Jul 1, 2009 10:00 AM EDT

Inaugural Snowbird Baseball Classic Generated an Estimated $2.5 Million for Charlotte County’s Economy

CHARLOTTE HARBOR & THE GULF ISLANDS (July 1, 2009) – Today the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau released economic impact data for the month-long inaugural Snowbird Baseball Classic held February 28 – March 28, 2009 at various ballparks throughout Charlotte County. The collegiate tournament generated an estimated $2,510,895 in direct expenditures as a result of the 2,423 out-of-state participants, spectators and members of the media who stayed an average of 7.4 nights in area accommodations. These visitors generated an estimated $150,654 in state sales tax revenue, $25,109 in local tax revenue and $15,876 in tourist development tax revenue.

“Sporting events are an important economic generator for Charlotte County all year round,” said Becky Bovell, Director of the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau, “The teams utilize hotels, restaurants and visit area attractions during their downtime and are introduced to a new vacation destination. Traditionally, we find many tournament participants return as vacationers with their families. Events such as these also validate our area as a prospective venue for other sporting events.”

“The inaugural Snowbird Baseball Classic was a success,” said Steve Partington, Tournament Director for the Snowbird Classic, “Twenty-three collegiate teams played in the tournament and 21 of those teams have committed for the 2010 Snowbird Classic, and we are on track to have 40-50 teams in 2010. I’m excited that two of the 2009 teams played in the Division III World Series, Carthage College and the College of Wooster, which played in the final game. Aaron Dott, who competed in the tournament with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays. This is great publicity for the Snowbird Classic and Charlotte County.”

The Florida Sports Foundation awarded a $9,708.26 grant to the tournament which was facilitated by the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau. The grant helped offset the cost of marketing, site fees, umpire expenses and baseballs. FSF’s Major and Regional Grant Programs assist communities and host organizations in attracting sports events which generate significant out-of-state economic impact for the state of Florida. Grant money is generated from a portion of the sales of the nine Florida professional sports team license plates.

Snowbird Baseball provides NCAA Division III baseball teams a competitive venue to train for the upcoming season. A complete list of teams which participated in the 2009 tournament can be found at www.snowbirdbaseball.com. Registrations are being accepted for the 2010 event.

About Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands

Located halfway between Tampa and Naples on the Southwest Florida Gulf coast, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is a charming collection of nine coastal communities surrounding the state’s second largest harbor. Florida’s premier year-round eco-tourism destination, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands offers a pristine unspoiled beauty that has served as the backdrop for seven major feature films as well as countless memorable vacations. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands has been named to SAIL magazine’s “10 Greatest Places to Sail in the United States,” ranked by Golf Digest as “Third Best Place to Live and Play Golf in America,” and rated by MONEY magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live in the South.” The city of Punta Gorda was named in September as one of “Top Ten Places to Retire Healthy” by U.S. News & World Report. Englewood, Fla. was just named as #2 of the Top Ten emerging travel destinations in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com.

For information about area events, activities and attractions, contact the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau, 18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 502, Port Charlotte, FL 33948; (941) 743-1900, or call toll free at 1-800-652-6090 for a free Visitor’s Guide; or visit the Web site at www.CharlotteHarborTravel.com.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Huber

Tourism Public Relations Manager
Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau
Tel: (941) 743-1900
jennifer.huber@charlottefl.com

Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau

18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 502

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

941-743-1900, FAX: 941-743-2245

www.CharlotteHarborTravel.com

For additional information on this release, please contact:

Jennifer Huber

Phone: (941) 743-1900

Fax: (941) 743-2245