Amarillo, TX - June 23, 2003 - Major events are already scheduled for the 2003 American Quarter Horse Association Member Appreciation Days. This annual celebration - scheduled for June 24 through July 20, 2003 - honors all AQHA members whose dedication and loyalty to the American Quarter Horse has catapulted AQHA to the forefront of the equine world.

The 2003 celebration kickoff, on June 24, also marks the debut of AQHA's Ambassador Program. Beginning with Member Appreciation Days, members, visitors and special guests are invited to the Association headquarters to meet an AQHA Ambassador who will lead them inside the heart of AQHA for a "behind-the-scenes" look at the world's largest single-breed equine registry.

"AQHA members and visitors have always been invited to take a tour of the Association headquarters," said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. "And this program acknowledges the leadership qualities of each AQHA employee who guides visitors through our office. AQHA's Ambassador Program is an elite group of employees who continuously learn about every aspect of the Association. The intense training AQHA Ambassadors receive enables them to give visitors a closer look at the daily operations of each department inside AQHA."

AQHA Ambassadors attend a daylong seminar focusing on individual departments and points of interest throughout the Association headquarters. Each Ambassador is given a manual highlighting important facts and figures. Monthly meetings are held to update Ambassadors on new developments and changes. AQHA Ambassadors work together during special events held at AQHA to ensure that all visitors-first-timers or returning guests-see the impact of each of the 320 AQHA employees.

"We have several AQHA Ambassadors who have served in this leadership capacity for many years," said Trent Taylor, AQHA Senior Director of Accounting and Human Resources. "It is exciting to see AQHA Ambassadors interact with members and visitors-each Ambassador takes time to get to know their guests and works to make each visitor feel at home. That is our main goal. It is impressive how many of our Ambassadors have kept in touch throughout the years with some of their guests who toured the Association."

There are 18 AQHA Ambassadors ready for Member Appreciation Days 2003. Each AQHA Ambassador plays a vital role in their department while dedicating time to educating people about AQHA. Their AQHA name badge displays their role as a leader in the Association. AQHA Ambassadors eager to give tours during Member Appreciation Days 2003 are:

Alisa Durham, Customer Service
Ann Priest, Registration Department
Raynon Snider, Registration Department
Sophia Costas, Customer Service
Tina Arellano, Customer Service
Susie King, Customer Service
Vicky Coile, Registration Department
Brandi Brown, Customer Service
Summer Clark, Registration Department
Sally Griffin, Marketing Services
Carla Nelson, Customer Service
Diane McKee, Customer Service
Angela Sheffield, Information Technology
Traci McMinn, Accounting Department
Lori Hall, Accounting Department
Donna Adams, Marketing Services
Cindy Bull, Registration Department
Amy Grinie, Customer Service

Tours of the Association will be offered hourly Monday through Friday beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the last daily tour scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Groups of 10 or more are asked to call ahead, allowing AQHA Ambassadors to adequately serve the group.