Putnam County Chamber of Commerce SECTION 4: Program Synopsis II 1. Program/Initiative Name: Bassmaster Elite Series at St. Johns River 2. Impact Area Addressed: Economic Development 3. Program/Initiative Summary: In 2011 and 2012, the Chamber was fortunate to land an Elite Series Tournament. The Elite is a nationally televised bass tournament for the top anglers in the world. The economic impact from those events was severely missed in 2013, so we went to work trying to secure them and other large-scale events. We were successful and picked as 2nd stop of the 2014 Elite Series. Along with the economic boost, it showcased the St. Johns River, our region’s #1 asset, and gave us national exposure. Outcomes were phenomenal. The economic impact was estimated at over $3 million for the week-long event. Putnam County received national exposure on ESPN2 (4 hours) reaching 96 million households, editorial coverage, streaming online coverage on numerous websites and other national media.

4. Needs Identification: a. Target audiences included B.A.S.S. staff, anglers, media, residents, bass pros, outdoor enthusiasts, potential investors and visitors to our community. We had evidence that the Elite event brings wide-spread direct expenditures that would really give our community a boost it needed. Profitable tourism, one of the Chamber’s main

Putnam County Chamber of Commerce

focus area, results into community wealth for citizens. The opening sentence of our mission statement that we are “the principle leader in the promotion of commerce” and we take our role seriously. b. We track data constantly to measure tourism growth. We have to maximize every dollar as our bed tax revenues are significantly smaller than most Florida counties. We saw huge jumps in revenues occurred in February and March of 2012, which were the months of pre-fishing and the actual event. Our other tourism indicators showed dramatic increases as well. Our 2012 annual bed tax collections were the highest of any year. Early 2013 numbers indicated a 20% decrease in the first quarter. We immediately put plans in action to recruit the Bassmaster Elite event, as well as other large-scale events. We successfully landed the Elite, along with Bike Florida, and two other events, which are scattered throughout our 2014 Calendar.

Exhibit Attached: 2012 & 2014 BASS Evaluation

5. Program Objectives: Our core mission was to bring economic relief to local businesses through economic impacts from large-scale events. Our 2013 Business Plan included the goal “to actively solicit B.A.S.S. for an invitation to host a 2014 Elite Series Tournament”, be selected and conduct the event in the first quarter of 2014 in order to bring a significant economic boost into the local economy. We worked with our Tourist Development Council, City and County partners to build a winning proposal. After selection as a host city, we began rounding up the many volunteers needed to produce a festival component and provide excellent hospitality services to ensure future return visits. As a result of the effort from 2013, we will also host 3 additional large events later in 2014 (Bike Florida, FLW Tournament & Oakley Tournament).

Exhibit Attached: Putnam RFP Response Elite RFP Host/Partner Elements

6. Methodology: We began contact with B.A.S.S. officials early in 2013 to get on their radar for the 2014 series. We knew they would likely consider us as they had referred all new “host coordinators” to contact us for information on successfully hosting an Elite event. Immediately after receiving the invitation we presented the opportunity to our partners soliciting buy-in. We planned and secured funding to produce the festivities surrounding the tournament which also made revenue for the Chamber. We engaged City officials, Board members and other critical volunteers early out, in order to provide the manpower necessary. Volunteers were used in every aspect from personally greeting anglers at the welcome dinner to parking their trailers at 4:00 am. Volunteers built 20 corn hole boards decorated with sponsors logos, which were presented to our sponsors and B.A.S.S. officials at the conclusion of the event.

Exhibit Attached: Chamber B.A.S.S. Budget B.A.S.S. Deliverables Budget

7. Communications: The communication strategy began in September 2013 when we received the “official word” from B.A.S.S. that we were selected to host the 2014 Elite event. Shortly after we found out that we were also chosen to host Bike Florida – at the exact same time! We then developed marketing and informational materials, (print, radio, web and social media) combining the 2 large events. We exhibited in the Azalea Festival to promote the combined events to attract crowds and media attention. Teardrop banners were placed along major roadways advertising both B.A.S.S. and Bike Florida events to capture the attention of local residents and commuters. Board members and Chamber staff did live radio interviews to encourage local participation.

We posted information and activities on our website and linked to Bassmaster.com and other appropriate websites. Primary target group was bass fishing enthusiasts, and secondary, residents and visitors in general.

Exhibits Attached:

Events Schedule Corn Hole Contest Flyer Facebook Invite/Posts Steak Dinner Invitation B.A.S.S. Schedule Press Release – Announcement of Event Email Soliciting Active Participation Press Release – Inviting Public Pre-Event Palatka Daily News Article Official B.A.S.S. Elite Program

8. Evaluation: a. The return on investment from this event was huge; direct expenditures of approximately $1,000,000 created a huge local economic impact, we advertised to our target market for a fraction of the cost (Media value estimated over $500,000) and put our community in the national spotlight. Our hotels were all at 100% occupancy and an estimated $200,000 was spent in local restaurants. Businesses all over the county shared in the wealth as anglers, families and visitors shopped, ate and fueled up. The tremendous economic impact of the tournament gave our local businesses a big boost to first quarter sales and provided some positive reinforcement that we are coming out of the slump. They are very grateful for what the event delivered and optimistic for the other two events coming later in the year. b. Our external communications concerning the event reached national, state and local media. We enjoyed exposure in the Official Bassmaster Elite Series Guide, Bassmaster Magazine and other national media outlets, further cementing our claim as the “Bass Capital of the World”. ESPN2 will air the show 4 times throughout the next few months, so we expect to continue receiving the benefits. Including Bike Florida in our BASS event, through common events added to the overall festive atmosphere and a larger crowd throughout the week. We used the BASS, BIKES and BAGS Corn Hole Contest to pull everyone together and offered cash prizes to draw attendance. The combined promotional efforts from the Chamber and B.A.S.S. drew thousands to the 4-day event. B.A.S.S. officials were well pleased with the crowds and the overall event. The fishing was excellent as well, and anglers are still talking about the 37-pound one-day total brought in by Chris Lane (who actually won the tournament and $100,000).

Exhibits Attached: Front Page Palatka Daily News 3/27/14 Economic & Media Impact Palatka Daily News Articles

B.A.S.S. to:

Publicize the event and schedule of events of the tournament.

List host destination on www.bassmaster.com page dedicated to tournament trail, including specific event web page.

Post Tournament results in Bassmaster Magazine, (3 million readers/month); BASS TIMES (300,000 readers/month

and www.bassmaster.com.

Provide host the ability for to distribute collateral to anglers regarding the destination.

Broadcast 1-hour taped show dedicated to the tournament on an ESPN Network.

Broadcast the live leader board, video and blog updates and live streaming video online.

Create and distribute stories on the tournament by BASS Communications.

Provide inclusion in the 2014 Media Guide.

Based on fulfillment of all host deliverables, BASS will also provide complimentary:

Local sponsor mentions on site during weigh-in each day (4 total)

Local host to welcome anglers at briefing/registration.

Mentions of host destination during television broadcast

Mentions of fishery during television broadcast

(1) 4-color ½ page ad in (1) issues of BASS Times; camera ready ad required.

(1) Additional web link from Bassmaster.com to host web site

Logo graphic of host destination logo during the broadcast

Opportunity to advertise on Bassmaster.com at a discounted rate

Host Partner Elements

In addition to host fee, host to provide:

One Hundred (100) complimentary hotel room nights at a 3-star hotel or higher

Meeting needs for Wednesday of tournament week: Registration area with six 6-foot tables. Two meeting rooms for 100 people theater style, held concurrently, with podium & microphone. Meeting room for cocktail reception for 250 people to include light appetizers and soft drinks. Meeting room can be on of the theater style rooms, space permitting.

Venue for weigh in. Weigh in must be adjacent to fishery and be able to meet insurance requirements.

Overnight security at the weigh in venue.

Installation of one (1) cable line or high speed internet service, plus one (1) phone line at the weigh in venue.

Electric and water hook ups at the weigh in venue.

Waste management services, including a dumpster and daily clean up.

Service yard – a paved area at least 150’ x 350’ near the ramp.

Adequate rest room facilities at all venues.

Ice delivered to the weigh-in area for fish care; amount determined by BASS.

Notification of emergency personnel/first responders of event.

Advertising promotion – host must partner with local and regional print, radio, TV and other sources to drive attendance to the weigh in. BASS Marketing Department will work with host on content and placement and media buys.

An expo/festival in conjunction with the weigh-in held on Saturday and Sunday of the tournament. This event and venue parking and access must be complimentary for the public and should highlight the local community’s flavor.. Event details must be approved by BASS.

Volunteer coordinator, volunteers and day labor - provide contact for volunteers and labor to assist with set up, tear down, and tournament operations.

Host Partner Elements

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May 28, 2013 Mr. Michael Mulone, Director Site Selection & Event Marketing B.A.S.S. LLC 9109 Lake Fischer Blvd Gotha, FL 34734 Re: 2014 Bassmaster Elite Series Host Proposal Dear Mr Mulone: The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the Putnam County Tourist Development Council, Board of County Commissioners and City of Palatka is pleased to once again be considered to host a 2014 Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament. As you know we have the perfect ingredients for a successful BASS event – a great venue, big fish, perfect weather, three of Florida’s top 10 bass fisheries, enthusiastic volunteers and thousands of passionate BASS fans. Putnam County is also home to Rodman Reservoir, which made Bassmaster’s Top 100 Lakes for 2013. Work has continued on Palatka’s downtown riverfront to enhance the infrastructure for events like the Elite Tournament. By spring of 2014 the City hopes to have the next phase completed which includes five launch lanes, new restroom facilities (with showers), additional landscaping, lighting and other site amenities. Our city and county officials, along with other community leaders and citizens understand and appreciate what fishing tournaments do for our local economy. We are blessed with an enlightened and progressive leadership who understand the economic impact and the opportunity to promote our #1 asset – the St. Johns River that comes with our partnership with BASS. They have all applauded BASS and the Chamber for the value these past two events delivered to our community and are delighted for the opportunity of a return Bassmaster Elite event. Together we stand ready to roll out the red carpet for BASS anglers, their families, marshals, staff, and fans!

Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

B.A.S.S. Elite 2014 Chamber Festival PortionJanuary through April 2014

21 - BASS Festival TOTAL

Jan - Apr 14 Jan - Apr 14

Income

331 · Sponsorship & Sales 13,268.00 13,268.00

Total Income 13,268.00 13,268.00

Gross Profit 13,268.00 13,268.00

Expense

530 · Program Expenses

533 · Special Events 4,474.55 4,474.55

564 · Local/State/Federal Taxes 213.79 213.79

Total 530 · Program Expenses 4,688.34 4,688.34

Total Expense 4,688.34 4,688.34

Net Income 8,579.66 8,579.66

Event Description Time Location

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Launch 7:30am Riverfront Park

Weigh- In 4:00pm Riverfront Park

Food Vendors All Day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks) 100 Block

Friday, March 21, 2014

Launch 7:30am Riverfront Park

Weigh-In 4:00pm Riverfront Park

Food Vendors All Day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks) 100 Block

Street Party 6:00pm – 10:00pm 300 Block

Outdoor Movies at Dark (Costa Del Mar Geo Series Film)

(Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2)

400 Block

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Launch 7:30am Riverfront Park

Food Vendors All Day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks) 100 Block

Kids Zone 12:00pm – 6:00pm 100 Block

FCTC Health & Relaxation

(Massages & Blood Pressure Check)

1:00pm – 4:00pm 100 Block

FCTC Cooking Demos 1:00pm & 3:00pm 100 Block

Festivities (Giveaways, Demos,

Merchandise, Vendors)

1:00pm – 6:00pm Riverfront Park

Cornhole Registration & Free Play 12:00pm – 6:00pm 100 Block

Bike Florida Rides All Day Throughout County

Weigh-In 4:00pm Riverfront Park

Concert & Block Party 5:00pm – 9:00pm 700 Block

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Launch 7:30am Riverfront Park

Food Vendors All Day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks) Riverfront Park

Bike Florida Rides All Day Throughout County

Kids Zone 12:00pm – 6:00pm 100 Block

FCTC Health & Relaxation

(Massages & Blood Pressure Check)

1:00pm – 4:00pm 100 Block

FCTC Cooking Demos 1:00pm & 3:00pm 100 Block

Festivities (Giveaways, Demos,

Merchandise, Vendors)

1:00pm – 6:00pm Riverfront Park &

100 Block

Cornhole Contest 12:00pm 100 Block

Weigh-In & Awards 4:00pm Riverfront Park

(ALL ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

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Please find below our proposal to host the 2014 BASS Bassmaster Elite Tournament:

In addition to the host fee, the Host shall provide and coordinate complimentary:

Meeting rooms for Wednesday of tournament week: Registration area with six 6-foot tables. Two meeting rooms for 100 people theater style, held concurrently, with podium & microphone. Meeting room for cocktail reception for 250 people to include light appetizers and soft drinks.

Venue for weigh in adjacent to fishery and able to meet insurance requirements. Overnight security at the weigh in venue. Complimentary ramp fees. Installation of one (1) cable line or high speed internet service, plus one (1) phone

line at the weigh in venue. Electric and water hook ups at the weigh in venue. Waste management services, including a dumpster and daily clean up. Service yard – a paved area at least 150’ x 350’ near the ramp. Adequate rest room facilities at all venues. Ice delivered to the weigh-in area for fish care; amount determined by BASS. Notification of emergency personnel/first responders of event. Advertising promotion – we will partner with local and regional print, radio, TV and

other sources to drive attendance to the weigh in. We will work with BASS Marketing Department on content and placement and media buys.

An expo/festival in conjunction with the weigh-in held on Saturday and Sunday of the tournament. This event will be complimentary for the public to attend and will highlight the local community’s flavor. Food vendors and activities will not conflict with BASS sponsors and will offer family friendly activities. Event details will be approved by BASS.

Volunteer coordinator, volunteers and day labor - provide contact for volunteers and labor to assist with set up, tear down, and tournament operations.

Thank you for this opportunity to host a prestigious Elite Tournament. If selected for 2014, please know that this entire community is behind the event and willing to do whatever is needed. Sincerely, Dana C. Jones President