Ag_07 said:

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One thing to keep in mind is that the HLSR is nothing but a big deek measuring contest. Hell we spend more time at meetings giving recognition and stroking egos of old guys wearing some special vest than actual committee business.

I enjoy my committee and enjoy putting in the work and spending time with the friends I've made, but for every good person who I enjoy there's a power hungry deek head who forgets that they VOLUNTEER. It's a perfect example of too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

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From the conversations I have had with people on them, it's the long, slow slog to see what networking connections you can make. Maybe, if you are talented like that and new in town/younger it would be a way to get to know people that you could otherwise do business with, but I get the distinct impression that the higher echelons of the group are populated by people that are principally there because they like to be in higher echelons of groups.

I'm gonna start the Virtual Rodeo Committee.

Aggie71013 said:

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Also the fact that they spend $146MM to give $20MM to scholarships.

Great economic engine for the county, fun for all ages, and tons of scholarship money, but that's a poor ratio in terms of charitable giving for 501(c)(3)

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Time for the semi-annual reminder that HLSR did not begin as a scholarship charity, but as a trade show for regional agribusiness, which is still important to our region and state.

The concerts and scholarships came later as it grew. And $20 million is a lot. I don't know the most recent numbers, but cumulative is over $100 million. There aren't many other local entities that allow local, regular, working class people to come together and raise that kind of money for education.

Beyond that, it's kind of like a county fair, but for the 3rd largest county in the country. It's bigger than a lot state fairs.

I'm on a public-facing committee, and it definitely takes patience sometimes dealing with people who come in late and tanked, throwing around attitude. Vast majority of attendees are nice and either say "thanks" or nothing at all.

Aggie71013 said:

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Also the fact that they spend $146MM to give $20MM to scholarships.

Great economic engine for the county, fun for all ages, and tons of scholarship money, but that's a poor ratio in terms of charitable giving for 501(c)(3)

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OooooK. HLSR is the largest scholarship donor in the history of Texas.

I know it's an unpopular opinion and HLSR does a ton for students, but is it bad to want them to do even more based on their revenue and expenses?

I also only call it out because HLSR publishes a ton about how its a philanthropic org for students and education on agriculture. It does fulfill this purpose well, but when you dig into it only a fraction of the money directly supports that.

Glad to have it and think its a great thing for the local community and Texas.

Aggie71013 said:

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I know it's an unpopular opinion and HLSR does a ton for students, but is it bad to want them to do even more based on their revenue and expenses?

I also only call it out because HLSR publishes a ton about how its a philanthropic org for students and education on agriculture. It does fulfill this purpose well, but when you dig into it only a fraction of the money directly supports that.

Glad to have it and think its a great thing for the local community and Texas.

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It is not necessarily an unpopular opinion. I would like to see kids get more money that bring something to the show vs just the general education fund scholarships. With the new leadership on both sides, it will be interesting to see if anything changes in the near future. There are a lot high up volunteers not happy with the direction rodeo has been in and that is why you saw the changes this year