Page 22 - The Game January 2006

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
The Game, January 2006 19
HBPA Update
HBPAAdministrativeOffices:135Queen’sPlateDrive,Suite370,Toronto,ON,M9W6V1 phone:416-747-5252
Trainer Testing for 2006
Report from the Executive Director
The Assistant Trainer/Trainer testing schedule has been set for the 2006 season.
The first testing of the season will be held at Woodbine on March 20 & 22 and at Fort Erie on April 19 & 21. Trainer testing will also be held on May 8 & 10 at Woodbine; July 10 & 12 and September 18 & 20 at both Woodbine and Fort Erie.
All applications are due two weeks prior to the first test date. For more information contact the HBPA Backstretch Office during winter opening hours at 416-675-3802.
Another year of live racing has now passed us by in Ontario. The work now begins to shape our future for 2006 and beyond. From a horsemen’s prospective, we have several challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that our industry in Ontario does not take any back steps. We certainly cannot afford to sit on our laurels and hope that the purses offered will somehow disguise the issues that need to be addressed.
How do we accomplish this?
Through planning.
Some call it strategic planning. The first thing
we must do is identify and define were we want to go. Secondly, we must analyze how to get there. Finally, we have to implement. Sounds simple, perhaps, but I can assure you this process takes time.
Over the next year, the HBPA of Ontario must create its own strategic plan. As a significant industry stakeholder, we must be proactive in determining our path over the next five years and beyond. If we adhere to the simplicity identified in the approach above (Identify and Define, Analysis, and Implement) our success could be immeasurable.
Identify and Define
Where do we want the organization to be in five years? What are our values, vision and more specifically, our mission(s)? As an example, should our mission continue to include:
a - to disseminate vital information on critical issues to horsemen,
b - to promote the development of threshold levels for therapeutic medication particularly and generally promote needed reform in medication rules and research, and
c - to provide a provincial voice for horsemen on matters of provincial policy and national interest.
Analysis
The analysis should be based on both internal and external factors. From an internal point of view, we should look at the strengths and weaknesses of our organization. From an external point of view, we must take into consideration the opportunities and threats.
Implementation
The key to success. The plan must be implemented with attached timelines and monitored closely. The plan should also be flexible in order to adjust when necessary.
Remember, in order to stay successful, we must take one of two actions: 1) stay aligned with changes in our environment by responding quickly; or 2) actively anticipate changes.
Hopefully our plan will look beyond immediate concerns and ensure long term success.
Executive Director Nick Coukos
HBPA Winter Office Hours
The Woodbine HBPA backstretch office will be closed for the month of January re-opening on Monday, January 30, 2006 at 7:00am.
While the backstretch offices are closed it is recommended that you contact the Administration Office which will keep regular office hours throughout the winter months form Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday thru Friday, except for holidays.
Call 416-747-5252.
The Fort Erie HBPA Backstretch Office is closed for the season. The office will re-open again on March 1, 2006. Anyone needing assistance will be asked to contact the Woodbine Backstretch Office at 416-675-3802 or the HBPA Administration Office at 416-747-5252.
The HBPA Goes Twoonie!
On November 29 the HBPA hosted its first blow out sale called Twoonie Tuesday with the help of WEG donating the foyer next to the backstretch kitchen.
All HBPA promotional gifts were for sale at a cost of $2 each and a second sale, at the request of backstretch workers, was held on December 2.
Items such as travel mugs, t-shirts, desk frames and toys were sold with all profits from the sale donated to the Woodbine Entertainment Group Toy Drive.
More than $6000 was collected over the two day sale. WEG and the HBPA would like to thank everyone who made Twoonie Tuesday such a great success.
HBPA Annual Backstretch Children’s Christmas Parties - December 2005
Important Information for Pension Plan Members
The Annual Record of Employment (ROE) form for 2005 has been sent out to all HBPA Pension Plan members. This form must be completed and returned to the HBPA by March 1, 2006.
If you are leaving the Province for the winter or if you do not receive a letter in the mail you can pick up the ROE form from the HBPA Backstretch Office or Administration Office.
Failure to submit a completed ROE Form will result in your immediate suspension for the HBPA’s Pension Plan.
If you require any additional information you can contact the HBPA Woodbine Backstretch office at 416-675-3802 or 1-800-268-9967 Ext 2249 or the HBPA Fort Erie Backstretch Office at 1-800-295-3770 Ext 3249 or 908-871-3200 Ext 3249.
The HBPA of Ontario hosted their annual Children’s Christmas Parties in December for
both Woodbine and Fort Erie backstretch workers. Everyone who attended enjoyed a delicious holiday dinner along with desserts and refreshments. All the children enjoyed a visit with Santa who gave every child a special Christmas gift.
Photos by Corinne Phillips
Visit the HBPA on-line at www.hbpa.on.ca