In its ongoing efforts to improve the programs and benefits that are offered to the members, the Texas Horsemen's Partnership (THP) has hired a person to oversee this vital project. Nancy Nichols has just recently joined the THP team as the Benefits Coordinator, and changes already are beginning to take shape.

Ms. Nichols was formerly employed by the Texas Racing Commission (TRC) as a licensing tech and worked at the tracks here in Texas. She quickly became familiar with many of the THP members and grew to love our industry. Her background also includes work in the health care insurance industry, and she has done some work for the members of the American Boer Goat Association (ABGA).

Nancy has the skills that that will allow the THP to develop new procedures for handling our benevolence applications and obtain additional money for our assistance fund by securing grants, which will enable us to expand our existing programs. Nancy has also initiated negotiations with several manufacturers to provide incentive packages for horsemen in our industry and sponsorships for the association. These packages will address needs such as cellular phone service, comprehensive insurance, and discounts on items like horse trailers, hotels and air travel.

Nancy will be working the group purchasing departments at the NTRA and our local racetracks to ensure the best deals and rates possible. All of these programs will be aimed at improving the level of benefits that we can offer horsemen racing in Texas.

Nancy will be spending the next few weeks traveling to the racetracks and meeting with members in an effort to learn more about the specific needs of the horsemen.

"We are extremely excited to have Nancy on board with us," stated Tommy Azopardi, Executive Director of the THP. He continued, "She is a dynamic and vibrant individual, and we expect to see great things from her efforts."

You can contact Nancy at (512) 467-9799 or at her e-mail address, nnichols@texashorsemen.com.