OQHA Election Biographies Mark Fontana, Continued three years.”
and I was the OSF Reining show secretary for six years. I am a past Congress ring steward and OQHA Futurity ring steward. I was the Ohio State Fair junior horse show announcer for
Please describe how you have contributed to OQHA during your most recent term: “My experience in this industry comes from many years of involvement, on several levels of participation since the early 80’s, from the show ring to show management and following officers’ direction to being the officers. My work at the Congress, the Ohio State Fair and the NRHA Futurity and Derby shows has exposed me to the national and international side of this industry and has given me a better understanding of how our industry works.” What do you feel should be OQHA’s top three priorities in the next 2-3 years? “Membership – offering our current and potential members more and progressive programs that they would find inspiring and beneficial. Encourage non-OQHA members to participate in the AQHA open show program and entice them to become exhibitors at the Quarter Horse shows through out the state. Congress – We need to continue the innovative aspects of our nationally recognized horse show. We need to make our cash awards stronger, keep our awards at a higher standard and our services to the exhibitor more cost effective. These expectations are what the Congress exhibitors deserve.”
Running for: Director, Nominated by the committee
Ted Handel
Where were you born and raised? “I was born and raised in Newark, Ohio and currently reside with my wife and partner, Judi, on a horse farm in Mount Perry, Ohio.” Please describe what you do for a living: “I am the owner of Mound City Products Inc., a commercial and residential awning manufacturer whose products include awnings, Wind Socks for the FAA and a variety of custom Equine products and stall curtains. We also own Diamond H Farm a horse training facility and M&H Enterprises (the DBA under which we operate rental properties). My prior business experience was in the corporate world, specializing in material procurement and facilities management. The last 19 of those years, I was with a division of Siemens.” Please state your involvement in any charities, community activities or civic organizations: “I have chaired and co-chaired committees for the implementation facilities required for fund raising events for The Works in Newark, Ohio, a philanthropic organization. I have served on the properties committee of Camp Falling Rock, a Boy Scout facility in the Licking District of Simon Kenton Council. I currently chair the bridge committee, seeking to both design and implement the funding and installation of a replacement bridge for the entrance to the camp. Also, I have been a member of the Newark Mannerchor for more than 30 years.” Please discuss your past and current involvement with OQHA: “I have been a member of OQHA for more than 30 years and a life member for more than 20 years. I have also attended the Congress for more than 30 years. I have participated in the Ohio futurities. I have supported the Congress Queen Contest for the past 10 years and provide stall curtains for the newly elected Queen. I have supported the AQHA Trail Ride with prizes for participation. In 2001, Mound City Products manufactured a vinyl style cover for the OQHRA booth and provides help with the installation every year. My company most recently has produced stall curtains for the Ohio youth teams at the Ohio Quarter Horse News 37