Consignors Group Maps Strategy for 2002

Members of the National Association of Two-Year-Old Consignors met Monday night in Ocala, Fla., to discuss 2002 objectives, review the accomplishments made by the organization in 2001, and to elect new board members.

NATC was formed in August 2000 to improve the perception of the 2-year-old marketplace, increasing public awareness as to the accomplishments of horses sold at 2-year-old sales, instill buyer confidence, and increase sales attendance and the buyer base.

The organization's primary focus next year will be on marketing its product. Since its inception, NATC has spent more than $160,000 on advertising.

"NATC's objective for 2002 is to continue to move forward with its advertising campaign, and to continue to create and enhance customer awareness through the success of the 2-year-olds sales graduates," said Leprechaun Racing's Mike Mulligan.

"The organization provides the consignors with a united voice," said Barry Berkelhammer of Abracadabra Farm. "We're going to continue to promote our product and make buyers feel more comfortable. We've always sold a good product; now we're trying to let the world know about it."

Adena Springs South general manager Mark Roberts, and Woodfield Farm's Stacy Leppala were elected to the NATC board of directors. They succeed Robert Scanlon and Bill Murphy, who resigned from the board.

NATC formed subcommittees in an effort to coordinate activities. The organization, through a spirit of understanding, cooperation, and cohesion was able to direct its focus toward the following objectives: making buyers feel more comfortable, addressing imedication and drug-testing issues, restoring the bone warranty at certain sales, and decreasing the overall RNA rate.

NATC is exploring alternative funding mechanisms as well. The Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. has pledged its support to the organization by committing $50,000 for 2002.

"NATC has had a very successful year, said Dean De Renzo, the organization's chairman. "We've been able to accomplish a number of our objectives because we've had a strong, unified voice."