It has been a whirlwind of a summer for us as we continue to work through many projects at Standardbred Canada.
The IT system upgrade that we have been working on, referred to as Gaitway, is finally coming to a successful conclusion. We understand there will be bugs and glitches that will be ongoing as we transition 100% over to Gaitway, but the great news is not that we see light at the end of the tunnel, but that there is light with this project. Huge props and kudos to our minimalistic IT department who have been knee, shoulders and head deep with this project for many years.
What this means to you, the member, is that we can begin working on online applications to provide you with more effective, efficient and seamless service. This can and will include online entries, a microchip app, membership registration, stallion certificates, etc. This is a good day for all of us and we look forward to capitalizing on many areas to serve our members better.
Another very big project saw major progress this summer with the Rules Committee completing the Rules of Racing review. This has produced a new rule book that now goes to each jurisdiction across the country to discuss and implement. Due to respecting the process, we still need to be patient, as each province has their own unique formats to follow with changing and amending rules, but we have the commitment from the committee to action the Rule Book as early as the end of this calendar year, while some other provinces are looking at releasing in early 2020. Rules pertaining to trailing horses and extended breaks, are just some of the consistencies that have been identified for the country, but what I am most thrilled about was the lead role that Murielle Thomassin, of Hippodrome 3R, and AGCO acted on with the introduction of the new Urging Rule, which begot tremendous support and now includes the Atlantic provinces. Also, from what I understand, the rule is gaining acceptance out west as well, with Alberta and British Columbia coming on board to support it, as outlined by the Rules of Racing Committee, in short order.
I would also like to thank all of the horse associations who participate in our quarterly teleconference calls. The teleconferences provide everyone with a national update and we get to hear the success stories and challenges of our industry right across the country. It has been tremendously valuable for me, and a great way to connect and stay in touch with our industry partners.
Recently, the Board of Directors met, and I am proud to announce that the Board supported and agreed to hosting our first-ever video conference, which saw our Directors from across the county participate via video to contain the Association’s costs as it pertains to travel and Director expenses. This was a tremendous initiative that was challenging and cumbersome, but our first video conference board meeting was a tremendous success. Our aim is to do more of these meetings going forward, and this will be a very useful tool when facilitating our many sub-committee meetings with our Directors. Congratulations to the SC Board for agreeing, and supporting positive change in this ever-changing world.
At the last board meeting, the Directors reviewed several reports and recommendations from many of our sub-committees including the Audit, Breeders, Executive, O’Briens and Governance committees. The board also received a full update on the 2019 strategic plan, and approved the budget philosophy for Fiscal 2020, as management begins to prepare the budget for board approval in November.
We are also now preparing for our 2019 Elections as we have five Directors whose third, 3-year term will expire at the end of the calendar year, including:
Atlantic Region:
► Mr. Kent Oakes (former Chair)
Quebec Region:
► Mr. Alain Veilleux
Ontario:
► Mr. Bill O’Donnell
► Ms. Joanne Colville (former Chair)
Western Region:
► Ms. Diane Bertrand
I would like to offer a tremendous thank you to our outgoing Directors for their unfailing dedication, commitment and passion to the association and the industry. You have served us well. Thank you.
And, of course, as with any democratic process we could possibly have Director Elections for all positions in all regions, and that is why I would like to extend an invitation for you to seriously consider running for our Board elections.
These are changing times, and like all associations and businesses, we need strong skills, leadership and governance to move forward with our industry.
SC will be providing our members with information on what it means to be a SC Director, along with details on the overall process and where you can find additional information.
It’s an exciting and challenging time to be in the industry, and an equally exciting and challenging time to be a Director on the Standardbred Canada Board. We hope you will seriously consider joining our team!
Dan Gall, President & CEO, Standardbred Canada
[email protected]