Hello FMLers
 
I have debated writing this for several months for fear that it may ignite
some big debate.  However, my excitement and gratitude have extinguished
that fear.
 
As many of you know, Tristate Ferret Connection and Heart of Ohio Ferret
Association have teamed up to organize this years Ferret Extravaganza '99
show (http://www.angelfire.com/oh/jnjack/pack99.html ).  The result of this
union was the creation of a committee made up of four representatives from
each club.  This committee has accomplished something that I believe is
unprecedented in any previous ferret show.  They have successfully acquired
the promotional and financial support of major pet store chain.  PETCO
Animal Supplies, Inc., with 465 locations in 37 states and the District of
Columbia.
 
What's really amazing is the commitment that PETCO has made considering it
only has three stores in all of Ohio.  Their financial support has allowed
us to do many things including, acquiring half page ads in the July/August
issues of both Ferrets and Modern Ferret magazines.  They are also
initializing their own ad campaign to help support us.  This ad campaign
includes a special mailing to more than five thousand ferret enthusiast
located in lower Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.
Plus they are including an admission discount coupon and show notice in all
sales flyers that will be distributed in that same region.
 
Lance Schwimmer is the regional manager for PETCO and is going out of his
way to help support this show.  Lance told us that "Petco supports many
organizations that help educate the consumer about responsible pet
ownership.  Our involvement with the Ferret Extravaganza enhances that
commitment".  Well I got news for you PETCO was not the only chain we
contacted, but they were the only one willing to listen without getting
ridiculously rude.
 
We started talking to PETCO corporate after the '98 show, they had an
immediate interest and things started to progress in a rapid manner right
up to the point when they received over a hundred angry letters chastising
them for selling kits at a very young age.  Which they told me they would
never do.  Their reputation is very important to them.  I was personally
told that they would answer every single letter and seriously investigate
any compliant they received.  After that we were told to contact Lance and
things have been going so well I can hardly express it.  Lance would like
to carry this momentum far beyond the show and initiate other
ferret-related events and programs within the stores in his region.  He
would really like these events to include local shelters and club
participation.  One event he would like to do, is work with some of the
local shelters and have a Ferret Awareness/Adoption day.
 
Sure PETCO sells ferrets, but so do a lot of people.  There are several
things that make a difference, environment, education and screening.  Based
on conversations with PETCO they intend to address at least two of these
issues.  There are individuals out there (NOT THE MAJORITY) who themselves
don't subscribe to all of those issues.  PETCO is making a major effort and
supporting this show is one way they intend to prove it.
 
We are very pleased to have PETCO as our major sponsor and their support
will help Tristate Ferret Connection and Heart of Ohio Ferret Association
continue to promote the issues of awareness and proper ferret care.  This
is the first time PETCO has ever been involved with something like this.  I
encourage you to email Lance Schwimmer at [log in to unmask] and express your
supportive thoughts.
 
We would like to recognize and thank several others whose efforts and
contributions will help make this possibly the largest ferret show in the
country.  Dr. Tom and Trish Willard of Performance Foods, Inc.,
(Co-sponsors for this year's show) whose generous support is also helping
us promote this show to ferret enthusiast around the country.  Eric and
Mary Shefferman of Modern Ferret magazine for their patience and providing
such an excellent magazine for us to advertise in.  Mark Fredman and Russ
Case of Ferrets magazine for their advise and advertising support.  Bill
Gruber for moderating and making this and past information available to the
many wonderful members of this forum.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jerry Jackowski
Show Coordinator
Ferret Extravaganza '99
[Posted in FML issue 2670]