If you haven't been by the Astrodome complex recently, you should come see what's happening for yourself -- crews digging, concrete being poured, dump trucks whizzing by, dust flying, traffic detours -- all the signs and inconveniences of progress.

But give it time, because in less than three years, the transformation into a world-class attraction is going to put Houston back in the spotlight as the premier sports/entertainment center for decades.

It has been well established that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will enjoy significant benefits from the construction of the new Harris County RODEOHOUSTON™ /NFL Stadium and the Exposition Center. By now, you've seen the spectacular drawings and proposed features of the new buildings. The 2003 Show is expected to help christen these new facilities, and there is no doubt that this will be another milestone in our history. But between now and then, we have the challenge of hosting not one, but two Shows.

Our options are clear -- we can lower our expectations for two years, we can significantly scale it back in size and scope, OR we can accept the challenge, and 13,000 of us can resolve that 2001 will be a traditional Show and success in spite of the inconveniences.

We've had "Town Hall" meetings to discuss the situation, and management and Show officials have met numerous times to review options and feedback. We've done surveys and examined and analyzed all aspects of the Show. I've given numerous speeches and visited with our volunteers, and the consensus is the same -- our goal is to make the 2001 Show our best yet!

I am continually amazed and energized by the can-do attitude of our volunteers and staff. We could easily fall into the trap of accepting a couple of below-par years, but no one is even considering that as an option.

Instead, our people are working, literally around the clock, to make sure that the "impossible" does happen. There are still many questions unanswered, but the pieces are beginning to fit together. Recently, I met with Rodeo Express Committee Chairman John Sandling, Vice President Doug Doyle, and Manager ­ Special Events Mike DeMarco, to discuss the transportation and parking plan for 2001. After leaving this meeting, I went to Assistant General Manager John Sykes' office to meet with Sheep and Goat Committee Chairman Bob Johnson, volunteer Elaine Martinez and staff representative Wes Allison, who were developing a new plan for this year's Show. This teamwork in action is what has made our Show unique!

There no doubt will be problems, and not everyone will be pleased with all of the decisions made. Certainly, we will face some limitations that we won't overcome completely, but that is true even during the best of times. Now is the time for the Show family to "circle the wagons," join forces, and support each other and our organization. When that occurs, extraordinary things will happen.

There are tens of thousands of people, perhaps even hundreds of thousands, out there who are counting on us -- farmers and ranchers from all over the world who will exhibit animals and learn from the industry's finest; commercial exhibitors who depend on sales of their products; local businesses who thrive during the Show; rodeo contestants and the ticket-buying public; and, of course, all of the young people who benefit from our scholarship and educational programs.

Our strength as an organization is our diversity -- we come from all walks of life and cut across all socio-economic backgrounds. We represent many different neighborhoods, businesses, lifestyles and age groups. Each of our committees consists of dedicated people who are focused on a specific area of the Show. What we must do now is work in harmony as a team to achieve the results we desire. At a time when we face our biggest challenge, it is critical that we provide exceptional customer service to our patrons. Rather than work only as a member of a committee, we must see the BIG PICTURE and work for the success of the entire Show.

There has been much said about the changes and inconveniences that can be expected in 2001. Though true, this is not the end of the story. We must realize that the transportation and parking plan that is being developed is probably better for our customers than the gridlock of past years when nearly everyone tried to park on the grounds. We usually dread changes in life, but most of the time they are positive in the long term. Many of the lessons we will learn in the next two years will make the Show better, not only in the future, but also during this period.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo achieved its success in the past through the commitment of our volunteers and staff. The same people will secure success in 2001, and the youth of Texas will be the beneficiaries.

Remember, they are counting on us!

Photo by Kaye Marvins Photography

P. Michael Wells President