As a way of introduction my name is Jack Hanna. I live in Lynchburg, Virginia with my wife of 28 years, Motsy. The two of us own Tiger Ranch Alpacas and we are partners in Accoyo Partners LLC. We have two college-age children. A very interesting thing happened to me seven years ago on a Delta flight, I sat next to an Alpaca farmer. I initiated the conversation and needless to say he had me as a captive audience. The two hour flight seemed like two minutes. Today, I’ve been involved with Suri Alpacas for over five years and it’s been more exciting than I would have ever guessed. I can only imagine what the next five years and beyond will hold. This of course brings me to the Suri Network and my desire to participate at the board level in assisting the current board in representing the interests of the SN members. My goal will be to provide full transparency while setting direction and policy on important issues and helping to shape the future of our incredible industry.
Except for the three years that I worked for Dow Chemical Co. immediately following college, my entire career has been involved with marketing and sales within the financial industry. For the last 11 years I’ve been a principal, in charge of marketing, at a private asset management company. After only five years in the alpaca business I was nominated as a candidate for the SN Board of Trustees. What I bring to the table is many years in the field of marketing. To me, marketing represents everything that is done to promote your business effort, prior to asking for the order. It begins with the idea, moves to the business plan, then the acceptance of the plan, coordinating all individuals and companies that are involved, and finally telling your story in hopes of gaining visibility and ultimately market share. This is how I can help. The SN has accomplished many things and the current agenda is exciting. It would be a pleasure to assist with the overall marketing effort to help further the awareness of the Suri alpaca.
First and foremost, I wanted to be a Suri breeder. Second, I had no business being in the alpaca industry unless the ultimate goal was luxury fiber. Third, consistent and dedicated breeding programs that advance the breed are paramount to fulfilling the overall fiber goal. And fourth, education concerning all aspects of alpaca farming is paramount to the recruitment of new breeders and to the long-term success of the Suri alpaca. These four statements answer questions regarding my philosophy and what I feel are very important issues within the alpaca world. I would appreciate your vote and pledge that I will work diligently to be a voice for the membership and at the same time support the growth of our industry.
Below you’ll find my discussion posed to all nominees by the current board of trustees:
1. What do you feel you bring to The Suri Network Board that would enhance and strengthen the Suri Network?
I will bring two traits that I believe are essential attributes for all board members: Enthusiasm and commitment to the organization. I understand BOT dynamics, how to create synergies, and the focus needed to be successful. The professional trait I bring is the 30 plus years of sales and marketing experience within the financial services industry. My background is in marketing and my desire to be on the board of the Suri Network is to help create a dynamic marketing presence for the benefit of the membership.
2. What do you feel has worked for Suri marketing up to this point, and what areas do you feel need to be added, deleted or improved?
First, I would encourage all Suri breeders to visit the SN website and read the section covering goals, mission statement and the SN strategic plan. The information provides the framework for the organization’s goals and how each initiative is to be accomplished. Past board members have provided an excellent backdrop for current and future members to continue to push forward on issues of importance. In answering the above question, I don’t think any marketing efforts need to be dropped. The membership may be better served if the focus is sharpened, but the strategic goals continue to be viable. With this in mind, I believe there are four areas that would benefit from a renewed marketing effort.
I. I would be interested in continuing to expand the visibility of the Suri alpaca, and alpacas in general.
II. I would like to create a Suri marketing seminar titled “Act like a Breeder…Think like a Marketer.” This would be a professional power point presentation built for the breeder and focusing on proven techniques.
III. The SNPDC has been hard at work and provided a lot of insight and quality information in the area of fiber. This effort needs to continue
IV. Education is one key to the long-term growth of our industry. I cannot think of any viable association, group or industry that does not continually educate its members. We must continue to provide a format for learning.
In summary, the marketing foundation in many areas has been laid. We only need to manage the issues as we move forward toward success.
3. How do you visualize the Suri Breed Standard and EPD Data Collection benefiting your Suri breeding program?
The breed standard has given us a blueprint. We now have the visual in our minds as to what we want to breed toward. The EPDs will help us get there and, will be beneficial beyond the specifics outlined in the breed standard. I am a proponent of both and see them as important building blocks in the growth of our industry.
4. Our membership wants an incorporation of a fiber industry model - how do you envision the Suri Network meeting those goals?
I am 100% in agreement with the membership regarding the need for and the expansion of a viable and ongoing fiber model. Simply put, it’s the lifeblood of our industry. I think the Suri Network should develop the business plan, be the driving force behind its success. As a group we can tackle the issues, provide the necessary components, reach economies of scale and be accountable to the membership regarding an active fiber effort.
5. How do you feel the Suri Network can best meet member needs?
As an association we cannot forget our existence is for the benefit of the members. The SN must continue to be a good listener. Clear communication (transparency) is critical to maintaining confidence in the BOT’s and the direction of the association. The number one goal of the SN should be to provide strategic leadership regarding important industry issues. These will change over time as we continue to grow. Today I believe we should work to benefit the members in the areas of marketing/advertising, fiber, breeding and education.
I understand that some of my thoughts may be somewhat controversial, but I believe as an organization within a growing industry, we need to continue to challenge ourselves and look to the future. If we stand still and do not show progress, we are in effect moving backwards. In the words of Don Julio Barreda, “We walker quicker when someone is behind us.”
In closing, I’d like to pass on a final thought. The role of any board is to cohesively set policy, future direction and realistic goals, but equally as important is the ability to achieve. Success comes from not doing 100 things 10 times but from focusing on 10 things and doing them 100 times. It’s the doers, the individuals who take ideas and are effective in turning them into accomplishments. I hope to have the opportunity to do this for the Suri Network. I ask again for your vote and pledge that if elected my focus will be the accomplishment of your goals.
