Page 31 - March 2005 The Game

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper The Game, March 2005 31 Al Dymon celebrating forty-one years of progress at Woodbine
Al Dymon
By Elena Fenech
“An empowered organization is one in
which individuals have the knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally succeed in a way that leads to collective organized success.” - M. Shawn Covey.
During the 1960’s horse racing was very different from what it has evolved to be. When Mohawk Race track first opened, the mutual terminals were not inside the building, the terminal operators were bundled with hats, scarves and heavy gloves to protect themselves from the cold weather. Gusts of wind would blow through the wickets making the working conditions quite
different from what they are
now.
During the splendor of the early 1970’s, the great Secretariat came to compete for a final time at Woodbine. Al Dymon was there to witness all the glamour and the glory.
He has also witnessed many changes in his 43 years of employment in the horse racing industry.
Al began his career in January 1964 at Greenwood Race Track as a mutuel clerk. Back then, after working 100 days as a mutuel clerk you would automatically became a senior employee. Al completed his 100 days and then began working for the harness circuit. For eight years he traveled from Garden City, Mohawk and Greenwood race tracks and when the opportunity presented itself he transferred from the standardbreds to the thorough- breds.
The Ontario Jockey Club always offered the opportunity for professional development, “If you wanted to move ahead, the opportunity was there. It really was a fun place to work. It was both rewarding and enjoyable. I had a lot of fun working here.” said Al, reflecting on his many achievements. Through hard work and dedication Al become a mutuel supervisor but that was just the beginning. During the late 1980’s he was offered a promotion as an inner track manager, a title he held until former senior V P Rick Cowan offered him a position as his executive assistant.
With the new position came new challenges and opportuni- ties. Al was in charge of just about everything involving the daily operations of racing.
Al was an innovative employee and recognized the potential for several improve- ments. His priority was to make Woodbine as efficient and cost effective as possible.
He was able to achieve that when he customized the sale of programs and racing forms. He eliminated the Forms and Programs department and was able to save between $50,000 and $100,000 a year. Al created a beneficial situation for both the company and its customers by saving the company money and offering better service to its customers. He also made sure that all the employees were relocated to other departments.
Having incorporated two sectors into the admission department was a significant step forward that allowed Al to oversee and negotiate admission
contracts. The highlight of his career was the 1996 Breeders’ Cup at Woodbine. He was involved with overseeing the operations for that very prestigious day and had the responsibility of making sure everything ran smoothly. Right in the middle of the planning came the employee lock-out and it was Al’s job to handle the negotiations. Issues were resolved and more than 40,000 people came to Woodbine to watch the Breeders’ Cup races for what would be a tremendous day.
CONTINUED PAGE 32 - SEE AL DYMON
Spring is upon us! Spring is upon us!
Susan Y. Foreman & Staff
Wish Good Luck
to all clients & customers on their 2004 Sales Purchases. Looking forward to seeing you
at the races!
~
To those who have sold with us, We Thank You.
Here’s to the 2005 Yearlings!
Forest Camp - Explosive Missile $160,000 Select Yearling Colt
Consigning to all North American Sales Susan 905-726-8528