June 5 Illinois begins survey of equines

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June 5 Illinois begins survey of equines

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Horsemen’s Council of Illinois (HCI) is getting ready to kick off the American Horse Council’s (AHC) 2017 Economic Impact Study as a focus state. The Economic Impact Study examines the impact the equine industry has on the economy. The study measures business revenue, business profits, personal wages, and/or jobs as well as documents the economic effects of horse racing, showing, recreation and other segments of the horse industry on the state and national economy. It will also provide invaluable demographic data and insights into professions and related industries that are impacted by equine ownership. The HCI will facilitate the Illinois survey, which will be going out the week of June 5 until July 17, 2017.

The study will enable the horse industry to educate the public, the media and national and state elected officials regarding the industry’s economic size, impact and importance. Illinois’ diverse equine  industry generates local, state and federal taxes, supports thousands of jobs and has a positive impact on the U.S. economy. Updating the AHC Economic Impact Study is the best way to ensure that  credible data is available to those that are looking for it. Only by initiating a new study can the industry and policy makers know they are making decisions based on accurate information. The last study was  done in 2005. State breakout studies will cost $18,000 to complete. The 2017 Illinois focus survey is being funded by donations from organizations and individuals in the equine industry.

Founded in 1987, the Horsemen’s Council of Illinois is a non-profit all-breed, all-discipline equine advocacy group dedicated to the needs and concerns of the state’s billion-dollar horse industry. It is affiliated with the American Horse Council, the industry’s national lobbying and trade associate based in Washington, D.C. HCI produces the Illinois Horse Fair, the premier annual event for horse enthusiasts state-wide, held the first weekend in March in Springfield at the State Fairgrounds.  For more information about HCI and to access the survey, see www.horsemenscouncil.org or contact hci@horsemenscouncil.org.