Minnesota?

[obediencerottweiler]

I am having a very hard time finding a groomer's association or any competition in Minnesota... if anyone can help me I would really appreciate it.

[winterroo]

That's because there really isn't one...and no competitions here either. There used to be an organization called MPPGA, but I think it kind of went by the wayside. The next closest show is in Chicago, and Wisconsin has an organization.

[LJRSnowcat]

I would do anything to have an expo here. I'm not quite sure why we don't! This is a major metropolis, every bit as big a Chicago, yet no shows. What gives with that?

[obediencerottweiler]

When is the show in Chicago?? I really want to try a competition, but never having done it I don't want to go all the way to Georgia..... what is the wisconsin organization??

[scullysmom]

When is the show in Chicago?? I really want to try a competition, but never having done it I don't want to go all the way to Georgia..... what is the wisconsin organization??

The Chicago one is the chicagoland pet expo and it is around the 21st of March (I might go-haven't decided yet) WAPPS is the WI association and it rocks!! They are having a poodle demo coming up

[winterroo]

There are also 2 other shows in Chicago area...All American and Backer. I wouldn't recommend Backer for a first time competitor. That show stresses me out, lol.

[LJRSnowcat]

There are also 2 other shows in Chicago area...All American and Backer. I wouldn't recommend Backer for a first time competitor. That show stresses me out, lol.

Veronica, what do you say we join forces and see what we can do to implement a show in our neck of the woods? Lots of work but it might be worth it!

[scullysmom]

Veronica, what do you say we join forces and see what we can do to implement a show in our neck of the woods? Lots of work but it might be worth it!

I would so go because I have family there and can stay and can bathe my dog prior to traveling 6 plus hours!!! Last October stone mountain tried to start some kind of something, but didn’t because not enough groomers signed up. I really think more would have if the cut off hadn’t been 31 July for a 10 October show. A Minnesota show would rock!!!!!!

[windywaycavaliers]

If anyone would like to get a Minnesota Org. together, I do know the gal that mainly headed the previous group years back, I have her contact info, and I know she'd love to see something worked up again! There may also be a small competition and day of classes later this year at Stone Mountain Pet Lodge, last year's expo didn't work out, but they are looking at doing another one this year.

http://www.stonemountainpetlodge.com/home/index.php

We (WAPPS) are looking at having a members only meet and day of hands on sessions in upper mid- WI this late Spring--its still a drive, but we have a handful of members from both MN, and MI that drive down for meets and everyone happily makes the drive for a full day of learning or grooming competitions!

[scullysmom]

I absolutely love WAPPS!!!! I have family in Ham Lake, MN and facilities to wash and dry at will in Edina MN which is awesome for a Mpls grooming deal. WAPPS is seriously the best organization for groomers I have ever seen!!

[winterroo]

Scully, I grew up in Ham Lake!

Windy, are you talking about Tracie? She is a friend of mine...I also know Anna who has presently headed up the MPPGA.

LJRSnowcat, I have thought about it, but with a kid in sports and music and full time work, it is all I can do to run him back and forth and work around it, much less trying to fit in something else...maybe when my kid is older, lol. I am also trying to figure out how I can move my shop from my house to a different area...in home also...ack, too many things going on, lol. I would hate to commit to it only to not be able to follow through.

[scullysmom]

I think I used to work with Tracie

[winterroo]

Tracie Hoppe?

[windywaycavaliers]

Scully, I grew up in Ham Lake!

Windy, are you talking about Tracie? She is a friend of mine...I also know Anna who has presently headed up the MPPGA.

Hi Veronica!
Yes, I believe that Tracie is the one whose business card I have, or wait--I see here the name "Julie" from Lulu & Luigi is at the top of the card, but I believe that a gal named Tracie was along with this gal whose card I received--I might be totally wrong though. She approached me at our WAPPS booth at the All American and said that she was happy to see that we had a group going and that she had headed the Org. for awhile but it kind of went by the wayside. She also said that she'd love to see something back up in their area again for all pet stylists. But she was also the one who called me to say that Stone Mt. had canceled their annual meet and comp. for this last year--and I am sure that gal's name was Julie. I know that I know her from competing long ago but her last name escapes me, she is tall, salt & pepper curly shoulder length hair and she always wears really neat-o bifocal glasses..Does that sound familiar? She is actively involved with ISCC now, I believe.
Anyhow--point is,,is there an active WPPGA now that I have no idea exists? I would feel really dumb if there is and I didn't know about it being there for groomers to be involved with....

[winterroo]

Julie Berkley-Hanson, I would say. Tracie was actually the president of the org, I don't know what Julies role was, maybe she ran it at some point....