SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of Tourist Development Council Request for Bid Fee Funding - Cal Ripken 8U World Series Hosted by Babe Ruth League, Inc. (Budget Impact - Neutral; expenditure of $5,000)
Body
INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
Loretta Shaffer, Director |
Tourist Development |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
The Tourist Development Council (TDC) seeks funding approval for organizations that have festivals, events, or programs which support the TDC’s mission of growing the economy and accelerating prosperity in Marion County through effective destination sales and marketing. This funding contract is for the Cal Ripken 8U World Series hosted by Babe Ruth League, Inc., to be held August 1-9, 2025, at Rotary Sportsplex. The estimated economic impact for this event is $898,265 and is anticipated to produce a 334% return on investment. The funding program promotes tourism in the State and Florida and a primary purpose of this event is to attract tourists. This event was recommended for funding in the amount of $5,000, by the TDC at their regularly scheduled meeting on February 27, 2025.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral; expenditure of $5,000. Funding from CP155552-548101.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve the Tourist Development Council funding request and authorize the Chairman and Clerk to execute attached funding agreement. Approval of this agreement is an acknowledgement that the event promotes tourism in the State of Florida and one of its primary purposes is the attraction of tourists.
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