In an effort to build Minnesota’s equine industry and accelerate rural economic development, Racino Now, an organization promoting the development of so-called "racinos" in that state, has approved a new name and elected new officers to focus its work on supporting Minnesota’s horse industry.

Under its new name, the Equine Development Coalition of Minnesota (EDCoM) will replace Racino Now in advocating on behalf of horse owners and breeders, horse racing fans, and the tens of thousands of Minnesotans who depend on a healthy equine industry in that state.

Jeff Hilger, a longtime Minnesota business owner, Thoroughbred breeder, and owner of Bleu Valley Farm in Stillwater, has been named president of EDCoM. Rosemary Higgins, a Quarter Horse owner from Princeton, will serve as executive director. Quinn Cheney has been retained as the lobbyist for EDCoM in St. Paul.

"The equine industry touches all 87 counties in our state," said Hilger. "It will be an enormous economic engine for Minnesota if legislators are willing to make the same investment in horse racing purses and equine development that other states have successfully made