MAUREEN MACEDO

I am writing to express my interest in becoming a part of the Suri Network and contributing to its continued growth and success. As the owner of Macedo's Mini Acre in Turlock, California, I have had the pleasure of owning and working with alpacas for over 20 years. With my husband, Larry, we offer a variety of educational experiences, on and off the ranch, as well as operate mill equipment..

The Suri breed stands out to me due to its unique and marketable characteristics, including its lustrous fiber that takes dye exceptionally well and retains its smooth, cool hand. The commanding presence and standout quality of the Suri alpacas are also notable, making them highly desirable.

As a member with a diverse background in genetics, nutrition, and fiber arts, I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the organization, particularly in leveraging this expertise to inform and enhance our use of Suri fiber.

My experience in genetics and nutrition has given me a deep understanding of the factors that influence fiber production. This knowledge will allow me to contribute innovative ideas for importing the craft potential of Suri fiber, which in turn will support breeders and further develop the network's initiatives.

In the next three years, I envision the Suri Network continuing to grow, with a focus on the fiber area and expanding markets for it. I am particularly interested in pursuing this goal, and I am confident that my background and experience make me a strong candidate to help achieve this objective.

One of the Suri Network's greatest strengths is the level of education it provides. I would like to see this valuable resource brought to the attention of others outside the organization and believe that I can assist in spreading the word.

A challenge facing many organizations today is membership growth. To address this, I propose that the network increase its online presence and engage in various marketing strategies to effectively communicate its value and benefits to potential members.

I graduated from the University of California at Davis with a BS in Genetics.  Following graduation, I went to work for Ralston Purina Company, first in Quality Assurance at their Sparks, Nevada production facility, at corporate offices in St Luis, Missouri.  While there I worked in Research and Development, was heavily involved in formulation and nutritional analysis.  Changed hats yet again, earned a teaching credential and taught Science, Yearbook and Leadership before retiring to work full time on our ranch.  I am a certified AOA Spin Off judge, as well as a judge in another camelid organization.  I feel that this wide range of life skills brings a unique perspective and set of life skills.

JULIE ROY

1. What makes the Suri breed unique and marketable?
While the fiber is a standout, it’s also the animal itself — Suri alpacas are visually striking and make a big impression. Their “Muppet-like” look (as Mo Rocca once called them during a CBS Sunday Morning interview) captures the public’s imagination, making them perfect for marketing farm experiences and drawing visitors to your farm.

2. What do you bring to the Suri Network Board?
With over 20 years in the alpaca industry, I bring experience, marketing skills, and a passion for sharing heart-centered business ideas that can help grow membership and support all Suri breeders.

3. One-sentence summary of your contribution:
I help alpaca farms market meaningful services that educate, inspire, and build profitable, sustainable business models.

4. Vision for the Suri Network in 3 years & your role in it:
I see a more inclusive Network, reaching farms that own both Huacaya and Suri, offering training in farm tourism and marketing — and I’d love to help make that happen through my ideas and connections.

5. One strength to build on, and how you’d help:
The Suri Network is a trusted organization — now it can lead by helping farms boost profitability through education on services like farm tourism. I know numerous farms that are excellent at promoting their farm tourism. I can share their ideas and make introductions.

6. One challenge and how you’d address it:
The Suri Network is still a “best-kept secret.” I’d help it grow by developing messaging and programs that connect with alpaca owners who aren’t focused on showing, offering more value for all members especially those farm that are yet to join because they are on the fringes.

7. Skills or experience you bring:
I’m a retired alpaca owner, author, educator, and speaker with experience in show management, board service, and farm mentoring. I research current marketing trends and lead weekly online business trainings for alpaca farms. I have a passion of helping others succeed through creative marketing techniques and strong networks. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to the Suri Network.

SUE KING

Hello, my name is Sue King, and I am asking for your vote to serve on the Suri Network Board of Trustees.  I previously served on the SN Board two consecutive terms from 2016-2021 as President of the Board, chair of the Symposium/Fleece Show planning committee, chair of the nominating committee and other important activities to support the Suri Network and our members. 

I have over 38 years of experience in finance, accounting and operations in senior management and executive positions with CH2M, KPMG and other firms.  I graduated from Montana State University with a BS degree in accounting and was a CPA early in my professional career.  The skills I developed over my career include financial and operational analysis, team building, strategic planning, start up organizations, mergers and acquisitions, and general management skills.  In 2008, I retired from CH2M and since have been engaged in finance/operations consulting on a part time basis and beginning in 2010, managing our alpaca business, Big Timber Alpacas.

 I have broad experience in serving on both corporate and not-for-profit boards and committees.  I served on the CH2M board of directors and committees for ten years prior to my retirement and served on the corporate board of SSOE Engineers for six years after my retirement. My nonprofit board experiences include the Union Gospel Mission, Rose Haven, Sherwood Community Senior Center, Sherwood YMCA, World Affairs Council of Oregon, Samaritan Counseling Center of Portland and Portland Impact.

My husband, Kevin and I have been married 47 years.  We were raised in the Midwest, attended college in Montana and moved to Oregon in 1980 after college.

Although I spent most of my professional life in the corporate world, I have agricultural roots, as my parents and past generations were dairy farmers in the Midwest. I have a deep respect and love for the livestock industry.

We purchased our first Suri alpacas in 2011 after falling in love with their fine, luxurious fiber at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival.  We focus primarily on breeding high quality Suri alpacas, but have a few high end huacayas as well.   We maintain a herd size of about 50 alpacas. In 2024, we partnered with Gerald and Colette Peterson to further advance our mission of creating the highest quality Suri alpacas with superior fleece traits, exceptional conformation and outstanding service.

 We participate in alpaca fiber and product sales through primarily regional sales outlets including retail stores and fiber festivals.  In addition, I utilize our fiber into my weaving projects through Big Timber Weaving Studio.

I decided to run again for the Suri Network board of trustees for the following reasons:

1). I can utilize my business skills such as strategic planning, managing organizational change, budgeting and finance, and management to help advance the mission of the Suri Network in supporting Suri breeders.

2). Over the next three years, I believe the Suri livestock industry needs to continue to advance the product markets for the Suri alpaca, including fiber, textiles and other products to maintain a sustainable livestock model. In addition to commercial applications of the Suri products, the cottage market needs continuous development as well. The Suri Network can help lead these market developments, through branding, education and other trade association type marketing activities.

3). To fulfill the existing and future Suri product markets, Suri Network must promote consistent, uniform Suri fiber specifications and encourage breeders to breed to these standards without compromising conformation and health of the animal. The Suri Network, through its SHIP program and Brand (Suri Simply Stunning) program and Suri Breed Standard, and other quantitative tools such as histograms, biopsies and EPDs can promote the Suri genetic advancement to increase the national herd size to fulfill market demands at the commercial and cottage levels. I have a keen interest in advancing Suri genetics to deliver the best product to our existing and future markets.

4). One of the biggest challenges in the Suri industry (and the overall alpaca industry) is attracting new breeders into the business, especially as long-time breeders retire or consolidate. I believe Suri Network needs to establish a marketing program to market specifically to new alpaca owners, especially those interested in establishing a breeding program. This program could include materials such as banners, handouts, short videos that could be made available to members to use in the regional fiber and alpaca show activities. The program could also include an education template for farms to use for seminars on their farm for alpaca beginners. Suri Network already has some great marketing materials to use in this program. My recommendation is to put a renewed effort into this initiative in the next three years.

5. I believe the Suri Network has done an exceptional job in advancing its first three mission statements above. However, I also believe that the Suri Network needs to improve in working on its fourth mission statement: To organize and conduct, from time to time, a Suri Alpaca event which shall be open to the public and which furthers the purposes of the Corporation and provides the Members and other participants with the opportunity to share with each other their ideas, encouragement, knowledge and companionship.

Since Covid, the Suri Network has offered primarily zoom educational classes and only one in person Suri Symposium. I think we need to work on events that allow SN members and the public to share, interact and network with each other. There are many alpaca shows across the US and other fiber events that we perhaps can leverage to conduct these events.