Webster Discusses Forest City Departure

Brian Webster of Forest City Yearling Sale spoke to Trot Insider this morning about his surprise announcement that he will no longer be employed by the company effective February 28, 2009

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"It sort of came out of the blue," said Webster. "There are always differences of opinions between people that work together, and the Forest City group decided that they wanted to go in another direction."

Webster said that though his days with Forest City are coming to an end, he is looking to stay active in the business.

"I'm definitely looking to stay in the business," he said. "I have plenty of energy left and a great deal of experience. I still have a lot left to give to this industry."

Representatives from Forest City Sale told Trot Insider that they will be commenting on the situation later today.

Webster's note to the industry appears below in its entirety.

After nine years as president and sale manager of Forest City Yearling Sale, I have been notified that my employment will end on February 28, 2009 (the company year end). Being fired was a surprise and I haven’t been sure how to react other than to say thank you to the many people who have been with me over the years and to wish the new sale manager all the best. There are many talented and capable Canadians in our business and I look forward to the announcement on who that will be.

Thanks to Doug Nash for suggesting my name for the job back in 2000. Over the years I relied on and appreciated the direct dialogue from Dr. Glen Brown, Jim Bullock and the late Chris Van Bussel. I am grateful to them for their common sense and leadership.

The consignors and buyers are the life blood of any sale; they supply and buy the horses. I won’t name the many consignors and buyers here, but I know who you are and I’ll keep in touch to thank you for your support and friendship.

A number of key people have helped me from the start, all very professional and competent: Jim, Wilma, Arlene (sale accounting), Dick & Gary (Sportswood), Jim (the web master), Jackie (ad design), Heather and crew (Standardbred Canada), Frank (ring construction), Charlie (RVS), Mark (sound), Bob (video) and on sale day Dr. Chris, Kevin, Eddie, Frank (leaders), Steve, Terry, Cris, Bruce, Margaret, Mike, Joanne S., Robin, Cory, Carla, Karen, Glen, Mark, Bruno; and in the office Shari (the calm one), Brenda (our volunteer) and Joanne C. (result sheets), Bruce and Ken (pedigrees), Bob, Bill and team (Auctioneers -- Canada’s best and that was always good enough for me), and most of all my wife, Gay, who came in part-time at the beginning to help me and she’s still here (balancing accounts as this is written). She put her many talents to use while being responsible for efficiency, creativity, dedication and good service.

I can still be contacted at the Forest City Yearling Sale office in St. George, which will be open until February 28, 2009.

Telephone

519-448-1149 (office)
519-448-9458 (home)
519-658-3129 (cell)

Email

[email protected]
[email protected]

Thank you one and all.

Brian Webster