Members of the Florida Greyhound Association gathered in Hollywood Florida the weekend of May 19 and 20 for the 27th Annual Meeting of the group. Honored guest throughout the weekend festivities was former NGA President Herbert “Dutch” Koerner of Hays, Kansas.
Mr. Koerner was presented the first ever “Life Membership Award” in the Florida Greyhound Association. The award cited the years of service and achievements accomplished under his leadership as president of the National Greyhound Association.
In accepting the award, Mr. Koerner told the group that he was pleased with the progress made in Florida over the past 10 years. He stressed the point that the job was not completed and urged the NGA to retain its partnership with the FGA and continue the unified path that has been set. “We must remember, so goes Florida – so goes the rest of the greyhound industry throughout the country,” added Mr. Koerner.
Carroll Blair of Proctor, Arkansas also presented Mr. Koerner with a special award on behalf of the Arkansas Greyhound Association. Mr. Blair delivered a message of appreciation from the people of Arkansas and thanked Dutch for the unselfish sacrifices he had made to further the Sport of Greyhound Racing throughout the country.
James Blanchard, NGA Director from Florida, next made a presentation to Carroll Blair for the Greyhound Hall of Fame in honor of Dutch Koerner. Mr. Blanchard ‘s Kennel was the winner of the “Dutch Koerner Appreciation” Stakes Race at Hollywood Greyhound Track on Saturday Night and was awarded a $500 win check from the Florida Greyhound Association. He presented his win check to the Hall of Fame in recognition of Mr. Koerner’s service to the industry.
NGA President Charles Marriott of St. Petersburg, Florida was the next speaker at the meeting. He reported on the Spring Meet that has just concluded in Kansas and covered the importance of the continuation of the DNA Program currently in place nationally. He told the group there was a movement within the NGA to over turn the DNA Program and stressed to the group why DNA has to survive for the credibility of the sport.
Following Mr. Marriott, FGA/NGA Chief Lobbyist Jack Cory gave a summation of the 2001 Florida Legislative Session that closed on May 4, 2001. He urged all the members present to not drop the ball and continue meeting with their representatives and senators and help educate them as to the needs of the industry here in Florida. “We can never let up with our efforts,” Mr. Cory said. “Your tax breaks are not automatic and must be protected year after year to assure the stability of the industry here in Florida.”
Featured speaker for the affair was Attorney Andrew Siket of Naples. Mr. Siket is the legal advisor to the FGA. His speech was warm and enlightening. He spoke about the greyhound as an athlete and as a regal animal. He stressed the importance of promotion and pride in the performance of our racers. He also pointed out that the greyhound is the only dog mentioned in the Bible. He urged the members present to be proud of their profession and to remember that people go to the track to see the dogs – not to just watch the monitors.
He touched on the woes of many professional sports today, including baseball, basketball and hockey. They are all being affected by the changes of time and technology, but the true athlete will prevail. There will always be the “thrill of the chase and the race.”
Following the close of the meeting, members enjoyed a Social Hour sponsored by Seminole Animal Supply of Altamonte Springs. SAS is celebrating its 20th year of service to the greyhound industry of Florida and has been an annual sponsor of the social hour and contributor of door prizes for FGA meetings throughout the years.
Closing the event was a buffet luncheon.
NIGHT AT THE RACES
On Saturday evening, members attending the annual function were the guests of the South Florida Greyhound Association and the Hollywood Greyhound Track for a “Night at the Races”. Qual Pet of Iowa sponsored a cocktail party and a buffet dinner was hosted by the Hollywood Track compliments of General Manager Dan Adkins.
Highlighting the evening were two stakes races in honor of Dutch Koerner. Race 10 was the “Dutch Bahama Memorial” and was won by On Line Racing Kennel. Race 12 for the evening was the “Dutch Koerner Appreciation” Race and was won by the James Blanchard Kennel.
The FGA wishes to thank Hollywood for helping them honor Mr. Koerner as these races were televised throughout the country to all locations subscribing to the Hollywood schedule.
All in all, it was indeed a weekend to remember in Florida, thank you, Dutch!