About Laurie Patton
I am a dedicated leader who has been working tirelessly to promote the cat fancy.
My campaign is based on honesty, ethics, experience, and fairness.
My experience as a breeder, exhibitor, judge, and previous SE Regional Director has given me a unique perspective on the issues facing our hobby today. I am committed to the advancement of our cats and invite you to learn more about my campaign.
Mission
to educate, inspire, and promote our beloved hobby
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Educate - Start a "Zoom University". A place where in real time we can gather and talk one on one about all subjects.
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Inspire - Start new exhibitor "ambassadors" that help the new exhibitor with the ways of the rings. These ambassadors can also help our clubs with educating the public.
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Promote - Being a Marketing Director is an asset to help all clubs promote their shows, assist with increasing spectators, assist with the rescue community, and of course promote TICA. I was asked to come back and help market the TICA Therapy Cat program, I created. A program where TICA cats can earn titles helping others in time of need.
Background
Personally:
I have been married for 27 years and live in Columbia, SC. My husband is a retired Human Resources Director, one son that graduated from the Citadel and is currently a Major in the Army, daughter in law that graduated from the University of South Carolina and works at the Veterans Administration, a grandson that is 5 years old. I am a Community Outreach Director for the Lutheran Homes of South Carolina. I have a Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree (BSPH).
The Exhibitor:
I started in CFA over 40 years ago with Birmans and came to TICA in 1999 after my husband got his first Maine Coon. We became TICA members in 2000. My cats have won top honors such as Best Kitten, Best Alter, and Best Household Pet Kitten in the Southeast Region. I know how hard it is to be a breeder and exhibitor.
Here is a list of the pedigree cats and household pets I have bred/shown
Birmans
RW QGC & CFA GC Tarons Xpensive Habit of Pirateslair
TGC Patora’s Xplorer of Pirateslair
SGC Deervalley Cold Winter Frost
RW QGC & CFA GC Pirateslair Aye Aye Captain
RW Pirateslair Buddah Belly
RW SGC Pirateslair Breakin All The Rules
RW, QGC Pirateslair Captains Contessa
IW, SGC Pirateslair Dyn O Mite - Best Allbreed Kitten SE Region
IW, SGC Starghatts Deryni of Pirateslair
GC Pirateslair Four On The Floor
CH Pirateslair Girls Gone Wild
IW SGC Sun-Silk Hot Toddy of Pirateslair
RW SGC Sun-Silk Jack Sparrow
RW SGC Pirateslair Keestone Kop
SGC Pirateslair Magic Mike
Maine Coons
RW, SGC & CFA GC Mysticoon Castaway of Pirateslair
QGC & CFA GC Coontara I B Blazing
RW, SGC Pirateslair Buccaneer
RW SGC Pirateslair Thanksgiving Tradition
RW, SGC & CFA GC Pirateslair New Year’s Celebration
RW, DGC McKimmey Red Sky At Night
RW, SGA Pirateslair Rum Runner
QGC Pirateslair Gale Force Warning
CH Carolinameows Bentley
American Bobtails
RW, QGC Graffiticat Xocai – BB
RW, QGC Graffiticat P. I. Two – BH
CHA Pirateslair No Pain No Gain
LA Pirateslair Dressed To Impress
SGA Pirateslair Chips Ahoy
Siamese
SGC Alexy La Belle Aurore
RW SGCA Charjanie'S Just Chillin'
Ocicat
LA Catiators Air Race of Pirateslair – Best Allbreed Alter Southeast Region
RW BW QGC Catiators Ch53E Super Stallion
HHP
LA Dora of Pirateslair
IW SGM Rosetta of Pirateslair
IW SGM Victor Victoria of Pirateslair
RW Two-Thirds of Pirateslair
RW QGM Angel of Pirateslair
IW SGM Jolly Roger of Pirateslair – Best HHP Kitten Southeast Region
LA Bailey
MS Flip Flop Rosie
MI Bebe Amore
TICA Experience:
Entered into the TICA judging program in 2011, am currently a TICA Approved All Breed Judge. Ring clerk, master clerk, entry clerk, and show manager. Previous Southeast Regional Director for two terms. Presented breed power points to the judges CEU program and conducted clerking schools. Currently a working member of Cattyshack Cat Club. This year Cattyshack will celebrate 30 years of putting on cat shows, and I have enjoyed being a part of such a great group of cat lovers.
Outlook
I know I cannot please everyone, and I know some decisions that I must make might not be popular ones, but I know in my heart that the decisions I make will be fair, for the betterment of our region, and never for personal gain. I am not a wallflower or a yes person, so when I see an injustice going on, I will always stand up for what is right, not what is most popular or the easiest. In a leadership position, such as the Regional Director, the job is to follow the rules of TICA. I have dedicated over 40 years to the cat fancy for the betterment of the hobby. I have always looked at being a regional director as a job, not just a title.
If re-elected I can assure you that I will continue to strive for the betterment of the Southeast Region, TICA, and the cat fancy overall.
I am asking for your vote to allow me to return as your Regional Director.