The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park was named "Ag/Equine Business of the Year" Thursday, March 8, at the Appleton Museum during the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce's annual Stars over Ocala Business Awards.
The award is given annually to the Marion County ag/equine-related business nominated that most exemplifies:
- Staying Power
- Growth in Number of Employees
- Increase in Sales and/or Unit Volume
- Innovation of Product or Service Offered
- Response to Adversity
- Evidence of Contributions to Aid Community-Oriented Projects
"We are honored to accept this award, and honored to be a part of the important work on the economic and quality-of-life missions at the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park," said Connie Wise, Chair of the Foundation for the Florida Horse Park, during the presentation.
"Marion County is the hub of Florida's equine activity and is home to mega farms, cutting edge-equine medical care, the Ocala Breeders Sales Co., the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, the Ocala International Airport and hundreds of agriculturally related businesses and industries. The sustainability of Marion County's agricultural and equine interests is directly linked to the success of the Park.
"The Park currently represents significant development and construction opportunities, simultaneous job creation and related economic stimulus. Thank you so much for recognizing the continued efforts of our staff, board members, sponsors, donors, elected officials and friends who work so hard on this important undertaking at the Park."
Also recognized during the evening was Whitfield Palmer III, who was named Ocala Magazine's Person of the Year, in part for his role in launching the Foundation for the Florida Horse Park. Palmer is the current vice-chair of the foundation.
"The Florida Horse Park has the potential to be the singular, most significant growth opportunity for this area," Palmer said. "We've worked hard to lay the groundwork for a world-class facility, and now we're ready for infrastructure to come up out of the ground. Even if you aren't a horse person, there's something for everyone, and we hope everyone will be able to get involved with this endeavor."
The 500-acre Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, carved out of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, is home to everything from horse shows to Jack Russell Terrier races, trail riding, RV shows, foot races, triathlons, camping and countless outdoor activities.
According to the most recent POLICOM economic studies, the Park currently contributes $15.1 million to Florida's bottom line. When the Park's comprehensive master plan is complete, economists expect the facility to contribute at least $75 million to the state's economy.