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
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