1 MAY 2024 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Although the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is a little more than six months away, preparations for the 128th Show are moving along at a fast pace. Across Texas, 4-H and FFA youth have purchased or will soon sign checks for steers, heifers, lambs, goats and more that will make their way to the show rings at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Countless hours will be spent caring for and preparing projects in the coming months. Here in Fort Worth, things are clicking along at a fast pace, too. Preparations for new FWSSR fall competitions including a High School BBQ Contest and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Vine 2 Wine International Wine Competition are underway. You’ll find more information inside this edition of Whoa! Of course, staff is busy with the usual planning – hiring judges, drafting rule books, preparing advertising campaigns, scheduling and a plethora of tasks that must meet summer and fall deadlines in order that everything will be in place come January 17. Finally, a significant event occurred at the Stock Show’s annual business meeting. Longtime FWSSR Chairman Edward P. Bass was elected Chairman Emeritus and Philip C. Williamson was elected to succeed Bass in the important role. Flip through the following pages for a full report on the historic business meeting and lots more Stock Show news. IN THIS ISSUE 3 FWSSR Annual Meeting 5 High School BBQ Competition 6 Moos Brothers Turn 20 7 AgVentures Outreach 8 FWSSR Scramble Fore Scholarships 9 International Wine Competition Debuts 10 Sponsor Highlight: Lori Baldock, Simmons Bank GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS
2 NEWS BRIEFS Rodeo Athletes Take Advantage of Qualifier Rodeos Summer rodeos are a great family get away, so make sure to take in one of five remaining FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament qualifier rodeos. In 2024, more than 40 top rodeo athletes qualified through the system for their chance at the $1.2 million purse. Who knows who you might see?! Click the name of the rodeo to visit the website. PARKER COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE FRONTIER DAYS (Weatherford) JUNE 5-8 JOHNSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE PRO RODEO (Cleburne) JUNE 5-8 GLADEWATER ROUNDUP JUNE 5-8 WICHITA FALLS PRO RODEO AUGUST 16-17 NORTH TEXAS FAIR & RODEO (Denton) AUGUST 16-18 VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS 2025 Stock Show volunteer applications are being accepted through September 1. Go here for more info. TRADE SHOW VENDOR APPLICATIONS 2025 Stock Show Trade Show vendor applications are being accepted through June 1. Go here for more info. SEPTEMBER 9 RODEO TICKETS ON SALE ONLINE at FWSSR.COM OR DICKIES ARENA BOX OFFICE 817.502.0011 SEPTEMBER 15 PREMIUM LISTS AVAILABLE ONLINE! Entries accepted: Livestock, Horse, Poultry, Pigeons and Rabbits. SEPTEMBER 28 YOUTH ART CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE Click here to enter. OCTOBER 3 SHOOT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS SPORTING CLAY TOURNAMENT Presented by AgTrust Farm Credit. Support FWSSR Junior Shooting Sports Competition and Aim for Education scholarship initiatives. BUY TEAMS OR SPONSORSHIPS HERE. OCTOBER 4 – 5 JR. SHOOTING SPORTS COMPETITION AND AIM FOR EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS 4-H and FFA members, grades 6 -12, shoot for a chance at belt buckles, more than $45,000 in premiums, and scholarships. OCTOBER 17 - 23 INAUGURAL FWSSR VINE 2 WINE INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION Learn more on page 9. NOVEMBER 1 - 2 COWBOY ARTISTS OF AMERICA EXHIBITION AND SALE Guests will have the opportunity to purchase an outstanding work by renowned western artists and enjoy the works of the 2024-2025 FWSSR Youth Art Contest winners. Learn more at cowboyartistsofamerica.com. NOVEMBER 8 - 9 HIGH SCHOOL BBQ INC. COOKING COMPETITION The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is thrilled to welcome this new competition featuring high school teams competing in ribs and brisket, chicken, beans and dessert divisions. Learn more on page 5. Qualifiers Feature Top Pros Mark Your Calendars! BEST OF THE WEST RANCH RODEO JANUARY 17 – 18 BEST OF MEXICO CELEBRACIÓN JANUARY 19 COWBOYS OF COLOR JANUARY 20 RODEO BULLS’ NIGHT OUT XTREME BULL RIDING JANUARY 21 – 22 TEXAS CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE JANUARY 23 FWSSR PRORODEO TOURNAMENT JANUARY 24 – FEBRUARY 8 2 FWSSR RODEO TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 9! GRAB YOURS AND BEAT THE RUSH! TENTATIVE 2025 RODEO PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Get Involved! New! New!
3 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING USHERS IN NEW STOCK SHOW LEADERSHIP From left: General Manager Matt Carter, Vice President Scott Kleberg, President Brad Barnes, Secretary Elaine Agather, Chairman Emeritus Ed Bass, Chairman Philip Williamson, Vice President Charlie Geren, Treasurer Randy Rodgers It was only the sixth time in Stock Show history. The election of a new Chairman of the Board occurred on April 23 when the board of directors of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show elected Philip C. Williamson to the esteemed position. Clearing the way for the move was election of Edward P. Bass to Chairman Emeritus. Bass served as the organization’s chairman for 23 years during one of the most exciting and productive periods in the Stock Show’s history. Serving in important roles alongside John Justin, W.R. “Bob”Watt, Jr. and others, he helped in the creation of the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in 1988 anchored by both the Richardson-Bass Building and Burnett Building. The dedication of the Moncrief Building for the Stock Show’s centennial in 1996 was another major boost and served as a prelude for a dream and accomplishment that has not only generated tremendous excitement for the Stock Show but graced Fort Worth with one of the most celebrated public events venues in the United States – Dickies Arena. The dream became reality because of Ed Bass’ passion, work ethic, dedication and commitment that gave Fort Worth its highly acclaimed and recognized multipurpose entertainment facility appropriately located in its popular Cultural District. When asked about his newly elected role and responsibilities, Bass replied, “I’m not going away; I’m merely advancing to a more prestigious position: Chairman Emeritus.” Bass will continue to serve as a member of the Stock Show’s board of directors and executive committee. WILLIAMSON ASSUMES CHAIRMANSHIP ROLE Philip Williamson’s roots run deep in the City Where the West Begins and the Stock Show. He was the fourth generation of Fort Worth’s Williamson family to lead the quintessential workwear company, Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. serving as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 2017 when the privately held company sold to VF Corporation. With a devotion and affinity for the Stock Show that began early in life, Williamson stepped into leadership roles when he joined the organization’s board of directors in 2000 and was named to the executive committee in 2013. Like Bass, Williamson took on important roles in helping ensure the dream that was to become Dickies Arena became a reality. But, his family’s connections go back to 1944 when the Stock Show’s rodeo moved to the Will Rogers Coliseum. “My grandfather, C. Don Williamson, wanted a rodeo box when the Stock Show moved from the Northside Coliseum,” said Williamson. “He was fortunate enough to secure the box immediately above bucking chutes 1, 2 and 3. My childhood was filled with Stock Show fun. Often, it’s the little things that bring the fondest memories and, kids being kids, my siblings, friends and I would discreetly toss an occasional popcorn kernel onto the hats of the cowboys below us to see how long they could stay before falling to the ground behind the chutes. Of course, there were all the other fun things I experienced that came along with growing up in the Will Rogers Coliseum.” It wouldn’t be long before Williamson began taking on a more serious Stock Show role. [continued on page 4]
4 “When the Stock Show ramped up efforts to attract corporate partners, I decided Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. needed a presence at the Show and the chuckwagon races caught my attention,” said Williamson. “So, I went to Trey Watt to explore a possibility. We had to wait, but eventually an opportunity to become a major sponsor availed itself which came with a chuckwagon tarp with the Dickies name and logo. From that point forward I wanted more personal involvement. Deciding on a particular cause for one’s time is a tough decision because there are only so many hours in a day. For me, devoting my time to serve the Stock Show and now being Chairman was easy because it’s a perfect fit for my passions and interests. I have a deep appreciation and respect for the longevity of service of those who came before me – Ed Bass, John Justin, James North and both Amon Carter Sr. and Jr. Like them, I’m devoted to the long haul. The continuity of leadership is a major reason for the Stock Show’s success and it’s my intention to maintain that continuity in order that we stay on mission and move the Stock Show to even greater success in the coming decades.” GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT General Manager Matt Carter’s annual report highlighted the success of the 2024 Show held January 12 through February 3 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center and Dickies Arena. Carter reported that estimated grounds attendance topped 1.1 million attendees. Total entries hit another record at 34,450 for all animals, judging teams, contests and other competitions. The FWSSR Jr. Sale of Champions, moved to the more spacious Watt Arena and topped more than $8.2 million to 4-H and FFA members for their 288 animals for another record auction. Educational grants totaled $327,557 to area institutions and scholarships to Texas youth topped $1.1 million for the first time in FWSSR history. “Youth education and advancement remains at the forefront of everything we do,” said Carter. “The herculean efforts of Stock Show donors garnered more than $9 million in scholarships, auction proceeds and premiums for the youth of Texas. This support for their passions and pursuits in agriculture will take these young men and women in exciting directions that will provide tremendous benefits for our society and economy.” Carter also touched on another element of the Stock Show’s mission – maintaining and enhancing the Will Rogers Memorial Center’s (WRMC) multifaceted facilities. The Stock Show’s efforts and contributions, in partnership with the City of Fort Worth, allows WRMC to attract a growing legion of equestrian and other events throughout the year providing a tremendous boost to Fort Worth’s economy. “As we move forward with WRMC improvements and enhancements, the Stock Show is proud of our current fifty-fifty partnership with the City of Fort Worth to renovate the Sheep and Swine Barns,” said Carter. “This $40 million project includes a new covered arena between the two structures that will improve the show experience for Stock Show exhibitors, provides a modern warm-up arena for equine competitions and a multipurpose venue for any number of other events held in non-Stock Show months.” WATCH the report here and READ the data summary report here. OTHER ELECTED OFFICERS Besides Bass and Williamson, other officers elected by the board of directors include: Brad Barnes, President; Vice Presidents, Charlie Geren and Scott Kleberg; Elaine Agather, Secretary and Randy Rodgers, Treasurer. “The Stock Show is blessed with leaders that are not only well versed in the operations of Fort Worth’s largest public event but have an innovative and dynamic vision for our future,” said Barnes. “They are the men and women that stand on the shoulders of Stock Show giants and will employ the same passion and devotion to reach new plateaus in the years to come.” Newly Elected Honorary Vice Presidents – 2024 L to R: Charles Lasater, Gary Ray, Dale Ousley and Ken Lieber (Not Pictured: Crawford Edwards) Newly Elected Board Members – 2024 L to R: Kacey Cornelius, Hal Ray, Hunter Johnson, Michael D. Bornitz and Crawford Rodgers Philip Williamson, left, and Ed Bass Matt Carter
5 FWSSR HIGH SCHOOL BBQ COMPETITION GETS COOKING Famed Texas pitmasters Aaron Franklin, Tootsie Tomanetz and Brandon Hurtado may soon need to make room for a new class of BBQ stars. A smokin’ new competition is coming to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo that will highlight tomorrow’s top Texas barbecue chefs and continue the expansion of FWSSR competitions. Partnering with the 501 (c) (3) organization High School BBQ Inc. (HSBBQ), fires will be lit for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo High School BBQ Competition at the Will Rogers Memorial Center November 8-9. “This is going to be a really neat addition to the Show’s competitions for Texas high school students,” said FWSSR Livestock Show Director Stefan Marchman. “Texas is known for the quality of its barbecue around the world and what better way to keep that reputation going than by encouraging the skills of these future chefs.” The FWSSR event will be one of 14 regional competitions for high school teams says HSBBQ board member and FWSSR Livetock Show Superintendent Russell Woodward. The competitions will take place across Texas from Fall 2024 through Spring 2025. Teams with such imaginative names as the “The Three Brisketeers,” and the “Bulldog Beefstro Pitmasters,” are anticipated to attend the Stock Show’s battle of the barbecue over the twoday event in their quest to qualify for the state championship held in May. “Most often high schools host each of the competitions and there are usually between 10-20 teams per event,” said Woodward. “In a given year, about 125 teams will compete and around 100 will qualify for the state championship held in Round Rock where we’ll award about $68,000 in scholarships.” The competition starts when fires are lit at 5 a.m. and meat starts smoking at 6 a.m. Teams will be made up of at least one and not more than five students who will compete in ribs, brisket, chicken, beans and dessert divisions. Students have nine hours to get their briskets in perfect condition, while the other divisions conclude in four to seven hours depending on the category. It’s a serious competition with serious rules. Adults are strictly forbidden from the cooking area and students are required to follow stringent food safety guidelines and preparation protocols, such as soaking beans over night in water only and the use of wood or wood product for the cooking fires – no pellet smokers. A panel of five judges for each division make their selections through a double-blind judging system based on the appearance, taste and texture of each entry. Woodward says the FWSSR partnership is a reflection of the values both groups ascribe to and will help raise awareness of the event. “We believe the values and skills students learn through competing in BBQ align with the values important for a healthy community. FWSSR has a rich tradition and history of community, and BBQ is just one more way that we can engage students in learning these important community values.” Scholarships, belt buckles and other prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. ESPN Photo 5
6 Moos Brothers Celebrate 20-Year Milestone Young Stock Show fans were eager to wish the Moos Brothers a happy birthday during Kids Gone Wild. Glenn Ellman photo. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s beloved Moos Brothers are teenagers no more. The 20th anniversary of the FWSSR’s fun-loving mascots was celebrated with a big birthday bash in conjunction with “Kids Gone Wild!” during this year’s Stock Show. Always recognizable by his custom Dickies jeans and button-up shirt, the dashing bovine named Hoss remarked on his newfound moo-turity. “Now that I’m 20, I can do a better job of relating to younger and older Stock Show fans.” Even though he’s Hoss’ twin, Elwood takes exception to sometimes being referred to as the “little” brother, but it doesn’t muffle his pride. “I might not be quite as tall as Hoss,” he said, “but believe me, I stand just as proud to be a representative for the greatest stock show on earth. It’s an honor to be an ambassador for the values embraced by the young men and women who work very hard to exhibit here at the FWSSR.” The Moos were “calved” after Show leaders determined that a mascot would connect not only to kids, but young families as well. Ad consultant Susan Watt, the daughter of past president and general manager Bob Watt who worked for the McCormick agency at the time, describes how the bovine duo came about. “Our art director, Jim Holmes, literally took out a napkin at lunch and hand sketched the first mascot, which we later named Hoss,” she said. “He fleshed the character out and we presented that to dad and Brad (Barnes) and during the conversation they decided they also wanted a younger mascot with more of a youthful look, so we created Elwood.” Noted for their ever-present smiles and antics, the Moos Brothers first appeared as the Show’s official ambassadors at the 2005 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and quickly became a crowd favorite. Wilson Martin, one of the original “Moo Daddies,” accompanies the duo and has been a part of the outreach since its beginning. “Mr. Watt asked me if I wanted to be on this new committee and you never told him no,” said Martin. “It sounded like an interesting challenge. When we first got started, kids would either want a hug or they would run away. Then we started sending the Moos to schools so that when they were at the Stock Show, the kids would be familiar with Hoss and Elwood. Now both kids and adults want pictures taken with them.” Donning the costumes are local college students who, once embracing the Hoss or Elwood persona, often discover the freedom to express themselves with personalities very different from their own. “It is fun when we have super shy kids who may have a hard time talking to me but become a totally different person in costume,” said Jordan Simons, who serves as head Moos wrangler. “They love the anonymity of the costume and can be as silly and fun as they want.” 6
7 Take a room filled with fidgety third graders, add a giant corn cob, a farmer and two friendly steers, and you have the magic combination for a fun way to learn about the importance of agriculture. Developed through a partnership with Tarrant County AgriLife Extension, AgVentures features Farmer Howdy, Cornelius the Cob and Stock Show mascots, Hoss and Elwood. Through the program, students are exposed to the origins of the meals they eat every day, helping them picture how food is grown before it appears in the grocery store. “We visit 25 to 30 schools a year and try to reach at least 8,000 students,” said FWSSR Art Contest and Social Media Manager Jordan Simons, who oversees the program. “We have a focus in the Fort Worth school district, but we also have gone to Keller, Arlington, Aledo and Birdville.” Students are spell-bound as Farmer Howdy explains the importance of every aspect of the farm. From bees to tomatoes, the friendly farmer explains the value of agriculture and how it touches the lives of people around the world daily. Cornelius the Cob, Hoss and Elwood also take part, bringing more information and interaction to students. Students are provided an activity book, as well, that includes games and pictures for coloring. The program is provided at no charge to the schools. “Together, we’ve been able to reach nearly 15,000 youth over the past three years to teach them about the importance of agriculture and where their food comes from,” said Tarrant County AgriLife Extension Director Courtney Davis. “It’s done in a fun way and for some Tarrant County youth, this may be the only semi-direct exposure they have to agriculture. “ A key aspect of the program is how it opens doors to students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to attend the Stock Show. “Financial constraints keep some students from attending the Stock Show,” says Simons. “Although we offer free grounds admission through our school tour program, some schools cannot afford additional transportation costs for their students. So, to ensure more schools can engage with the Stock Show, we try to visit schools that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to attend. In short, if schools are unable to visit us, we have a program to take to them.” FWSSR AGVENTURES CORRALS STUDENTS WITH FUN AND LEARNING An imaginative skit makes learning fun for thousands of youngsters each year. 7
8 GOLFERS TEE OFF TO SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS L to R: Chance Cain, Matt Miller, Devan Hanson and Colby Pack took home the win in the 2024 Justin Scramble Fore Scholarships Tiffani Gillett grabbed both longest drive and closest to the tee in the ladies division. Honesty was the best policy for Most Honest Justin Team: L to R: Tyler Schuster, Shelbi Tidwell, Taylor Morton and Jenna Whitley Penn Innovador, LLC R. Watson Boots Dennett Construction Jason Charbonnet Sedalco GHC Kimes Ranch Cutter Johnson Prim Construction Wrangler Roy Eaton Anthony Lucia Larry Anfin Texas Commercial Glass Concepts RDO Equipment Royer Commercial Interiors Fort Worth’s Waterchase Golf Course was the place to be May 2 as 25 teams and 100 golfers hit the fairways to raise funds in support of Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo scholarship programs. In it’s 37th year, the Justin Scramble Fore Scholarships raised more than $45,000, besting the 2023 tourney by nearly $10,000. PRESENTING SPONSOR ACE SPONSOR ACE SPONSOR BEVERAGE CART AgTrust Farm Credit BIRDIE Baird Hampton Brown BEVERAGE PARTNER Ben E. Keith Co. HOLE SPONSORS Our Thanks to These Generous Sponsors: Ryan Miller was closest to the pin in the men’s division. 8
99 The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Vine 2 Wine International Wine Competition is set to make its debut October 17-23 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The event, while not open to the public, promises to leverage excitement for the Stock Show’s traditional Vine 2 Wine events – Sip & Shop, Wine Camps and Bubbles & Bites – into an exciting competition that attracts not only Texas vintages, but wines from around the world. Competitions like this one open new doors for stock shows, says the competition’s consultant, Stephanie Baird. The Houston, Texas based owner of Journey Into Wine also assists with competitions at the Calgary Stampede and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “A winery’s primary goal is to turn a win into wine sales,” said Baird. “They want the bragging rights to translate into market share, market awareness and new customers. Based on the level of the award, I have seen wineries parlay their wine into huge earnings from continued wine sales. Much depends on what award is won and the effort a winery puts into capitalizing on the opportunity.” Baird also pointed out that while some might see rodeo-hosted wine competitions as a fairly new concept, it is in fact decades old when considering county fairs and similar events, dating back to the 1935 Los Angeles County Fair. She notes that Fort Worth is primed for a top event not only for wineries but for the city, as well. Winning wines will be included in the Show’s already successful Sip & Shop and Bubbles & Bites events and will be available for purchase in a special six-bottle case. “We’re excited to add this competition to the list of events the Show holds throughout the year,” said FWSSR General Manager Matt Carter. “The Show is experiencing great success with events like the Jr. Shooting Sports Competition, Shoot For Scholarships and Scramble Fore Scholarships, and we anticipate this one will be just as successful. Hosting new and unique events during non-Stock Show months helps keep our supporters and volunteers engaged in the year-round mission of the Show , providing additional funding for Texas youth and initiatives..” “Our goal is to see approximately 800 wines entered in the competition,” said FWSSR Special Events Manager Ashley Davis. “This expansion of the Show’s Vine 2 Wine program, which started in 2017, supports the overall objective to not only raise awareness of Texas wines, but elevate their stature among wines from around the world.” Entries open August 1 and awards will be given in the following categories: • Grand Champion • Reserve Grand Champion • Best Texas Wine • Best in Class Texas Hill Country American Viticulture Area (AVA) • Best in Class Texas High Plains AVA • Best in Class Texas North Region AVA • Other Texas AVAs • Top All-Around Wine Company • Top Texas Winery Boot • Best in Class Red • Best in Class White • Best in Class Sparkling • Best in Class Rosé • Best Value Wine FWSSR to Launch International Wine Competition
10 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT LORI BALDOCK AND SIMMONS BANK Her eyes might be one of the first things people notice about Lori Baldock, Simmons Bank Fort Worth Market President. A sense of sincerity and genuine interest can be seen in their golden-brown depths; characteristics that speak to the values Baldock finds crucial as the point person in Simmons Bank’s role as the official bank of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. “Today’s commitment from Simmons Bank is greater than any I have ever been involved with previously,” she said. “Simmons Bank is a community bank, and this partnership is a great example of the value created by our investment as evidenced by the Stock Show’s economic impact on Fort Worth. That value is exponentially greater when you witness what happens in the barns and during the Sale of Champions, when hundreds of students from across Texas leave with thousands in scholarships and prize money targeted toward their education.” Headquartered in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Simmons Bank first appeared in North Texas in 2017. While the name may have been a new one to Fort Worth, the bank brought a history that spanned more than a century, beginning in 1903. Today, Simmons Bank has approximately $28 billion in assets and locations throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. When Simmons came to North Texas, it came with a bang, joining Dickies Arena as a founding partner and securing the naming rights to the popular Simmons Bank Plaza, where Stock Show fans gather before and after each rodeo performance to enjoy an abundance of entertainment options, including the Bud Light Roadhouse and The Corkyard. After Simmons Bank arrived in Texas, Baldock was named market president in 2019, a role she relishes as she melds it with extensive community involvement that has been part of her desire to pay it forward for important causes. She is a board member of Downtown Fort Worth Inc., the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and formerly served as board chair for Near Southside Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing the Near Southside located in the Magnolia and medical district areas. Even though the FWSSR was the first rodeo relationship for Simmons Bank, it wasn’t Baldock’s first rodeo, not by a long shot. “My relationship with FWSSR goes back nearly 40 years when my husband, Mike, a born and raised Fort Worthian, first introduced me to the FWSSR,” she explained. “As a family, we have a 30+ year tradition of attending the Stock Show every year and we’ve enjoyed the chance to host many local TCU students to their first ever rodeo. Our three adult children are now involved as frequent visitors and Stock Show volunteers and, like Mike and I once were, are parents bringing their children to enjoy the Stock Show. I suppose that is one of the aspects that is most unique about it because I’ve had a personal relationship with the Stock Show for such a long time, it’s allowed me to share the value of the relationship with others from the bank in a truly genuine way.” Invitations from Simmons Bank to attend rodeo in Dickies Arena are highly coveted, she said, and is a highlight of the year for many of their banking clients. 10 Lori Baldock, Simmons Bank Fort Worth Market President, right, congratulates Tahoka FFA member Jynli Woodley, left, on the purchase of her American Cross steer. They are joined by Kim Carter of LKCM Headwater Investments. Women Steering Business photo
1111 “The Stock Show gives us a weeks-long opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to this community,” she said. “When Stock Show guests see the Simmons Bank brand, we want them to see that we support the community with a full array of personal and commercial financial services with bankers who want to work with clients face-to-face to meet their needs and answer their concerns.” One-on-one opportunities have always been a part of her personal modus operandi and that focus on working with others has garnered Baldock significant recognition in the community, including being selected a Great Woman of Texas by Fort Worth Business Press in 2022 and named to Fort Worth Inc.’s list of the 400 most influential people in Fort Worth. Baldock’s interest in the show also extends to her participation as a member of Women Steering Business, one of the major buying groups for the Jr. Sale of Champions. “Becky Renfro Borbolla and other founding members of Women Steering Business had the foresight to bring together women business leaders for the purpose of encouraging and supporting future female business leaders,” she said. “As a female leader at Simmons Bank, I realize the value of investing in the next generation of female leaders. The young women who raise these animals for the Show are developing an unspeakable work ethic, and a dedication to purpose and teamwork. At the same time, they are also acquiring a business acumen that translates into the business world for wherever their career choices take them.” Baldock forecasts a long-term connection between the Stock Show and Simmons Bank in a common purpose to ensure the Fort Worth community continues its upward trajectory. “I have already seen this partnership grow over the past five years as Simmons Bank has engaged not just our local commercial and consumer teams, but also the engagement of our ag lending and corporate leadership team,” she said. “Brad Barnes, Matt Carter, Sonia Benavides and Jared Hammer are proactive partners who truly expect a win-win relationship with every major sponsor who works to open doors to opportunities that further develop the partnership. “Our goal is to see meaningful growth in our ability to support scholarships for the youth and a further expansion of the ag lending team’s outreach to provide access to capital in support of agricultural development across our six-state region. The Fort Worth Stock Show represents a community that goes beyond the city limits, and we want to deepen our relationship as a financial services provider to that community.” Baldock joins other Women Steering Business members in celebrating the $2 million giving milestone reached during the 2024 Jr. Sale of Champions. Women Steering Business photo Rodeo fans take advantage of a photo op in front of the Fort Worth marquee, located on Simmons Bank Plaza, courtesy of Visit Fort Worth.
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13 AND TO MANY MORE SUPPORTERS WHO HELP MAKE THE STOCK SHOW A WORLD-CLASS EVENT. 13 MAJOR SPONSORS A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR OFFICIAL STOCK SHOW PRODUCTS & SERVICES • Western Apparel: Ariat • Beer: Anheuser-Busch • Casino and Resort: Choctaw Casinos & Resorts • Automotive: Chevrolet • Workwear: Dickies® • Satellite and Streaming Video Service: DIRECTV • Mattresses and Massage Chairs: Mattress Firm® • Energy Provider: Reliant • Bank: Simmons Bank • Health System: Texas Health • Whiskey: TX Whiskey • Soft Drink: Pepsi® MEDIA SPONSORS • 95.9 The Ranch / 92.1 Hank FM Grounds Announcements and Music • La Grande 107.5 FM / Puro Tejano Fierro 107.5 HD2 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración and Dia de la Familia • NBC 5 presents Rodeo Leaderboard • Telemundo 39 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración, Dia de la Familia and presents Cowboys of Color Rodeo STOCK SHOW ART CONTEST SPONSORS • The Amon G. Carter Foundation • Debbie & Albon Head • Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP • Ann L. and Carol Green Rhodes Charitable Trust • Marsh McLennan Agency • Whataburger SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORS • AgTrust Farm Credit presents Chuck Wagons, Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon, Mustang Magic, NTHSRA Scholarship Rodeo and Shooting Sports • Airpower Foundation Military Appreciation Day Supporter • Ariat presents Auditorium Entertainment Series, co-presents Best of the West Ranch Rodeos, Ranching Heritage Weekend and Arena Crew Shirts • Bank of Texas Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Big Tex / Trailers Direct presents Ranch Rodeo Champion Team Trailers • BNSF Railway presents Steer Wrestling • Boot Barn® presents Breakaway Roping • Brumbaugh’s Fine Home Furnishings Ranch Rodeo Awards and Art Contest • Bud Light® Roadhouse and Busch Light® Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Cavender’s Boot City Chuck Wagon Sponsor and co-presents Arena Crew Shirts • Central Market presents the Moo-seum Experience and supports Vine 2 Wine “Wine Camps” • Chase presents Barrel Racing • Chicken Express Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Chick-fil-A Rodeo Crowd Engagement Sponsor • Choctaw Casinos & Resorts presents Aerial Rodeo Camera • Dickies Chuck Wagon Sponsor and Dickies Day • Enterprise Holdings Foundation Scholarship Programs • Frost presents Bareback Bronc Riding and Justin Mutton Bustin’® • Los Pastores Restaurant and Athena’s Furniture co-presents the Charro Cala Escaramuza and Mariachi Competitions • Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services presents Pony Up! 50/50 Raffle • HOLT CAT presents Texas Champions Challenge, Tower Promenade and Scholarship Programs • Junior Agricultural Mechanics Project Show and Texas M.A.D.E. Sponsors: HOLT CAT, Andes Coil Processors, Big Tex, Lincoln Electric, Norfolk Iron & Metal, Miller/Hobart, ONEOK, Panther City Industrial Supply, Priefert, RDO Equipment Co., Harris Products Group, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Saint-Gobain, United Ag & Turf and Vermeer Texas-Louisiana • Justin Brands, Inc. presents Scramble Fore Scholarships, Justin Sportsmedicine Team and co-presents Justin Mutton Bustin’® and Calf Scramble • Kendra Scott presents Sip & Shop • Lockheed Martin Corporation Jr. Ag Robotics Challenge Sponsor • Lovelace Law, P.C. presents Bubbles & Bites • Mattress Firm® presents Bull Riding, Rodeo Replay and Petting Zoo • Meta Jr. Ag Robotics Challenge Sponsor • National Farm Life Insurance presents Poultry, Pigeon and Rabbit shows • North Texas Tollway Authority presents TollTag Tuesdays • Oak Farms Dairy Dairy Cattle Judging Contest Buckles, Lunch and Dinner Sponsor • Oncor Mobile Jumbotron • PlainsCapital Bank presents Bulls’ Night Out • R. Watson Boots presents Tie-Down Roping • Texas Department of Agriculture presents GO TEXAN Market • Texas Farm Bureau Insurance® sponsors Doorways to Agriculture produced by Texas Farm Bureau® • Texas Health Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Texas Hot Tub Company Scholarship Programs • Texas Mutual Insurance Co. co-presents Calf Scramble • TX Whiskey presents Saddle Bronc Riding • UMB Bank presents Team Roping and Heifer Superintendent’s Beef Challenge • Visit Fort Worth presents Music Experience and Sunday FUNday
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