Complete Agenda Package - Town of Hilton Head Island

HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Mr. Michael Withrow| Hilton Head Island, SC
My name is Michael Withrow, I am a small business owner on Hilton Head. I run powerboat
rentals, banana boat rides, and waterski trips out of Harbour Town. I have attended two Ironman
events, one as a volunteer and one as an athlete. These are unreal events, that put a great buzz
in the community of the race. I think this is a great opportunity for Hilton Head Island to show
off our beautiful island to people around the country, and world. As a small business owner I see
this as a great opportunity for all the businesses on the island, it is hard to find an athlete that
travels alone....friends, family, love ones all come to support their athletes on race day, and are always
looking for things to do throughout the week. It is easy to say Hilton Head can handle the
number of people with the zoo this island turns into in the months of June, July, and August, not
to mention the wonderful job they do with the RBC Heritage golf tournament.
H2O Sports loves supporting events in the community, and is proud of its relationship with ON
ON Tri and supports all local triathlons with water support. H2O would be able to help Ironman
with water support by supplying boats, waverunners, kayaks, paddleboads, staff, or whatever
else may be needed...I think this a great opportunity for Hilton Head Island and Ironman, and
would love to help in anyway to make this happen!
Mr. Larry Creswell | Jackson, MS
I currently live and work as a surgeon in Jackson, Mississippi, but I have been a visitor to Hilton Head
Island since 1990. My parents, Lee and Larry Creswell, currently live in Hilton Head Plantation
and own a vacation rental property in Palmetto Dunes Plantation. I’m an avid triathlete and runner
and have visited Hilton Head Island to participate in the Beach Bum Triathlons and a variety
of running races over the past 20 years. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in 7 Ironman
triathlons, both in the U.S. and abroad, and my family members have served as volunteers at
several of those races. I’ve served as a volunteer in the medical tent previously and for the past
2 years have been involved with USA Triathlon’s efforts related to improved race safety.
You will already know about the potential economic impact of attracting the Ironman triathlon.
Over the years we’ve enjoyed the fruits of the other big events that have been hosted by Hilton
Head, including the Heritage golf tournament (going on now!), the tennis tournaments, and others.
My family has enjoyed attending and volunteering at the golf tournament for many years now.
It’s hard to imagine how different things would be now on Hilton Head without these major events.
The Ironman is a similar opportunity….and one that we should embrace. I urge you to give every
consideration to the Ironman proposal. This could be a great and enduring opportunity for the
Hilton Head Island community.
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