BUSINESS NEWS

Valerie Dailey [Submitted photo]

FTBOA board announcements

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association recently announced that Valerie Dailey, a thoroughbred breeder in Florida since 1985, was elected president of the board meeting following the annual member meeting.

“I’m honored to have been selected to serve as president for a second time. The industry has definitely changed since my initial term in 2022 and we have a challenging road ahead. My goal is to educate and get the word out about greatness of the Florida-bred thoroughbred and our significant impact on the national thoroughbred industry,” Dailey said in the news release.

Nick de Meric, a thoroughbred breeder and leading consignor of 2-year-olds, was named first vice president and Francis Vanlangendonck, of Summerfield Sales based in Williston, was named second vice president. Richard Heysek, who breeds under the banner of his Caperlane Farm, was named treasurer. Beckie Cantrell, a thoroughbred breeder from Ocala, will serve as secretary.

Jerry D. Campbell of Tampa and Mary Lightner of Williston were re-elected as board members while de Meric, Christine Jones, Phil Matthews and Jean White join the board as new directors.

Other returning board members include Beth Bayer, Brent Fernung, Milan Kosanovich and Tiffany Atteberry. Lonny Powell enters his 14th year as CEO and executive vice president.

OEU award

The Florida Municipal Electric Association recently recognized Ocala Electric Utility with a Building Strong Communities award.

The honor highlights public power utilities that implement programs and projects focused on community education, environmental improvement, crime prevention, charitable efforts and other initiatives that strengthen local communities, the news release noted.

OEU was recognized at the FMEA Energy Connections Conference and Trade Show in Jacksonville and joins 18 other community-owned Florida public power communities in receiving the award.

OBS names international rep

The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company announced that Will Douglass has joined the firm as an international representative.

A native of England, Douglass began his career as a bloodstock agent in 2010 with industry veteran Charlie Gordon-Watson. Prior to that, he served as assistant to trainer Luca Cumani, Ed Dunlop and champion Australian trainer David Hayes, the news release stated.

“I am looking forward to working with team at OBS and helping them expand their international client base,” Douglass said in the release. “OBS has a long history of selling outstanding horses that are successful all over the world.”

“Will’s expertise in Europe and Asia provides the perfect complement to the global appeal of OBS graduates,” said Tod Wojciechowski, OBS director of sales, in the release.

Business donates to school and foundation

Ausley Construction has announced a $50,000 donation to be split between Winding Oaks Elementary School and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County.

In the gift, $25,000 will go to Winding Oaks as a multi-year business partner commitment through the foundation and $25,000 as a scholarship fund through the foundation to support high school seniors going into high skill, high wage fields that support the local workforce in areas of need like firefighters, law enforcement officers, the construction trades, nurses and special education teachers, the news release stated.