Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Fund Seeks Event Planner

Issues Request for Proposal; Accepting Bids from Qualified Companies

ALBANY, NY (04/30/2008)(readMedia)-- The Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund (the Fund) today announced it is seeking proposals from qualified event planning companies to plan and implement its annual awards banquet, “Night of Champions” reception and various trade show exhibits.

The Fund administers the New York Sire Stakes harness racing program, which runs from June through September each year.

The intent of the Request for Proposal (RFP) is to identify and select an experienced event planning consultant, firm or team that will be responsible for event support, execution, planning and the coordination of all aspects related to implementing the projects outlined by the Fund. The selected firm will be required to provide personnel experienced in corporate event planning, event support, execution, coordination services and follow-up, as directed by the Fund.

Interested bidders may contact Christine Burling, marketing and publicity director, at 518-436-8713 for a copy of the RFP. The RFP is also posted on the Fund’s website (nysirestakes.com) and announced on the NYS Contract Reporter. The proposal due date is May 27, 2008 with an award anticipated to be made by June 30, 2008.

The Awards Banquet is a formal dinner event for approximately 150 attendees and held at the conclusion of the racing season each year. Held at Yonkers race track prior to the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions races, the reception is a casual cocktail reception for approximately 75 attendees.

The trade show exhibit project would include exhibit design and promotional item development, seeking and analyzing appropriate trade shows that the Fund should attend, staffing assistance, and post-event analysis.

The Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund (the Fund) is a public benefit corporation established in 1965 by the Laverne Law (Laws of New York, Chapter 567 of the Laws of 1965). The mission of the Fund is to promote agriculture through the breeding of standardbred horses and the conduct of equine research within the State. To carry out its legislative mission, the Fund administers the New York Sire Stakes races, State Fair Series races, Late Closers Series events, and County Fair Races. Additionally, the Fund provides assistance to county agriculture societies and contributes to the statewide 4-H program and to the Harry M. Zweig Fund for Equine Research.

For more information, visit www.nysirestakes.com or call 518-436-8713.

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