Meeting

Report

 
MAYOR PAT McCRORY
Racing was built here.  Racing belongs here.
by John Galles
             
Mayor Pat McCrory was introduced by Rotarian Tim Newman to speak about Charlotte's bid for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Mayor Pat thanked Tim and recognized others within the leadership group that were building the proposal and guiding its development as it is being prepared for submission to NASCAR by May 31, 2005
 
The Mayor opened by asking what towns people recognized when he mentioned the Rose Bowl…Pasadena, the Country Music Hall of Fame…Nashville, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…Cleveland and the Orange Bowl…Miami. It is exactly that kind of identity that will further identify Charlotte to the world if we are successful in receiving approval from NASCAR for the creation and establishment of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte.
 
As an overview, McCrory outlined that this bid is a once in a lifetime opportunity that would have a significant impact on whichever town is selected. Among the competitors are Charlotte, Atlanta, Daytona Beach, Detroit, Kansas City and Richmond. He suggested that this would ensure that Charlotte would become a destination with a substantial asset that would draw visitors and recognition to this region. He went on to describe our advantages including our heritage in racing, the presence of the racing industry, our geography and our leadership. He also spoke about the opportunity cost.
 
In answer to the question, "Why is the NASCAR Hall of Fame important to Charlotte?" McCrory spoke about protecting the 55,000 jobs that currently reside in Charlotte's hospitality industry, the increased revenue from sales tax, occupancy tax, and food/beverage tax, the catalyst that this would be to new development around the Hall, and the additional marketing that could support race teams in this region. He was also confident that this would pay for itself.
After mentioning the distinguished leadership team and all the working groups, he spoke proudly about what they have accomplished so far…including an analysis of five other halls of fame, securing award-winning design and marketing expertise, the location of a preferred site, and the financial plans and funding that are underway.
 
The preferred site is adjacent to the Convention Center in Center City with land that is already under city control with links to the Convention Center and an expanded ballroom, access and visibility to the interstate as well as connectivity to the new arena. The total cost of the development will be about $137.5 million funded by Convention Center funds, a hotel/motel tax and state and private sector funding. The facility would be city owned. In their planning, the mayor said that revenues will exceed expenses and provide for an appropriate fund for capital replacement and that their analysis would be viewed from several different attendance scenarios.
 
Responding to questions, Mayor McCrory spoke about the competition, state support, the partnership with the racing teams and allied industries and that all was a work in progress. While the bid is due by May 31, a decision is expected before the end of the year.
 
 
Head Table:
Michelle Fish, Russell Ranson, Catherine Browning, Tim Newman, Kelly Pharr, Ron Kimble; Invocation: Ward Matthews
              
Visitors and Guests:
Harry Weatherly; Health & Happiness: John Snyder; Song: David Erdman

    
 
  

CLUB'S OUTING AT KNIGHTS STADIUM

Tuesday evening, June 21, is the date for the club's outing at Knights Stadium. Bill Blackwell, General Manager of Charlotte Knights Baseball Club, needs a little help to get the event organized. Catherine, Herb, and Sandy will be attending the Rotary International Convention in Chicago and will miss the game. Bill needs 2 to 4 people for various tasks, i.e. handling check-in, getting everyone going in the right direction, etc. PLUS, we need someone to throw out the first pitch and sing the National Anthem. Tim Newman did the honors of handling the Anthem last year, and he may step to the plate again. Since both Catherine and Herb are out of town……surely, there's a Rotarian that played a little ball that could handle the opening pitch. If you can offer assistance in any way, please contact Bill Blackwell at 704-329-2150, or billb@charlotteknights.com.

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