Springfield, IL – The Illinois Equine Industry Research & Promotion Board (EPB) is asking interested, qualified Illinois horsemen to submit applications for three seats on the Board to be filled, beginning this year. 

Deadline for applications is February 28, 2009 so appointments can be made at the Board’s annual meeting, according to Karen E. Freese, Chair. 

The Board is made up of Illinois horsemen who must represent a cross section of the industry by geography and segment. Members whose terms are expiring are Penny Boyer, southern Illinois, working horses; Lois Guyon, northern Illinois, pleasure horses; and Steve Hollewell, northern Illinois, show horses. 

Application forms are available on the Internet at www.HorsemensCouncil.org. Click on the EPB logo, then locate Board Applications under the index for Directors & Committees. Applications also may be requested from the Board office in Springfield. 

All applications shall be submitted to: Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board, 3085 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703, phone (217) 585-1600, fax (217) 585-1601. A resume or brief biography is requested to enable the EPB to make an informed and unbiased decision on the qualifications of each individual applying. 

The EPB is charged with selecting recipients for grants funded by the Illinois equine checkoff program, which provides for the voluntary assessment of a nickel per 50-pound bag of horse feed sold at retail. 

By law, EPB funds must go to support equine research, education and promotion in keeping with the enabling legislation’s core purpose: "Enhancement of the Illinois equine industry through self-funded programs, projects and activities. Grants to institutions and individuals will be related to equine research, education and industry enhancements and promotion."

Illinois has more than 77,000 horse owners and 213,000 horses, constituting a $3.8 billion industry and providing more than 15,000 fulltime jobs. Any group, individual, company or institution may apply for funding. Preference will be given to projects benefiting the largest number of people/horses.

A detailed research application is available (as well as a shorter project application) at www.HorsemensCouncil.org  or from the EPB administrative office.

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