AWS ANNOUNCES:
2009 Organizer of the Year Award

Dana Shah Bishop did an excellent job organizing her first AWS Inspection. Normally the AWS doesn't present this award to a first time organizer, however, this year Dana excelled in every way. Everything went smoothly, horses were registered in a timely manner, horses exceeded the minimum required, the facility owned by Laurie & Steven Losorwith was pristine, stabling was great and the directions were easy to follow.

Best of all the volunteers were selected beforehand and were very efficient. As many organizers can attest this is often the most difficult part of organizing an inspection, volunteers sometimes disappear. All the participants had their horses ready for the judge in a timely manner and were all well prepared for the evaluations. The weather even cooperated and was sunny after many days of rain.

The Delta Dressage Association (DDS) asked Dana to organize this event to satisfy their annual GMO educational requirement. The Associations members audited the inspection and many commented to the AWS on learning a great deal. The DDS sponsored a lunch of selected Italian food and there was an AWS logo cake made by Dana's mother. The lunch was appreciated and enjoyed by all.

It has been a difficult year with the economy for all organizers with many scheduled inspections being postponed until 2010. Many of our outstanding organizers had difficult times. The AWS recognizes that everyone did their best in a difficult time and Dana was a star. Looking forward to a better 2010 for all of us! Thanks Dana, Laurie and all that worked so hard.

Past Organizer of the Year Recipients

2008 Karen & Sarah Martin, KY State Director
2007 Cheryl Dikkers, WI State Director
2006 Heather Carder, WA
2005 Lisa Magnolo-Hanschen, MN Breed Representative
2003 Jan Colley, TX
2002 Elizabeth Simmeth-Smith, MD