EXECUTIVE ORDER
ESTABLISHING THE NEW MEXICO RODEO COUNCIL

WHEREAS, New Mexico has a strong and proud cultural heritage in ranching and agriculture;

WHEREAS, New Mexico also has a rich tradition of rodeo;

• WHEREAS, rodeo has a significant economic impact on many communities throughout the State of New Mexico;
  
  WHEREAS, because of rodeo's deep cultural roots its economic importance to the State, New Mexican rodeo participants deserve support at the junior, high school, college, and professional levels; and
  
  WHEREAS, at present, New Mexico lacks a comprehensive system to support the development of rodeo athletes.
  
  NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of New Mexico, do hereby establish the New Mexico Rodeo Council (hereinafter "Council"). 
  
  The Council shall be administratively attached to the New Mexico Sports
  Authority.  The duties of the Council shall be as follows:
  
  
•  To study how the State of New Mexico can best develop and support the sport of rodeo at the junior, high school, college, and professional levels; 
• To promote and attract competitive rodeo events for the
  State of New Mexico; and

 To provide information to rodeo participants, fans, and promoters regarding rodeo events and programs throughout the State.

The Council shall provide annual findings and recommendations to the Governor no later than December 1 of each year.  The membership of the Council shall be composed as follows:

• The Council shall be composed of 11 members who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor;
•  The Governor shall appoint the Chair and Vice-Chair from among the Council's members; and
•  Council members shall serve voluntarily and shall receive no pay for their services, nor shall they be reimbursed for travel and subsistence expenses.
  
  THIS ORDER supersedes any previous orders, proclamations, or directives in conflict.  This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as it is rescinded by the Governor.
  

ATTEST:     DONE AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE
THIS 17th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2005

REBECCA VIGIL-GIRON   WITNESS MY HAND AND THE GREAT SECRETARY OF STATE   SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO

     BILL RICHARDSON
    GOVERNOR