At the end of July, Standardbred Canada hosted our quarterly board meeting, and this month I would like to provide members with highlights from the meeting:

As a regular standing item during the round table discussion, directors are asked to provide an update with regard to how the industry is performing within the jurisdiction that they represent. For the most part, the overall update was fairly positive, at least compared to other round tables.

Directors commented on good news from the Alberta market. Horse supply in Quebec has been a bit of a struggle in the spring but seems to be turning around nicely in the summer. In Ontario, the directors commented that breeding is up over last year and there are a lot of young horses in the program this year. And, out east, the horse supply isn't as strong as it could be, but the general mood is up, and at the Regional Drivers Championship in Truro they had one of the biggest race crowds they have seen in a while.

Other points of discussion at the board meeting included:

The 30th anniversary of the O'Brien Awards coming up in February and management was tasked with making the industry awards program more cost effective and efficient, while not taking away the importance of the annual awards show.

The Governance Committee reported to the Board, the ongoing work it has been doing to implement all the recommendations that were identified and approved by the Board in 2017.

The Executive Committee presented their recommendation for the Board to accept and approve fee increases in 2019, the first increase in almost five years. The executive also presented a budget philosophy for management to follow in setting the 2019 budget.

The Breeders Committee presented the approved guidelines and associated fees for implementing microchipping next year. This includes providing all racetracks who purchase their first deluxe model scanner to be given a complimentary secondary scanner from Standardbred Canada to assist with implementing the new identification program.

The By Laws Committee reported that as per the Governance Review in 2017 they are embarking to review and discuss the current bylaws of the association.

The Strategic Planning Committee presented their report which outlined Standardbred Canada's long term objectives for 2019-2024 including; Communications, Financial Sustainability, Data Management, Stakeholder Relations and Membership/Customer Service Value. Management has now been asked to begin working on the 2019 Strategic Plan to support and execute on the long-term objectives identified.

Below are further details of the 5 year strategic plan:

MANDATE

Standardbred Canada supports the Standardbred breed and the persons who breed, own and race Standardbred horses through;

a) The registration and identification of Standardbred horses and keeping of pedigrees;

b) The maintenance, preservation and dissemination of records regarding the breeding and racing of Standardbred horses;

c) Provide a platform for communication that creates interest, awareness and support for the Standardbred Industry.

MISSION STATEMENT:

"SC is the national leader that records and communicates information about Standardbred breeding and racing".

VISION STATEMENT:

"Standardbred Canada is an essential support for the horse, industry and sport".

LONG TERM OBJECTIVES AND DEFINITION:

1. Data Management

Definition: Through a Data Management strategy, capitalize on existing and new technologies to better serve the needs of our members, industry and association.

2. Membership/Customer Service Value

Definition: Develop a membership value strategy that enhances customer membership satisfaction.

3. Communications

Definition: Provide communication platforms to create interest, awareness and support for the Standardbred Industry.

4. Stakeholder Relations

Definition: To represent Standardbred Canada membership at industry meetings and events, and champion improvements for the industry.

5. Financial Sustainability

Definition: As a fiscally responsible association, we will continue to ensure a sustainable business model under a responsible governance structure.

Also at the Board meeting, directors were presented with a Gaitway update (computer upgrade) and a review of a proposed Racetrack Fee model for consideration and discussion, which received board approval to accept the new model as presented.

A big thanks to our Board members for their commitment and dedication to the association, as their expertise and input has been and is imperative to the future success of Standardbred Canada.

Dan Gall, President & CEO, Standardbred Canada
[email protected]