American Horse Council Press Release
Contact: American Horse Council
AHC@horsecouncil.org

American Horse Council’s 2008 National Issues Forum to Focus on Getting Involved in the 2008 Elections

May 15, 2008, WASHINGTON, DC – The American Horse Council (AHC) will host the 2008 National Issues Forum June 16-18 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. This is an exciting opportunity to bring together industry leaders and participants to discuss important national equine issues.

The general session on Tuesday, June 17th, will feature sessions designed to educate horse organization leaders and individuals as to how they can be actively and effectively involved in the 2008 election process. Speakers include Jeff Glassie, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, on “What’s an Organization to do” – IRS/FEC Limits”; J. Scott Jennings, Senior Strategist at Peritus Public Relations discussing “Getting in on the Ground Floor – Opportunities Elections Provide”; Gregory M. Cohen, President and CEO of the American Highway Users Alliance, and Derrick Crandall, President of the American Recreation Coalition, addressing “Developing/Delivering the Message to Candidates”. In addition, Congressman Ben Chandler (D-KY) and Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-FL), co-chairs of the Congressional Horse Caucus, have been invited to discuss the industry’s involvement in the elections.

In the afternoon, the AHC will provide an update on national issues affecting the horse industry and urges participants to make appointments to visit with their elected officials. Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday have been set aside for these Congressional visits.

For those interested in the issue of Unwanted Horses, a USDA/AHC Unwanted Horse Forum has been scheduled at USDA from 8 am – 4 pm on Wednesday, June 18th. There is no admission fee for this forum. To register, send your name, affiliation and email address to Marsha Stephens Hurd, 800 9th St., SW, Rm. 3150, Waterfront Center, Washington, DC, 20250-2220; telephone: 202-401-5352; fac: 202-401-6156; or email either mhurd@csrees.usda.gov or rreynnells@csrees.usda.gov.

More information about the 2008 National Issues Forum, including registration forms, schedules and more, can be found at the AHC web site, www.horsecouncil.org or by calling the AHC offices at 202-296-4031.

Trade press credentials are available. Please contact the AHC offices for further information.

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As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.