Churchill Downs has launched its first-ever "Speakers Bureau" to make representatives from all areas of the historic track available for participation in events and gatherings sponsored by business, community, and social groups. The Speakers Bureau will be coordinated by the Churchill Downs Community Relations Department, which will work to match inquiring groups and events with a speaker that best matches their interests or needs. "Many community, business and social groups and visiting conventions and business gatherings contact us each year with requests for speaking appearances by members of our team and the Churchill Downs Speakers Bureau should streamline that process," said Jim Gates, general manager of Churchill Downs. "We expect those requests to increase as our $121 million renovation nears its scheduled completion in early April and the 131st Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks draw near."
The roster of Churchill Downs team members that may be available through the Speakers Bureau includes Gates; John Asher, vice president of communications; Julian "Buck" Wheat, director of horsemen's relations; Tony Terry, director of publicity; Stacey Meier, director of marketing; Tom Schneider, vice president of guest services; Beth Andrews; director of guest services; Catherine Delaney, director of group marketing and sales; and Jeremy Clemons, director of Churchill Downs Incorporated marketing. Churchill Downs President Steve Sexton will also be available for some larger events. Individuals and groups interested in booking a Churchill Downs team member through the track's Speakers Bureau should contact Dana Johnson, director of community relations, at (502) 636-4506.