Changes at local ag society

Strathmore & District Agricultural Society (SDAS) General Manager, Herb McLane has announced he is leaving his position effective Nov. 30.
“It is with regret that the Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Herb McLane as General Manager of the society”, says Cara Burne, President of SDAS. “During his tenure, Herb has completed and initiated a number of improvements, projects and activities that formed the basis of his role with SDAS. His effective leadership will be sadly missed.”
McLane accepted the position as General Manager of SDAS part-way through 2015. Included in his list of accomplishments are the development and execution of a number of successful strategic business plans, re-development of the operational committee structure, and the addition of new, as well as repaired, facilities. The baseball concession was recently renovated, as an example. New events including ladies barrel racing, flat-track motorcycle schools and flat-track motorcycle racing have been added. In addition, other new activities on park included a circus and a midway, both outside of and during Strathmore Stampede.
The Stampede, which includes pro rodeo and chuckwagon racing, is a signature event for the organization and the community. It forms part of the identity of the society and that of the Town of Strathmore. Improvements to this important and entertaining event were made to the rodeo washrooms and rodeo office as well as to the broadcast booth, and to the grounds more generally.
Additional rush seating was added, and rodeo camping and parking as well as improvements to traffic flow were undertaken. The Trackside Bar and the Wild Rose Shows midway were added attractions in 2018.
Building on the successes of the past, Strathmore Stampede continues to be one of the premiere circuit rodeo and wagon-racing events in the country. SDAS has received recognition for its marketing of Strathmore Stampede, having captured four successive annual marketing awards; and is the recipient of the 2017 Race Committee of the Year Award by the World Professional Chuckwagon Association. The addition of the RCMP Musical Ride is being planned in 2019, as part of the entertainment package at Strathmore Stampede.
“It has been an honour to represent SDAS, and I am certainly gratified by the results we have achieved,” says McLane. “However, it has taken a total team effort. I wish to thank the Board of Directors and other volunteers, full-time and seasonal staff, and our various user groups, partners and service providers for their support. It has been a privilege to serve the needs of the community.”
McLane has offered the Board of Directors his services in the transition to new management. He is also open to discussing a role in maintaining the continuity and integrity of programs.
“SDAS, as an organization, is ready to take the next step in its development,” indicates McLane. “I believe the organization is poised to have a very successful future.
“I intend to continue to be involved in this fine organization. It’s important to me to ensure that certain projects, currently on a solid footing but requiring careful stewardship, continue to be successful and evolve; and I plan to volunteer, with the Rodeo & Chuckwagon Advisory Committee, and perhaps others. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding pursuits in community development.”
The search for a successful candidate for the position of General Manager is underway.