin the community—complete witha first-aid station, restrooms and atent where they can enjoy a conti-nental breakfast and lunch. Theauction subcommittee raisesmoney to purchase the block tick-ets for the special children andsenior citizens. “We invite about1,500 children and 500 seniorseach year to come downtown andwatch the parade. Both of the sub-committees raise the funds forthis,” Hunnicutt said.

A media subcommittee preparesparade information which is broad-cast from sound trucks along theparade route to inform spectatorsabout each of the entries. This groupalso works with television and radiostations and other media providingcoverage of the event.

The selection of high school andcollege bands to play in the paradeis the responsibility of one sub-committee, while additional sub-committees seek corporatepurchasers for floats and balloons.

“These corporate purchasers usethe parade as a marketing tool fortheir companies,” said Jim Janke,officer in charge as a well as an 18-year veteran committee member.“By doing this, their entry fees sup-port the Show.”

Another subcommittee is respon-sible for distributing U.S. flags toparade goers, and another grouphosts a breakfast where city, stateand national dignitaries enjoy thefestivities and visit with Show officials.

In addition to working with cityauthorities to coordinate paradeactivities, committee volunteersalso line up crowd control person-nel and select judges for the bands,floats and other parade entries.

Recently, the group inherited anew responsibility—the daily Showparade, which is held on the Showgrounds. This festive additionincludes floats, singers, dancers, firetrucks and Show guests.

“Each member of this committeeplays an essential role in the suc-cess of the parade,” said Hunnicutt.“If a child returns to the paradebecause of the great job a volunteerhas done, then we haveaccomplished our goal.”

S

C O M M I T T E E S P O T L I G H T

Parade Committee

C O M M I T T E E P R O F I L E S

Story byMarkJones

14

Giant balloons decorate the city’s skyline during the Show’s annual downtown parade.

Sam

Pie

rson

Western Art Committee

or more than 60 years, theShow has established a richheritage, and the Western Art

Committee is doing its part toensure that this heritage will bepreserved through art.

One of the group’s goals is thepreservation of Show memorabiliaand artwork, including old badges,belt buckles, costumes, catalogues,billboards, photographs of oldrodeos and similar artifacts. Thecommittee recently acquired anoriginal newspaper containing anarticle about the formation of the

original Fat Stock Show. Displaysof these and other materials appearin the Show offices and are changedapproximately every 90 days.

Additional displays are set upduring the Show in the variousclubs in the Astrodome facilities.The Committee is working towardthe construction of additional dis-play cases to increase the numberof exhibits which can be viewed bythe public.

The committee recently estab-lished a bar code record-keepingsystem and a computerized data-base so that it can keep an accurateinventory and can at all times

determine where each of its piecesis being stored. These sound man-agement practices will allowgreater enjoyment of Show memo-rabilia and art by making themmore accessible to the public. Forinstance, the committee may beable to establish mobile displaysfor use by schools or other inter-ested groups.

Since its organization, theWestern Art Committee has beeninstrumental in the placement of alltypes of art in the Show offices aswell as throughout the Astrodomecomplex. It also is responsible forthe purchase and maintenance ofthe outdoor bronze sculptures thatsurround the Astrodome complex.

Team Ropers was created byVeryl Goodnight, who is adescendant of CharlesGoodnight, the legendaryTexas cattleman whoopened the Goodnight-Loving Trail. The sculp-ture is located at theentrance to the Astrohall.

Found in front of theAstroarena is Wild andFree, a sculpture by EddHayes which depicts awild stallion and a group ofwild mares and colts. It issymbolic of the untamedTexas that existed duringthe days of the Old West.Mark Storm created asculpture of Stuart Lang, theShow’s president whomoved the location of theevent from downtownHouston to the Astrodome.

The newest piece, enti-tled Yes, was sculptedby Larry Ludtke, andis a companion piece

to Team Ropers. According to thecommittee’s officer in charge,Suzanne Epps, it will be installed inlate 1994 and will be dedicated inFebruary, 1995. It depicts a youngwoman competitor holding a rib-bon in one hand and a halter in theother hand, and is symbolic of therole of young women participatingin livestock competition androdeos.

Under the leadership of chairmanJack Morris, the committee hastaken responsibility for the Show’sarchives. In fulfilling that function,the members encourage donationsfrom Show members and from othercommittees to ensure that a com-plete record of past and future Showevents and activities are preserved.The committee also is planning toexpand its display areas and storagespace, and is in the discussionphase of conducting a feasibilitystudy for establishing a museumfor Show memorabilia and

Western art.Morris, no stranger to

Western art, completed gradu-ate work in art administrationfrom Harvard University andhas served on the NationalEndowment for the Arts.

With groups such as the Western Art Commit-tee, the history and her-

itage of the HoustonLivestock Show and

Rodeo will be en-joyed for-

ever.

F

C O M M I T T E E P R O F I L E S

Story bySam Allen

15

The Western Art Committee

wants your Show memorabilia

for the Show’s collection.

This includes souvenir

programs, art, photographs,

posters, awards, badges, cos-

tumes, etc. For more informa-

tion, contact:

Jerry Coleman 465-0766

Frank DiMaria 622-5777

Sam Pierson

Bronze statuesdepicting Westernculture adorn theAstrodome complex.

’m new to the Show, and I’mreporting for my first assignmenton the Horse Show Committee.

What should I do?” asked the thennovice Clayton Underwood.

“Take this pooper scooper andbroom and make sure the halterhorses’ hooves remain unblem-ished,” responded the committeechairman.

Such was the inauguration to theShow for Underwood, now Exec-utive Committee member andmany-faceted contributor to theShow. He combines the qualities ofleadership, civic responsibility andbusiness acumen in a down-to-earth package of friendliness andstraightforwardness.

From such a humble beginning,Underwood moved rapidly throughthe ranks of the Show. He served aschairman of the Quarter HorseCommittee, became a vice presidentof the Show in 1980, acted as officerin charge of the Steer AuctionCommittee and has served on theExecutive Committee for eight years.

During his tenure as vice presi-dent, the steer auction surpassed the$2 million sales mark, the AgMechanics program was establishedand the Lifetime Vice Presi-dents Committee was created.Underwood’s role however has notbeen solely that of an ExecutiveCommittee member or committeevolunteer.

An avid horseman, Underwoodhas been an exhibitor in events atthe Show and has shown both plea-sure and halter horses here.

Underwood credits the Show’sspecial spirit and success to its lead-ership and committee volunteers.He feels that the generosity, abilityand enthusiasm of the Show’s lead-

ers are unequalled in other arenas.He recounts the example of a well-known energy industry executiveand Show leader who was heard tocomment that if his company hadthe kind of leadership that theShow had, his company wouldquickly run its major competitorout of Texas and all the way toCalifornia.

Underwood also points out thatthe Show is strong because it neverstands still, constantly defining andredefining itself. He is proud to havebeen the first officer in charge of theCorporate Development Committeeand to have been influential inexpanding the range of scholarshipsgiven by the Show from solely agri-cultural to different areas.

Raised on a ranch in West Texas,Underwood developed early thosestrong qualities which would makehim a responsible and giving mem-ber of his community, as well as aself-made man in the businessworld. Underwood graduated fromhigh school in Menard, Texas, andattended Sul Ross University. Hethen served with the 45th InfantryDivision of the U. S. Army duringthe Korean War and was awardedthe Bronze Star.

He moved to Houston to take a jobas plant manager of a steel companyand three years later was given theopportunity to buy the company,now known as Confederate SteelCorporation. Today, 38 years later,he still serves as its president andchief executive officer as well aspresident and chairman of the boardof Winwood Corporation, a leasingand major equipment firm which hefounded. He and his wife Trudiehave four children, whom heproudly characterizes as “honestpeople and contributing citizens.”

Aware that the Show has become“big business,” Underwood recog-nizes that it cannot be administered

from behind closed doors. Hebelieves he must talk to and listen tocommittee members as well as theentire community. Because theShow’s leadership is future-orientedand is constantly working toimprove each and every aspect of theorganization, Underwood is a firmbeliever that the Show’s spirit willburn only more brightly every year.

As long as there are leaders withthe ideals, sense of responsibility,understanding of business, abilityto communicate and genuinefriendliness of Clayton Under-wood, that spirit will surelyburn bright.

ClaytonUnderwood

O F F I C E R P R O F I L E

E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E E P O R T R A I T

Story byAnnJacobs

16

“I

Clayton Underwood

Sam

Pie

rson

rom securing printbids and organizingsecurity to detailing

waste management and schedulingAstrodome ushers and bartenders,the Show’s Logistics and ServiceSupport Department tackles adiverse set of responsibilities andfunctions that comprise much of thebackbone of the organization.

“The bottom line is that we are toprovide quality support and servicewhen and where it is needed,” saidDr. Tom Quarles, assistant generalmanager of the department whocoordinates activities for a staff ofhundreds during the actual Show.

Departmental responsibilitiesinclude the administration andoperation of the Buildings andGrounds department, including theshop, warehouse, maintenance andall Show setup and teardown; mailservices; the Board Room and allCorral Club operations; operation ofthe ticket department, includingrodeo, livestock and horse showand carnival ticket sales; first aidand safety; and the facilities. Thedepartment also handles theadministration of all scholarshipand educational programs.

Acting as the liaison withAstrodome USA management, theLogistics and Service SupportDepartment has the personnelresponsibilities of helping coordi-nate and supervise the duties ofmost of the actual Show workers,including parking attendants, ush-ers, ticket sellers, ticket takers, bluecoats and more.

The department’s personnel ser-vices also extend to acquiring addi-tional phone operators in themonths prior to and during theShow, supervising the lobby recep-tionist and hiring other temporaryhelp as needed.

“We increase our staff as the Showapproaches and particularly during

the Show,” Quarles said. “And stay-ing on top of the number of peopleneeded and related expenses is atremendous challenge.”

The department also handles all-activities scheduling, public trans-portation (shuttle buses), VIP trans-portation, the sale of feed and hayto exhibitors on the grounds , radiocommunications and recyclingefforts during the Show.

“There is a lot going on behind thescenes that most people do not real-ize,” said Quarles, who’s been withthe Show for 10 years and is a for-mer livestock exhibitor. “There arethousands of minor and majordetails. It is an amazing undertak-ing, and we are extremely fortunateto have the talented volunteers and

staff working together to make thisShow one of the premier events inthe country, and perhaps the world.”

The Logistics and ServiceSupport Department works withseveral of the Show’s volunteercommittees, including CarnivalTicket Sales, all Corral Club,Equipment Acquisition, Events andFunctions, Graphics and Signage,Group Ticket Sales, Health, Ladies’Season Box, Public Transportation,Resource Renewal, Safety andTransportation committees.

With such diverse operations

under his department, Quarlesnotes the greatest challenge he facesis staying on top of all the depart-ment’s new responsibilities as wellas evaluating and analyzing theoperations to make them as effec-tive as possible.

Three keys to effective opera-tions, Quarles said, are MikeDeMarco, Special Services Man-ager; Steve Woodley, manager ofBuildings and Grounds; and GaryRichards, assistant manager ofBuildings and Grounds. Thesethree, in conjunction with a full-time staff, including WalterConerly, Robert Fleming, KathyHawthorne, June Hensley, CharlyHubenak, Jeani Kivel, Patti Martin,Kimberly Motley, Valeria Mueller,

Mike Nathanson, Kristen Stanton,Paula Urban, Carol Wyman as wellas all buildings and grounds per-sonnel, work closely with Quarlesto keep things running smoothlyand efficiently.

“It’s a unique operation,” Quarlessaid. “Many people, including myown neighbors, have a difficult timeunderstanding what we could pos-sibly be doing year-round to preparefor three weeks of rodeo.Sometimes it s hard to explain, butthe responsibility is a majorchallenge—all year long.”

F

S T A F F P R O F I L E

L O G I S T I C S A N D S E R V I C E S U P P O R T D E P A R T M E N T

Story byBeth

Johnson

17

Tom Quarles makes a stop at the information booths during a dailywalk-through of the entire facilities.

Bulk RateU.S. Postage

PaidHouston, TX

Permit No. 9791Houston Livestock Show and RodeoP.O. Box 20070Houston, Texas 77225-0070

Merry Christmas! 23-Show offices closed30-Show offices closed

Happy New Year! 8-Membership Dance in Astrohall10-World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest begins11-Downtown rodeo parade androdeo run; Go Texan hay hauling,dominoes, and horseshoe andwasher pitching contests12-Go Texan team penning competition15-Horse Show opens inAstroarena17-Opening of livestock show andcarnival; first rodeo performance at7p.m.; school art, photography andquilt contest winning entries ondisplay18-25 International days22-24 International LivestockCongress

MAGAZINE

D A T E S T O R E M E M B E R

DECEMBER

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

JANUARY FEBRUARY

1 2 3 1 2 3

10987654 1098

765

765

4 1 2 3 4

11

18

25 26 27 28

25 26 27 28

26 27 2829 30 31 29 30 31

19 20 21

18 19 20 21

19 20 2122 23 24 22 23 24 2522 23 24

12 13 14

11 1098 1112 13 14

12 13 1415 16 17 15 16 17 1815 16 17