A new year brings a new board to the Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA). The board met for the first time in 2023 at the ISA Office in Greenfield Monday, Jan. 2. A total of 14 of the 15 members were in attendance with Board Member Randy Hatton unable to attend due to a health issue. The first order of business was to determine the new executive committee, which is led by new President John DeLong, who takes over for outgoing President Joe Putnam.
The new ISA Board held their first meeting in 2023. From left, first row: Dennis Petty, Emily Dever, Jay Hochstetler, Robert Taylor, Zach Miller, and James Yoder. Second row: John Wilson, Chad Gooding, John DeLong, Ernie Gaskin, Dr. Alan White, Matt Rheinheimer, Doug Rideout, Tony Renz (executive director), Sarah Conrad, and Adam Kallick (lobbyist). Photo by Tammy Knox
Joining DeLong on the executive committee is Robert Taylor, first vice president, Doug Rideout, second vice president, Matt Rheinheimer, treasurer, and Emily Dever, secretary. The board also welcomed brand new board members to their first meeting James Yoder and Jay Hochstetler. Both Yoder and Hochstetler have sizeable stables in the state of Indiana and are valuable additions to the board in representing the 800-plus members of the organization.
Tony Renz, executive director, noted a big year was ahead for Indiana harness racing, beginning with I-gaming in the legislative session that begins in January and will proceed through April. Renz also noted the Economic Impact Report recently completed will be released soon and an entire plan is in place to showcase the information which has a very positive report on horse racing in the Hoosier State. Renz also noted the 2023 season will lead up to hosting the third Breeders Crown at Harrah’s Hoosier Park this fall. Renz talked about additional sponsorship opportunities for the prestigious event.
Adam Kallick, who is a supplemental lobbyist for the ISA, talked about the importance of the I-gaming bill and the need to be in the conversation as the legislative session gets underway. The ISA Board, Kallick and Renz will continue to monitor the entire process as the bill comes under review and consideration.
Kallick also noted several board members were present for a tour of area Standardbred racing facilities to incoming State Representative Kyle Pierce. Pierce toured Pace Setter Training Center as well as New Wave Equine, which provides therapeutic services to racehorses.
The ISA Board also set members on various committees and a new committee was voted on and formed. The ISA will now include a Commission Relations committee that will include the executive team as well as Ernie Gaskin.
Reports from committees were presented to the board. Additional details for various services offered to the membership of the ISA will be reviewed and discussed prior to the next meeting, which is slated for Monday, Feb. 6 at the ISA Office in Greenfield.