How did RESS start?
The seed was planted about ten years ago when Jackie Hamilton proposed an art guild for the model horse industry. Then, over coffee in 1997, Lynn Fraley and Sarah Minkiewicz-Breunig surmised the time was right for an organization of a similar nature. They modified the original idea into a new concept and fleshed out some foundation bylaws for the new organization. At Breyerfest 1998, they held an informal open meeting outside The Artisan’s Showcase, gathering information and comments from colleagues to gauge the feasibility and demand for such an organization. To their delight, the response was positive and so in early 1999, they formed a Steering Committee to officially create the RESS bylaws and policies. And in June 1999, RESS became a reality! Then in late 2001 RESS became incorporated in the state of Idaho and then earned tax-exemption status under Section 501(c)(6) in early 2002.
