At first glance, it may seem a little confusing why the Washington City Council approved a $5,000 sponsorship of the March Madness Experience at its meeting Feb. 15.
Indeed, in times when city staff is working hard to keep expenses down, even leaving staffing vacancies in several city departments unfilled, it should not be too hard to turn down an out-of-towner looking for a handout, especially one that has to do with a high school sport and usually takes advantage of corporate sponsors.
The Illinois High School Association March Madness refers to the boys basketball state finals. Peoria has been the host of the state finals games since 1996 when the event grew from just basketball games, to an experience of interactive, family-oriented games and historical exhibitions.
One supplemental event offered, “Learning from the Legends,” is a free basketball clinic for students in grades four through six conducted by about 40 members of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Other events include a shooting competition with the “world’s biggest basket,” a bank shot contest with wacky shaped backboards and an obstacle course sponsored by Prairie Farms.
When corporate sponsorship totals were lower than expected this year, the March Madness Steering Committee chairman, Brad Halverson, looked to regional cities to make up the difference.
Morton responded with a $10,000 donation, Pekin donated $5,000, East Peoria is expected to donate and now Washington has joined the list of city sponsors.
Washington city administrator Bob Morris, said the decision was based on two factors.
“The general consensus was that it is an important event to the Peoria region and there was a desire to maintain the quality of the event. Second, with the promotional offering the city will receive (from the sponsorship), there are certainly some intangible benefits.”
Morris said the promotional package the city is receiving includes advertising in the event’s program, banners, messages in the courtside LED boards and even a booth manned by the Washington Chamber of Commerce.
Last year, more than 74,000 people swarmed not only Peoria, but the entire region, Washington included. And, although Morris said it is difficult to quantify the increased business brought to Washington by the event, these additional 74,000 people need a place to eat, sleep and shop.
Katie Petrone, assistant manager at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Washington, said the hotel usually books all of its 62 rooms during the weekend of March Madness.
Laura Bedwell, a server at Washington Family Restaurant, said she did not notice an increase in business last year during the event but she said she thinks the city’s decision was a smart move for local businesses.
Although IHSA already granted the Peoria Civic Center another five-year contract, ensuring it will host March Madness until 2015, the sponsorships by local cities will help keep the event a success for both participants and local businesses who benefit from the 74,000 plus additional people who may choose to eat, sleep and shop in surrounding towns.
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At first glance, it may seem a little confusing why the Washington City Council approved a $5,000 sponsorship of the March Madness Experience at its meeting Feb. 15.
Indeed, in times when city staff is working hard to keep expenses down, even leaving staffing vacancies in several city departments unfilled, it should not be too hard to turn down an out-of-towner looking for a handout, especially one that has to do with a high school sport and usually takes advantage of corporate sponsors.
The Illinois High School Association March Madness refers to the boys basketball state finals. Peoria has been the host of the state finals games since 1996 when the event grew from just basketball games, to an experience of interactive, family-oriented games and historical exhibitions.
One supplemental event offered, “Learning from the Legends,” is a free basketball clinic for students in grades four through six conducted by about 40 members of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Other events include a shooting competition with the “world’s biggest basket,” a bank shot contest with wacky shaped backboards and an obstacle course sponsored by Prairie Farms.
When corporate sponsorship totals were lower than expected this year, the March Madness Steering Committee chairman, Brad Halverson, looked to regional cities to make up the difference.
Morton responded with a $10,000 donation, Pekin donated $5,000, East Peoria is expected to donate and now Washington has joined the list of city sponsors.
Washington city administrator Bob Morris, said the decision was based on two factors.
“The general consensus was that it is an important event to the Peoria region and there was a desire to maintain the quality of the event. Second, with the promotional offering the city will receive (from the sponsorship), there are certainly some intangible benefits.”
Morris said the promotional package the city is receiving includes advertising in the event’s program, banners, messages in the courtside LED boards and even a booth manned by the Washington Chamber of Commerce.
Last year, more than 74,000 people swarmed not only Peoria, but the entire region, Washington included. And, although Morris said it is difficult to quantify the increased business brought to Washington by the event, these additional 74,000 people need a place to eat, sleep and shop.
Katie Petrone, assistant manager at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Washington, said the hotel usually books all of its 62 rooms during the weekend of March Madness.
Laura Bedwell, a server at Washington Family Restaurant, said she did not notice an increase in business last year during the event but she said she thinks the city’s decision was a smart move for local businesses.
Although IHSA already granted the Peoria Civic Center another five-year contract, ensuring it will host March Madness until 2015, the sponsorships by local cities will help keep the event a success for both participants and local businesses who benefit from the 74,000 plus additional people who may choose to eat, sleep and shop in surrounding towns.
