Dear Members and friends:
I would like to thank the FGA Board of Directors for electing me president during the board meeting held May 20, 2006 in Orange Park, Florida. We have many challenges facing us in the months ahead and I pledge to you that I will do everything in my power to reunite all factors of our industry racing in Florida. United we can meet the legislative challenges that lie in front of us.
Retiring the end of May was Michael Labun, who has served the FGA as its president for the past 15 years. The accomplishments under Mr. Labun’s administration have been numerous. His dedication is unquestionable and the foundation that he set includes the building blocks for our future success. A few of the legislative successes include:
A) Statutorily - NGA as the official registry for racing greyhounds in Florida.
B) Statutorily – The right of greyhound men and women to operate local associations and to have funding withheld to finance their associations’ needs.
C) Statutorily – purse enhancement through 75% of the Daily License fees.
D) Statutorily – guaranteed full purses on all ITW and Simulcasting when racing live.
E) Statutorily – 4% of card room gross to purses. And, the Live Racing requirement to operate these rooms.
(F) Statutorily - guaranteed minimum purses set, based on 1993-94 State fiscal year purses.
Also under his direction, 7 area associations were formed throughout the State. The GOA of Jacksonville was in existence and used as a model to unite the various racing areas.
Thank you, Mike, on behalf of all greyhound interests in Florida. A well done job and a well deserved retirement. I have big foot steps to follow.
Annual Meeting
Honored at the 30th Annual Meeting was Rep. Will Kendrick of Carrabelle, Florida. Rep. Kendrick represents the northern counties of Florida that are home to many greyhound farms. He was recognized as the FGA’s Legislator of the Year for his sponsorship of our “Equal Fairness Bill” regarding Slot Machine legislation. Rep. Kendrick told those attending that he would continue his pursuit for this legislation in our behalf. He also stated that he looks forward to having farms return to North Florida in the years to come.
I also want to thank Frank McCarron of Seminole Animal Supply for sponsoring the Social Hour and attending the meeting. Also in attendance were Jim Blanchard and Randy Finegan, two of our NGA directors from Florida. Jack and Keyna Cory of Public Affairs Consultants in Tallahassee; Alisa Snow and Lena Juarez, lobbyists, also of Tallahassee.
Area association presidents present were: Rod Connell of Central Florida Greyhound Association, Robert Dial, Greyhound Owners of Jacksonville; Todd Byers, Daytona Beach Greyhound Association; and, Mr. Blanchard, Bonita Springs Greyhound Association.
A special “thank you” to Mr. Dial and the GOA of Jacksonville for sponsoring “A Night at Orange Park” on Saturday evening. Those attending enjoyed a delicious buffet, super racing and great camaraderie.
In the Winner's Circle at Orange Park are Robert Dial, GOA President, Rod Connell, FGA Vice President, Yvonne Gurbada, FGA Secretary/Treasurer, Phil Ruotolo, FGA President-elect, and Michael Labun, retiring FGA President, the race winner for the GOA featured event with his leadout.
The next chapter
We now have begun to write the next chapter to the 32 year history of the Florida Greyhound Association. Again, I will stress that unity is the most vital step as we move forward. The obstacles we face are many, and there is no room for division among our ranks.
Communications will play a major part of our success and I will pledge to you to do my best to keep you all informed as we move forward. You, too, need to communicate with me. I am available to each and every one of you at any time. Please, do not hesitate to contact me. My numbers and email address are below. I will also use this website as a communication tool and hope you will check it often for updated information.
Thank you for your support and I look forward to meeting each of you personally.
Sincerely,
Phil Ruotolo
(239) 691-2603
Email: philruotolo@yahoo.com