MICHIGAN EQUINE PARTNERSHP RESPONDS TO NEEDS OF THE MICHIGAN EQUINE INDUSTRY

Michigan equine industry unites to have one strong political voice. The Michigan Equine Partnership (MEP) appointed a 15 member (interim) board of directors in July. The board is structured to represent the many different equine interests across the entire industry and state.

The executive board consists of: Cady Ness-Smith (Eagle, MI), President. Cady is a member of the Michigan Horse Council, Crossroads Donkey Rescue, American Quarter Horse Association, American Donkey and Mule Society, and American Mustang and Burro Association. Aaron Rice (Battle Creek, MI), Vice President. Aaron is member of Michigan Great Lakes International, Inc., and other draft horse associations. Claudia Cary (Pinckney, MI), Secretary. Claudia is on the board of the Michigan Harness Horseman’s Association. Ron Hitzler (Williamston, MI), Treasurer. Ron is an attorney specializing in equine law. Completing the leadership of MEP is Executive Director, Val Vail-Shirey and Consultant Larry Julian with Julian Vail, LLC.

The board is structured to represent the many different equine interests across the entire industry and state. MEP also consists of the following committees: finance, development, legislative, outreach, membership, and nomination. In addition to the board, MEP plans to appoint 83 county ambassadors to further promote and educate Michigan residents on the value of the equine industry.

One of the unique things about MEP is that individuals and business members can belong, enjoying the same voting rites as group members. It is important to know that the board is required to, “exercise their powers in the interest of MEP and not in their own interests or the interests of another entity or person”. This assures that the vision and goals of MEP will always be protected and there is some measure of “checks and balances”.

“With such a diverse membership, the entire industry is represented, bringing interest in the Michigan equine industry to a new level. The future depends on all aspects of the industry being represented, including retail sales, corporations and other entities that interact with the equine industry. All equine organizations can work in harmony with the Michigan Equine Partnership. We will be most effective if we come together as the collective voice on behalf of the equine industry. By increasing public awareness and support, influencing public policy, and heightening recognition of economic opportunities, the Michigan Equine Partnership will contribute to the economy through continued job growth in agriculture”, said President Cady Ness-Smith.

MEP is trying to make things easy for members, by keeping an updated web site and allowing members to purchase memberships on-line. MEP also accepts credit cards for all purchases. “Regardless of the issue, if it impacts the equine industry, we want to hear about”, says Executive Director Val Vail-Shirey.

The first Annual Membership meeting will be held October 9, 2005 which will include election of the board of directors. The meeting and dinner will be held at Eagle Eye Golf Course & Banquet Facility in East Lansing, Michigan. The annual meeting will begin at 2:00pm. The guest speaker for this special event will be Mitch Irwin (invited), newly appointed director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The social hour and silent auction begins at 4:00pm with a host of items courtesy of our generous sponsors. Dinner will begin at 5:00pm with guest speaker Jim Novolio, Executive director of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP). A special live auction will follow with a select variety of items including stud access contracts, tack, vacations, and much more. Tickets for the dinner and live auction are $35 per person. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as seating is limited. All proceeds will support the Michigan Equine Partnership.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 517.372.1500 or e-mail val@miequine.com . Tickets may also be purchased from our web site at www.miequine.com and from Tom’s Western Store. Visa and MasterCard are accepted for all tickets purchased directly from MEP.