AG 2004 01 26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: CABARRUS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FROM: ANN STERNAL SUBJECT: SPORTS MARKETING POSITION DATE: 01/10/04 CC: JOHN DAY, CABARRUS COUNTY MANAGER I wish to request an amendment to our 03-04 budget which will reallocate funds from the convention center line item to salary and benefits for a Sports Marketing Manager position. The Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to develop a Sports Marketing program for Cabarrus County. We have done extensive research on the subject and are convinced that now is the time to establish this program. We are certain that Cabarrus County has what is needed to make sports marketing an important part of our County's economic development efforts. Not only do we have a central location which is easily accessible by Interstates 85 and 77, we have year round good weather, community support and, above all, outstanding facilities. The Cabarrus Arena and Events Center as well as the facilities at Frank Liske Park, for example, are excellent venues to attract events of many kinds - soccer, baseball, softball and a myriad of other events including gymnastics, martial arts, archery, and cheerleading. The person we are seeking for the Sports Marketing position will be someone with five years experience in sports development/marketing or a combination of work experience and education in this field. The person will have management experience and a thorough knowledge of sports with special talents in public relations, marketing, sponsorship development and organization. The individual also will have experience working in travel and tourism preferably with a convention and visitors bureau. A special, dedicated effort in sports marketing led by quality staff can make sports a major force in economic development in Cabarrus County. Cities and counties across the United States are actively competing for sports-related events. Amateur sports, in particular, are extremely beneficial because they bring families who spend money in the host community. Cabarms County needs to be in the marketplace, too. If we don't do so, we will lose valuable business to other places. In North Carolina, for example, Raleigh is a major player. Their Convention and Visitors Bureau states that sports is now their strongest market. Charlotte/Mecklenburg, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Burlington/Alamance, and Kinston are examples of other cities and counties that are successful in attracting sporting events.