Executives from Standardbred Canada (SC) and the United States Trotting Association (USTA) met Tuesday, May 21 at the SC offices in Mississauga, Ont. to discuss mutual concerns and possible synergies between the two organizations.
The meeting was organized by Darryl Kaplan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Standardbred Canada, who attended the USTA’s annual board of directors meeting earlier this year in Columbus, Ohio and, in a conversation there with USTA president Russell Williams, suggested establishing a dialogue.
Mike Tanner (EVP/CEO) and T.C. Lane (COO) represented the USTA on Tuesday. Joining Kaplan were Janet Cookson (Manager, Information Technology), Linda Bedard (Registrar/Manager of Member Services), Val Boom (Racing Services Manager), Jade Regina (Member and Stakeholder Relations Manager) and Darlene Kidd-Bailey (Executive Assistant). The all-day session covered an array of topics, including data privacy and protection, graded stakes, Standardbred wellness and advocacy, horse identification, outreach efforts, and potential shared programs meant to promote the sport and participation on both sides of the border.
“It was an extremely productive and enjoyable day,” said Tanner, “and I’m glad that we were able to sit down and really take the time to dig into some important issues. Darryl and his team were gracious hosts, and T.C. and I went home with several ideas about how we might collaborate more with Standardbred Canada going forward. This won’t be the last time we get together.”
"The value of meeting face-to-face with our colleagues from the USTA is immeasurable," said Kaplan. "We are very appreciative that Mike, T.C. and the USTA team are open to working with us through challenges and opportunities to move our industry forward. We have committed to building on these meetings and taking important next steps in a number of areas."
Both SC and USTA have agreed to collaborate in the near future and to engage the industry in efforts aimed at furthering Standardbred racing and breeding across North America.
(Standardbred Canada / U.S. Trotting Association)