The Ponoka Stampede and Exhibition Association (PSA) has had a good year with ticket sales seeing large increases.
The association held its AGM Monday, Nov. 3 and heard from Gord Parker of Rowland, Parker and Associates that revenues were up over last year. Revenues after expenses for 2014 are up about $70,000 compared to 2013 with a total of $406,000 compared to $315,000 for 2013, explained Parker.
“Overall it’s a fairly strong financial position. It’s a strong cash position,” explained Parker.
Expenses also went up this year with prizes, security and stage show costs of $1.23 million. In 2013 expenses were at $1.25 million but that included $92,000 for the Summer Send Off series, which is no longer being held.
“It’s basically the Stampede’s reserves for making community investments for the future of the Stampede and any expansion plans they have,” he said.
Liquor sales remain a moneymaker with net sales at $357,000 for the association with $582,000 in gross sales and $225,000 in costs, an increase of approximately $60,000 compared to 2013.
Capital assets sit at $4.5 million.
New president for the PSA
2013 vice-president Mike Stretch has taken on the position of president and Joe Dodds takes the role of past-president.
Dodds told the participants he enjoyed the past two years in the top seat and he thanked the many volunteers who ensure the busy Ponoka Stampede week runs smoothly.
“It was a real good learning experience and it was a fun experience,” he added, thanking directors.
Stretch said he looked forward to making the Stampede bigger and better in the next two years and thanked Dodds and executive assistant Leslie Chernick for her dedication to their cause. “She always keeps us well organized.”
“I have every intention of carrying on the tradition of making the Ponoka Stampede bigger and better this year. Stampede would not be where it is today without the hard work of each and every board member,” said Stretch.
He added there are many items on the board’s bucket list they intend to introduce in future years of the Ponoka Stampede.
Present at the AGM were most of Ponoka town council and representatives for Ponoka County. Mayor Rick Bonnett praised the association for its dedication. “We’re definitely a better town with the Stampede.”
He added council would like to see more activities at the Stampede Grounds and says they hope to have more discussions on that. “We do want to work with you guys as you go forward.”
Bonnett said town council wants to have a concrete plan next June over whether to plan a new location for a multiplex or to add onto the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex, which is host to the beer gardens and cabaret during Stampede week.
Speaking for Ponoka County was deputy Reeve Bryce Liddle, who also praised the association. “I’d like to thank you guys for putting on an A-1 show.”
Nominated and elected as vice-president was Blair Vold.