Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

USTA Initiates Fair Incentive Program

January 4, 2006

The U.S. Trotting Association will embark on two initiatives in 2006 to support county fair racing by providing publicity support and funding some local marketing and promotional projects.

The first initiative is a revival of a program discontinued some 20 years ago in which county fairs receive assistance in publicizing their racing though summer publicity associates hired, subsidized, trained and supervised by USTA staff. The associates will do advance and race day coverage of fairs in all regions through developing, writing and pitching feature and news stories and photos.

The second aspect of the program provides matching funds up to 50 percent of the total project budget and a maximum of $500 per fair for projects designed to raise awareness of and attract fans to the races at local fairs. Local fairs will determine the projects and they will apply to the USTA with a proposal and budget for the marketing or promotional activity.
For more information about the publicity associates program, contact Ellen Harvey at HRCNews@ustrotting.com, or 732-780-3700. For information on the matching funds program, contact TC Lane at TCLane@ustrotting.com or 877-800-USTA (8782), ext. 3203.