What does it take to make the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo a household name and a growing success?
According to Leroy Shafer, assistant general manager of Marketing and Presentations, it is largely through the efforts of the Show’s 30,000 volunteers and members and their ability to reach different groups of people ranging from the Houston metropolitan area to the rest of the world.
Just what is a marketing department of 30,000 people able to achieve? Every year, it translates to consistently increasing attendance, breaking world’s record auction prices, paying the richest regularseason rodeo purse to the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls and providing Show patrons with firstclass entertainment. Thanks to the hard work and professionalism of this marketing element, you can’t tune in to a local television or radio newscast without seeing or hearing at least one feature about the event.
Just because you’re a member of the Show, everyone thinks you are an expert on horses and cowboys, but, truth be known, you might not know a brood mare from a billy goat. Well, fear not, for in your hand you hold your very own Equine Crash Course, just in time to impress all your friends and family at the 1995 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
One of the most predominant challenges in today’s society is continually improving the quality of life, maintaining a proactive attitude toward refining our future and making a difference wherever possible.
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 colleges and 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.
Letters and comments should be sent to:
Marketing and Public Relations Division,
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™
P.O. Box 20070
Houston, Texas 77225-0070
