Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo™ - "Bowlegged H" Magazine Archive

"Bowlegged H" magazine Archive

President's Message

The recent first hint of fall made me reflect on what has been a busy and historic summer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We have accomplished a great deal since singer John Michael Montgomery walked off the Astrodome stage last March to conclude the 1998 Show. And as we close in on 1999, there's still much work to be done.

As you will see on the following pages, we enjoyed yet another successful year in 1998, with record Show revenues of more than $41 million. For the third consecutive year, the net from Show operations, which is critical to the success of our educational programs, exceeded $13 million.

And although we have much in which to take pride, business experience tells us that we can never afford to become complacent.

Despite being a premier charity, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is not exempt from the harsh realities of the business world today. We must continue to improve our product, explore new markets and opportunities, and build and create innovative programs.

Thanks to the outstanding leadership team that guides our organization, we are doing all of these thingsand then some. While summer is a slow time for many businesses, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was busy gearing up for the future.

Consider the following:

We have spent the past year in negotiations on the proposed new stadium, which will be located adjacent to the Astrodome. The stadium construction, of course, is contingent on Houston being awarded an NFL franchise. But the Show's commitment toward construction and maintenance of the new stadium is a major investment in our future.
We announced an unprecedented increase of $2.25 million in the Show's annual commitment to Texas youth and education. This increase will raise the Show's educational commitment in 1999 to a phenomenal $7,725,000! We are adding 180 four-year, $10,000 scholarships to the existing program and establishing a $1 million program to assist students with extreme financial need in the Houston area. Further details can be found elsewhere in this issue.
Harris County has agreed to build a new exposition building, which will house the livestock show as well as provide office space and meeting facilities for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This facility will be located just east of the Astrodome in the existing parking lot. Construction is projected to begin in October 1999.
Additional parking will be provided in new lots which will be located just west of Kirby Drive, directly across from the Astrodome. Construction is scheduled to begin immediately after the 1999 Show, with completion in time for the 2000 Show.
After careful review of public feedback, the Show has reverted back to a 7 p.m. start for weeknight performances, kicking off with the grand entry followed by the rodeo events and then the star concert.
Our ticket turnback program has been improved to provide Show patrons a quick and efficient way to "give back" their unused tickets for charitable credit. Tickets can now be turned back to the ticket office in person, via fax, or telephone, prior to the performance. These tickets can then be awarded to charitable organizations or can be resold.

Some of these decisions will affect the Show immediately, while others may not be seen for many years. Regardless, each will have a profound effect on the future of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

It's hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us and that also means that the 1999 Show is just around the corner. Our volunteer force of more than 12,000 is already in full operation preparing for another record year.

Now that we've looked back on a hectic summer season, it's time to set our sights on February and gear up for Showtime!

Jim Bloodworth
President

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