11/09/2015
So much going on. I feel compelled to make an explanation. I will attempt to leave emotions out of this description. Although I have many personal emotions at this point. At an August meeting, Inland Empire Trapshooting Assn (IETA) board informally asked Spokane Gun Club (SGC) board what they might bid in regards to leasing the club to throw the Inland Empire Trapshoot in May. The initial bid was more than the 2015 bid. IETA as a group felt that we were barely able to keep entry fees down to an affordable level with the 2015 amount. IETA wants to have a premier shoot to draw many shooters by providing reasonable target fees, supreme added monies, a premium trophy package, fun dinners, raffles, silent auction, etc. SGC board was told to consider keeping the price equal to 2015. It was mentioned that if they kept it at the higher amount, the IETA board would ask for bids from other clubs. As one can imagine, none of this was done in calm tones.
An IETA meeting was held in October in Ritzville, unfortunately the timing was bad and many were having fun on opening day of hunting season. Only 4 people were in attendance. I could not attend, but I wasn't hunting :/ The single SGC representative had the dubious task of presenting a the SGC board decision to bid even higher than the discussed bid in August. Added were some stipulations not common in a gun club bid (sorry, since I wasn't there, I cannot specify these anomalies)Those IETA board members were shocked and insulted. If the first suggestion seemed too high, why would the SGC board choose to bid even higher? This is when calmer temperaments would have been desired. IETA was going to counter, but the rumor mill got into an upswing, and the President heard things that were upsetting, so this email was sent:
"After reviewing the submitted bid from the SGC, the IETA BOD's has decided to reject your bid as written. The IETA will not be countering a bid to the SGC. However we will allow the SGC to go back and rewrite there 1st bid and clean it up. The SGC has 7 days, to resubmit a bid to ( ....), The IETA BOD will review a resubmitted bid if you choose to rewrite it and we will get back to you within 3 days after submission. If the SGC submits a bid on the 8th day of this notice, the bid will be thrown out, The SGC has until 10/26/2015"
SGC response:
"In consideration of your decision to reject the Spokane Gun Club’s bid to host the 2016 Inland Empire Handicap and to dismiss pursuit of cordial discussion thereof, the SGC Board of Directors have determined to singularly host and manage the 2016 Inland Empire Handicap without superfluous assistance."
Based on these interactions, IETA requested a bid from Walla Walla GC just to have the information.
A telephone poll was taken of member club representatives. Some clubs have not had time to discuss with their memberships. Thus far the majority (>2/3) have chosen to have a shoot using the existing IETA funds, continue to obtain sponsors for added monies, etc. Basically, move on and still have a shoot, but probably with a different title to differentiate it from the May shoot. Dates are being investigated. The month of September is being considered, which is still a good time of year to shoot, allowing for targets in the following shoot year. Other choices were to hold funds for a year and have a shoot the following target year, perhaps at Spokane if they became more amenable. Lastly, dissolve the Inland Empire Trapshooting Assn, returning funds to member clubs. (Now, I have to add a personal note: When several others and I decided to take on the endeavor of reinstating the IETA, we vowed that it would not dissolve as had been done in the past. Personally, I do not approve of this option).
Things still up in the air. IETA needs to have an annual meeting. More board members are needed to continue to make decisions. I will post when the next meeting will be, when I know myself. Many have called me asking how to get involved. I am excited at this prospect. I hope this helps the inquiring minds out there :)
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions. Laura Winkel
