Ocala, FL (February 13, 2017) \u2013 Three-time World Equestrian Games Silver medalist and 13-time U.S. Four-in-Hand National Champion Chester Weber will be the keynote speaker for the February 15, 2017 exCEPtional Mornings Business Briefing Breakfast at the ITW Facility at Ocala Breeders\u2019 Sales in Ocala, Florida.
\nThe event is put on by the Ocala\/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP).
\nWeber was tapped to present at the event because of both his significant accomplishments in the sport of combined driving and his family\u2019s multi-generational contributions to a range of equestrian sports \u2013 from racing, show jumping, and driving to hosting the Live Oak International, the largest equestrian competition to feature both jumping and driving in the U.S. The 26th Live Oak International will be held on March 9 -12, 2017, on the pristine grounds of the 5,000-acre Weber family estate.
\nDirector of Equine Engagement at the Ocala\/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) Louisa Barton explained, \u201cWe wanted our keynote speaker to be someone who is a superstar in Ocala and the surrounding area, and Chester certainly is that. We felt like we could highlight Live Oak International, which is a very important event in our community hosted at the Weber family\u2019s Live Oak Plantation. The Weber family is so rooted in the equine industry \u2013 not only in the four-in-hand, but in all aspects of the industry.
\n\u201cThe economic value of the equine industry in the Ocala\/ Marion County is estimated at 2.6 billion a year,\u201d Barton continued. \u201cThat\u2019s billion with a \u2018B\u2019 \u2013 and we feel like the Weber family is a big part of the equine industry here in Ocala. Whether you are a feed store, a tack store, a restaurant, or a grocery store in Ocala, you must certainly feel the impact of the equine industry.\u201d
\nWhen asked why he chose to take time out of his busy training and competition schedule to speak at the exCEPtional Mornings Business Briefing Breakfast, Weber said, \u201cI want to spread awareness about Live Oak International and promote horse sports in general within the local community. This will be our 26th year hosting Live Oak, which is the largest spectator event in Marion County. Last year, we drew an audience of about 10,000.\u201d<\/p>\n
Weber expounded, \u201cThe local impact is tremendous \u2013 the hotels are all fully booked that week. The restaurants are all full. Live Oak International appeals to equestrians and non-horse people, as well.\u201d
\nBarton said, \u201cWe really want to encourage people to come out and enjoy a day at Live Oak this year. Enjoy the rolling hills, the Spanish moss, and the lovely weather. The four-in hand obstacles are so exciting, whether you are a horse person or not!\u201d
\nThe exCEPtional Mornings Business Briefing Breakfast events offer CEP partners an opportunity to learn from keynote speakers like Chester Weber about topics of significance to the regional or national business scene, while also providing an opportunity to network.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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