The Irish Greyhound Board has announced a complete strategic review to determine the future direction of the greyhound industry in Ireland which will help guide it through the next five years but with the long term future very much in mind.
It is the intention to involve all stakeholders in a full consultation process and notices for participation will be placed in the press, the IGB website (see link below) and at all tracks countrywide from Friday 10th February. This strategic review will allow the completion of a strategic plan for the industry which will take the industry into 2017. It follows the completion of the last 5 year strategic plan which concludes in early 2012.
The findings of the review will form a platform for all views to be considered towards the future ongoing development of the greyhound industry which is currently undergoing a resurgence in popularity with many groundbreaking improvements and milestones taking place. Ireland is seen as the world's authority on greyhound racing, breeding, husbandry with the leading standards and examples in regulation, governance and testing. The Irish Greyhound Board management have already set in train a number of initiatives to ensure the future viability of the sport from the point of view of new revenues which will also increase prizemonies and ensure higher attendances and attract new sponsors.
IGB CEO Adrian Neilan said: "The facilitation of this all encompassing review will entail the IGB seeking submissions from all interested industry stakeholders following a press and public announcement. The closing date for the receipt of submissions from stakeholders is Friday March 9 2012. I am confident that following this review we will have an advanced framework which will help us advance our leading industry and further cement it's status as the world's best as it is my intention that we will never let it rest on it's already well earned laurels and therefore I earnestly urge all stakeholders to participate in this process and have their views heard. All submissions received will be treated confidentially and the ensuing report will be made public soon after".
IGB Chairman Phil Meaney added "With over 50% of our Board having been appointed within the last 12 months, this is an ideal opportunity for new members and old to bring fresh initiatives to the Greyhound industry. The last plan was drawn up in 2007 when the economy was booming and now is the ideal time to strategically plan our way forward in these difficult times. With constructive feedback from all stakeholders, coupled with new ideas at Board level, I look forward to a good strategic plan that will allow us to meet the challenges and grow the business over the next five years".
The IGB have compiled a short survey to gather stakeholder feedback, which can be completed by clicking on the link below. All responses are confidential, and respondents will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a €200 IGB Voucher upon completion.
Take the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IGBSurvey2012