Complete Agenda Package - Town of Hilton Head Island

May 1, 2013
Dear Town Council Member:
Attached you will find the chamber’s RFP response for World Triathlon Corporation’s
Southeastern U.S. IRONMAN event. I wanted you to be aware of the details related to the
proposal prior to Tuesday’s Town Council meeting.
It’s an opportunity to bring a shoulder-season marquee event to Hilton Head Island with a $50 to
$75 million dollar impact in our community over the next 5 years. The 2,500 athletes from 30
different countries around the world who participate, are the type of visitor we want to attract as
a destination. With an average household income of $174K, traveling to Hilton Head Island with
family and friends, they are highly educated and a desirable demographic for our Lowcountry
tourism economy.
IRONMAN organizers are also committed to giving back to their host communities and
reinvestments a minimum of $50,000 with non-profit organizations.
There will undoubtedly be challenges that come with an undertaking of this magnitude, but the
positive impact on our community far outweighs these challenges. We’re a community that has
a long and illustrious history of hosting large and well-recognized major events such as the RBC
Heritage Presented by Boeing and the Concours, which both enhance our community in a
myriad of ways. We have never shied away from seizing a positive opportunity that comes our
way and this race is no exception. By hosting over 90 different IRONMAN and related events
around the country, race organizers are highly experienced at ensuring host cities minimally
inconvenienced and that community support is part of the process.
I look forward to hearing your input at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. If you have questions
prior to next week’s gathering, please don’t hesitate to call me or Susan Thomas for further
clarification.
Sincerely yours,
William G. Miles, IOM, CCE
President & CEO