FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17, 2008                                                                                     Contact: Val Vail-Shirey

www.miequine.com                                                                                                       517-372-1500

 

MICHIGAN EQUINE CONFERENCE LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR FUTURE OF THE EQUINE INDUSTRY

Michigan’s equine industry professionals and enthusiasts gathered December 12 and 13, 2007 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing, Michigan. With 200 participants at the conference, industry members were able to listen to the latest activities within Michigan’s equine industry and share ideas, problems and suggestions with one another to ensure a bright future for the industry.

Guests had the opportunity to network at the Equine Reception with members of the Michigan Legislature and fellow industry professionals. Attendees heard from keynote Speaker, Jack Smith, on how Kentucky equine enthusiast have moved their industry forward with innovative programs and people. Don Koivisto, newly appointed Director for the Michigan Department of Agriculture, shared with attendees his view of Michigan’s equine industry and the strong role it plays in Michigan agriculture, the state’s second largest industry.

The second day was action packed with seven breakout sessions including: Research, Economic Development, Legislative and Regulation, Marketing and Promotion, Education, Environment and Land use, and Racing Revitalization. Members of the seven committees had been working since May in preparation for this conference and attendees had the opportunity to participate and voice their thoughts and opinions on the equine industry.

Mike Yoder, an equine specialist from North Carolina State University and Cara Stewart, Field Director from the Kentucky Equine Education Project, were outstanding keynote speakers Thursday. Yoder shared his expertise with North Carolina’s equine check-off program and equine facilities located in the state. Stewart shared with the audience the nuts and bolts of the Kentucky Equine Education Project and how Michigan’s equine industry can benefit from a similar program.

The conference concluded with the presentation of the recently completed Michigan Equine Survey and the feasibility study on building a Michigan Equine Facility (Agriculture). Many in the industry worked for months to bring these projects to realization and the results of these studies are extremely important. Each committee presented the results of their committee discussion. Be sure to look for the Michigan Equine Conference After Action Report coming soon.

For more information visit www.miequine.com or call 517-372-1500.

* * *