from Harness Horsemen International

Burlington, NJ — Harness Horsemen International will hold their annual meetings and awards luncheon beginning Sunday (March 6) at the Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Featured speakers include Dr. Mary Robinson of the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, Chester, Pa., and Joe Pennacchio, President and Executive Director of Florida’s SBOA.

Registration starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a welcome reception at 5:30 p.m., with general sessions beginning daily on March 7, 8, and 9.

Monday’s (March 7) agenda includes an opening address by HHI President Tom Luchento, followed by remarks from USTA President Phil Langley and American Horse Council Executive Director Jay Hickey. HHI association reports and business will follow.

On Tuesday (March 8) Dr. Robinson will speak regarding medication issues followed by HHI meetings and discussions including insurance, finance, legal, convention and scholarship.

Wednesday’s (March 9) agenda features a presentation by Pennacchio regarding the current ‘decoupling’ legislation, followed by committee reports and pertinent HHI business.

The HHI annual awards luncheon will follow, honoring USTA Executive Vice President Mike Tanner, PHHA’s retiring director Ron Battoni and Harness Racing Communications’ Ken Weingartner. Tanner is being honored as the 2015 Dominic Frinzi Person of the Year; Battoni will receive the 2015 HHI Appreciation Award; with the 2015 Clyde Hirt Media Award going to Weingartner.

The HHI annual meetings will conclude with a farewell breakfast on Thursday (March 5).

HHI is comprised of horsemen’s associations from the United States and Canada who collectively represent the agriculture based industry of harness racing in North America. HHI’s governing body consists of representatives from its member associations.