APHA achieves 40,000 fan milestone

April 12, 2011 Off By Roberta Johnston

Communication via the social media has reached new heights at the American Paint Horse Association (APHA). Since the debut of the APHA Facebook webpage in April 2009, the association has been utilizing this tool to provide an innovative avenue for members and Paint Horse enthusiasts to connect and interact. Support of the APHA page has continued to grow, and today APHA announced reaching an impressive milestone on Friday, April 8, by accumulating its 40,000th Facebook fan.

In early April APHA began a campaign to build anticipation for the event by announcing that the 40,000th person to become a fan of the page would receive a special prize. It only took a few days before the goal was not only met, but exceeded.

Justin Buschbacher, a longtime APHA member from Wentzville, Mo., was the big winner. “I have realized Facebook is the easiest way to see what is going on in the world today, and APHA’s Facebook page is no exception,” said Justin when asked what prompted him to become a fan of the page. “I am looking at attending this year’s APHA World Show in the fall if my military duties allow me to do so, and I know I can keep up-to-date on all the latest news through the Association’s page.”

To commemorate the milestone, Justin received 40 APHA branded items including t-shirts, books, caps, posters and more. APHA is excited to be a part of this cutting-edge communications tool and thrilled with the response its page continues to receive. More Facebook contests and fun activities are planned.

The Association uses its Facebook page to inform its members and fans about news and happenings affecting the organization. To view the APHA Facebook page and become a fan, go to http://www.facebook.com/americanpainthorse .

Connecting more than 500 million users from across the world through the World Wide Web, Facebook is the largest online social networking website.

More About APHA Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of more than 30,000 horses each year. APHA has registered more than 981,000 horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded 49 years ago, and now serves approximately 85,000 active members around the world. APHA, a non-profit organization, prides itself on community involvement and educating the public about the beauty and talent of the breed. Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve bloodlines and maintain the outstanding characteristics of Paint Horses. For more information, visit the Association’s website at www.apha.com or call (817) 834-APHA (2742).