New Strathmore Ag GM looks for positive outcomes

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

Changes are being promised for this year’s Strathmore Heritage Days and Stampede, many of which the new General Manager Herb McLane is sure will make the experience more inviting to those attending.
“Lots of folks don’t understand what the agricultural society is about,” said McLane.
“The community has really grown over the last several years and there’s an urban dynamic here that doesn’t necessarily know what the Ag does, or the impact they make on a community, and all the good deeds that are done. So we want to ensure that that happens, that we extend more information out there.”
This is why a communications specialist has been hired to help get the word out, by coordinating with media and informing them about upcoming events happening at the Ag Park.
“Brad (Walls) and the board have asked me not only to focus on signature events like the rodeo, but also to ensure that we have year round programming to more fully utilize the resources that we have in terms of the facility, the park,” said McLane.
McLane prefers the word park for the Ag grounds, because the goal is to have it as a park, for it to be a destination for local people and those far away. He wants it to be a comfortable place for people to use, whether they are camping, using the ball diamonds or the other facilities the Ag has available.
One new event coming to the Ag Society is the first annual Strathmore Heritage Days and Stampede Golf Tournament, being held June 12 at the Strathmore Golf Club.
“It’s sponsored by the society, but we in part want to bring awareness to the stampede and rodeo. By that time it will only be about six weeks away from the golf tournament date,” said McLane.
“We want local participation, it’s open to anyone.”
Something else that is new to the Ag this year is a rock concert. The name of the performer is still under wraps for now, but the concert will take place on the Friday night of the rodeo. Saturday will still have the cabaret with TC and Company.
“We have been focused on some events that we think will help create awareness… but also internally, we’ve been reviewing essentially all aspects of our business model; how we do things, how we create revenue, our expense portfolio, our expense items, and seeing where we can make some changes that make sense … that make the operation a little more efficient and also drive some revenue,” said McLane.
“We’re thinking about some events in the park sponsored by us, or co-sponsored by us, because I am a great believer in alliances and partnerships. We plan for community involvement, upping our game in agriculture, particularly in food and beverage, and products and experiences around that.”
McLane has had international experience that he thinks could be brought to Strathmore and adapted here in a successful way.