Grove City, OH — Robert K. Schmitz will be presented the 2019 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Hagemeyer Significant Contribution Award at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and United States Trotting Association’s District 1 annual awards banquet on Saturday (Jan. 18) at the Marriott Columbus University Area Hotel.

Robert K. Schmitz will be presented the 2019 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Hagemeyer Significant Contribution Award. OHHA photo.

Schmitz has an extensive knowledge of harness racing. He has been an owner and breeder of Standardbreds since 1983.

He was appointed to the Ohio State Racing Commission in 2011 by Governor John Kasich and served two terms as Chairman of the commission. His term expired in March of 2019.

He lobbied for the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association from 2001 until 2011. He was appointed to the Standardbred Development Fund in 2001 and served until his appointment to the commission in 2011.

He operates Robert K. Schmitz Associates located in downtown Columbus and his knowledge and expertise as a government affairs specialist is extensive. He has more than 45 years of experience working with the Ohio General Assembly.

Schmitz is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Political Science. He and his wife Jenny live in Bexley, Ohio.

The Maynard and Stella Hagemeyer Significant Contribution Award goes to an individual that has made a significant life-long contribution to Ohio harness racing. The individual must possess a passion and advocacy for Ohio harness racing. The award is based on the importance of educating and involving local and state legislators to the importance of the harness racing industry.

Tickets to the banquet are $30 and are available by contacting the OHHA office at 614.221.2650. Reservation forms are also available on the OHHA website at www.ohha.com.

The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association is a non-profit organization serving Standardbred horse owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and fans who participate in the sport of harness racing in the Buckeye State. The OHHA was founded in 1953. The mission of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association is to preserve, protect, promote and serve the entire Standardbred industry in Ohio and beyond.