Item Coversheet
Item Number: 15.c
Meeting Date:
 12/8/2015
Item Type:
 REPORTS TO COUNCIL 

 		AGENDA REQUEST FORM
GEORGETOWN COUNTY COUNCIL
 
DEPARTMENT: County Administrator
ISSUE UNDER CONSIDERATION:
Approval of Host Agreement for 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament
CURRENT STATUS:
Georgetown County has been involved in negotiations with B.A.S.S. to host the  2016 Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament in Georgetown County, April 7-10, 2016.
POINTS TO CONSIDER:

In April 2015, Georgetown County hosted the B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional Championship fishing tournament at the Carroll A. Campbell Marine Complex on the Sampit River.  The 3 day tournament brought anglers from seven states to Georgetown County, and a significant boom for the local economy with an economic impact of nearly half a million dollars. 

 

Following the success of the B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional Championship tournament, Georgetown County was selected as the host site for the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series tournament, scheduled for April 7-10, 2016.  Being selected to host an event of this caliber is a huge achievement for our community.   The Elite Series is known as the premier fishing tournament series in the world and will bring some of the nation’s top professional bass anglers to Winyah Bay, along with family members, spectators, and national media coverage.   

 

Additionally, the 2016 Winyah Bay Heritage Festival, which celebrates our area’s rich outdoor heritage, will be scheduled to coincide with the event.  The influx of visitors that will result from the tournament and festival is expected to potentially generate economic impacts of more than $2 million for the local economy.   

FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total costs for this event, including host fees and all ancillary costs, are projected to be approximately $90,000.  Funding for these costs is expected to come primarily from a combination of grants and sponsor donations, with the remainder to come from local accommodations and hospitality tax funds that were budgeted for this purpose in the FY2016 budget.
OPTIONS:

1.  Approve proposed host agreement for 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament.

2.  Do not approve proposed host agreement.


STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Recommendation for approval of proposed HOST Agreement.
ATTORNEY REVIEW:
Yes