Joe Pennacchio – Biography

Joe Pennacchio is a retired CEO who spent most of his career in department store retailing. His last assignment was as the president of Jordan Marsh department stores in Boston.

Pennacchio spent his last 15 years as CEO for consumer products companies that were both manufacturing and distribution companies. He has had significant experience running companies with both United States and foreign facilities and has served on several boards for both private and public companies.

Pennacchio currently serves as the president of the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association. He has been in the Standardbred business for more than 25 years and is a passionate amateur driver. Most importantly, he loves the horses and this sport.

Joe Pennacchio – Candidate’s Platform

I am running for the position of President of the United States Trotting Association and hereby submit my platform designed for the benefit of this Association and its membership

• The USTA Must Run as a Business. I have decades of experience as President and Chief Executive Officer of some of the nation’s leading corporate entities. I will work to generate a consistent and positive revenue stream to enable the organization to promote itself, enabling industry growth.
• Marketing. Using the aforementioned revenue stream, the USTA can lead the way with a national marketing plan embracing social media along with traditional marketing efforts. This organization must have a growing membership base.
• Unity. I will form a coalition of track and casino owners, horsemen organizations and breeding farms to develop a “one voice” strategy for the industry.
• Health Care and Retirement. Rather than the smaller individual groups and plans that currently exist around the country, I will work to centralize health care and retirement, making it available to all USTA members.
• Universal Licensing. I believe that a universal licensing system should be put into place, thus eliminating the “red tape” now in place in obtaining licenses in multiple jurisdictions.
• Aftercare of Standardbred Horses. The USTA has done a very admirable job, along with non-profit organizations, saving, retraining and placing retired race horses in “foster homes.” Continued emphasis needs to be placed in this area by highlighting the success stories that are regularly occurring.
• Commitment. Having NO outside obligations to the business world, I am able to devote “whatever it takes” to help vault our sport to new heights of success and my allegiance will stretch no further than the USTA and the welfare of its membership and our grand sport.

I thank you for your support.

Respectfully,

Joe Pennacchio