Brereton Jones, Old Friends to receive KEEP Industry Vision Award

-- Edited Press Release --

The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) will honor former Kentucky governor and founding KEEP member Brereton Jones and Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm of Georgetown, Ky., as recipients of the inaugural Industry Vision Award during the KEEP Equine Industry Conference on October 18 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lexington, Ky. The award was established to recognize distinguished leadership in Kentucky’s equine industry.

“We are very proud to recognize Brereton Jones and Old Friends for their significant contributions to Kentucky’s horse industry,” said Joe Clabes, KEEP executive director. “The committee could not have selected two more deserving ambassadors for this recognition. We look forward to expressing our appreciation for all they have done to advance Kentucky’s signature industry and how it is perceived around the world.”

The luncheon program on October 18 also will feature an address by Julie Broadway, who was named president of the American Horse Council (AHC) earlier this year to succeed retired president Jay Hickey. Broadway will discuss AHC initiatives, including the effort to update the National Economic Impact Study. She also will provide insight into what the horse industry can expect to happen legislatively in Washington, D.C. in the coming months.

The two-day Equine Industry Conference will begin Oct. 17 with partner organization meetings and other breakout sessions, followed by an evening reception. During the Oct. 18 sessions, equine industry leaders and experts will participate in panel discussions on the current state of the equine economy and how to improve the outlook of the industry for the future. Presentations will include a review of economic data, legislative and regulatory discussion by key policy experts, and information about innovative programs to support the equine economy through improved business marketing, tourism opportunities, and new industry-based initiatives.