Columbus, OH — Phil Langley was re-elected as president of the U.S. Trotting Association by a 38-13 tally over challenger Jason Settlemoir during the general session of the USTA Board of Directors meeting on Sunday (March 16), held at the Hilton-Easton.
Langley was re-elected to a fourth consecutive term — his first in which there was an election — and vowed to continue his current platform of leading medication research and social media marketing.
In the other officer elections, Ivan Axelrod (chairman of the board), Barbara Brooks (secretary) and Richard Brandt (treasurer) were all unopposed and retain their respective seats.
Ohio State Rep. Jim Buchy, a former horse owner and a longtime political friend of harness racing, gave the opening remarks. He stressed that those in the harness racing industry should never forget that the sport is built on the horse, and the horse is a vital part of the agriculture industry, both in Buchy's home state of Ohio and around the country.
"We need to look at going back to our roots," said Buchy, who was first elected to the Ohio House in 1983. "Don't ever forget that we are in this room because farmers raced their horses against each other a couple hundred years ago. That led to the county fairs, and that is where we need to look to expand our fan base."
Buchy suggested some areas of focus for harness racing leaders in order to continue to enjoy the level of economic prosperity that the Ohio harness racing industry has recently seen.
"It's absolutely imperative that the integrity of the sport continues to be positive," he said. "The fans have to know that we have honest racing on the track and we're respectful to the animals."
In his report to the board, Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner summarized the association's busy year, including the launch of Online Entry, the expansion of the social media initiative, and increased medication funding and research. One major undertaking was the sale of the Columbus office and the subsequent move to the northeast suburbs of Columbus, a four-month undertaking that did not result in interruption of service to members.
"Out of everything that has happened this year, how our staff reacted to the move, and never took their eyes off the ball, that might have been our biggest accomplishment," he said. "We continued to deliver near-flawless service to members."
Five new directors were introduced to the board: In District 2, Scott Peine, director of racing at Hoosier Park, was introduced by District Chairman Ken Marshall. In District 6, Joe Pennacchio, president of the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, and Brett Revington, director of racing operations at Pompano Park, were introduced by District Chairman Alan Leavitt. In District 9, Steve O'Toole, general manager of racing at Plainridge Park Casino, was introduced by District Chairman Don Marean. In District 12, Nick Salvi, stakes coordinator for Gural Racing, was introduced by District Chairman John Brennan.
Former District 9 Director Paul Fontaine and former District 6 Director Jay Sears were named Directors Emeritus in a proclamation by USTA Chairman Ivan Axelrod.
Presentations by Rob Key, Founder of the social media marketing firm Converseon; Ed Martin, president of Racing Commissioners International; and Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council, were also on the morning agenda.
Meetings will continue throughout the afternoon, including the Registration and Owner/Breeder Committee, the Driver/Trainer Committee, the Regulatory Committee and the Pari-Mutuel Committee.
From the USTA Media Department