HomeMy WebLinkAboutReports - 2024.04.24 - 41156
AGENDA ITEM: Sponsorship of 2024 International and US Open National Bocce Tournaments
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 6:00 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2024-3935
Motion to approve the allotment of $40,000 from the Fiscal Year 2024 Board of Commissioners
General Fund Sponsorship line-item budget for sponsoring two events: the International
Tournament with a sponsorship amount of $20,000 and the U.S. Open National Event also with a
sponsorship amount of $20,000; further, approve and authorize the Board Chair to execute any
required agreements on behalf of Oakland County. Additionally, require that the recipient of the
funds promote the County as a primary sponsor and provide a report to the Board detailing the
sponsorship outcomes, including the impact on the number of residents served.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Special Project Michael Gingell
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Summary of Proposed Project.
Palazzo di Bocce, in collaboration with local and international partners, proposes to host two world-
class bocce tournaments: the International Tournament from May 16th to 18th and the U.S. Open
National event from September 5th to 7th. These tournaments will bring together bocce enthusiasts
from across the globe, promoting cultural exchange, stimulating the local economy through tourism
spending, and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of Oakland County. The
events will feature diverse participation, including teams from Europe, South America, Canada, and
over 20 states across the United States. Moreover, the tournaments aim to benefit various
stakeholders, including local businesses, the senior community, youth, and the broader community
through live stream broadcasts and inclusive entertainment. As the Director of Operations at
Palazzo Di Bocce, I will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the tournaments to
ensure their success.
What is the estimated cost of this project?
This is a $40,000 request for the use of Board of Commissioner Special Project Sponsorship
funding; $20,000 for the International Tournament from May 16th to 18th and $20,000 for the U.S.
Open National event from September 5th to 7th.
Are there any possible funding partners or matching funds available? If so, please explain.
Currently, there are no specific funding partners or matching funds identified for this project.
However, we are open to exploring potential partnerships with local businesses, sponsors, or
community organizations to offset some of the costs associated with hosting the tournaments.
What is the purpose of this project?
The purpose of hosting world-class bocce tournaments, such as those organized by Palazzo di
Bocce, is to stimulate the local economy, promote cultural exchange, and provide recreational
opportunities for residents and visitors of Oakland County.
Who will benefit from the project and how?
The project will benefit various stakeholders, including:
Local businesses: Increased tourism spending during the tournaments will benefit hotels,
restaurants, retail shops, and other businesses in the community.
Participants and spectators: Bocce enthusiasts from around the world will have the opportunity to
compete in or witness high-level bocce competitions, promoting the sport and fostering cultural
exchange.
Senior community: Seniors will benefit from the social interaction, physical activity, and sense of
camaraderie that bocce provides during the tournaments.
Youth: The tournaments provide an opportunity to introduce children to the game of bocce,
promoting active participation in sports and fostering valuable life skills such as teamwork and
sportsmanship.
What is the expected duration of the project?
The expected duration of the project includes the preparation and organization leading up to each
tournament and the duration of the tournaments themselves. Specifically, the International
Tournament is scheduled from May 16th to 18th, and the U.S. Open National event is scheduled
from September 5th to 7th.
Will the project/cost fall within one or multiple budget cycles?
The project costs will fall within one budget cycle, with expenses incurred leading up to and during
the tournaments scheduled for the specified dates.
Will there be a need to organize support from any Oakland County Departments or outside
agencies? If so, please explain.
No.
Does this project fall within the scope of the Board of Commissioners’ authority?
Yes, hosting world-class bocce tournaments aligns with the goals of promoting economic
development, cultural diversity, and recreational opportunities in Oakland County, falling within the
scope of the Board of Commissioners’ authority to support community initiatives.
How will you be involved in the project?
As the Director of Operations at Palazzo Di Bocce, I will oversee the planning, coordination, and
execution of the tournaments, ensuring adherence to budgetary and operational requirements.
What is the proposed timeline for the project?
The proposed timeline for the project includes:
Planning and preparation: Leading up to the International Tournament from May 16th to 18th and
the U.S. Open National event from September 5th to 7th.
Execution: Conducting the tournaments as scheduled, with appropriate marketing and logistical
support.
Jason Wisniewski
jason@palazzodibocce.com
Director of Operations at Palazzo Di Bocce
POLICY ANALYSIS
Summary of Proposed Project: Palazzo di Bocce, in collaboration with local and international
partners, proposes to host two world-class bocce tournaments: the International Tournament from
May 16th to 18th and the U.S. Open National event from September 5th to 7th. These tournaments
aim to promote cultural exchange, stimulate the local economy through tourism spending, and
provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of Oakland County.
Estimated Cost: The project requests $40,000 from the Board of Commissioner Special Project
Sponsorship funding. This budget allocation will cover the expenses associated with organizing and
hosting the two bocce tournaments.
Possible Funding Partners or Matching Funds: While specific funding partners or matching
funds are not identified, Palazzo di Bocce is open to exploring potential partnerships with local
businesses, sponsors, or community organizations to offset some of the costs. This demonstrates a
proactive approach to seeking additional financial support and leveraging resources beyond the
allocated budget.
Purpose of the Project: The primary purpose of hosting the bocce tournaments is to stimulate the
local economy, promote cultural exchange, and provide recreational opportunities for residents and
visitors of Oakland County. These objectives are in line with the goals of the Special Projects Policy,
which seeks to support initiatives that contribute to community development and engagement.
Beneficiaries of the Project: The project will benefit various stakeholders, including local
businesses, participants, spectators, the senior community, and youth. Increased tourism spending
during the tournaments will support local businesses, while participants and spectators will enjoy
high-level bocce competitions and cultural exchange. Additionally, seniors and youth will benefit
from the social interaction and recreational opportunities provided by the tournaments.
Duration of the Project: The project's duration includes the preparation and organization leading
up to each tournament and the duration of the tournaments themselves. With the International
Tournament scheduled from May 16th to 18th and the U.S. Open National event from September
5th to 7th, the project falls within one budget cycle, aligning with the policy's requirements.
Need for Support from Oakland County Departments or Outside Agencies: No support from
Oakland County Departments or outside agencies is required for this project, streamlining the
coordination and execution process.
Alignment with Board of Commissioners’ Authority: Hosting world-class bocce tournaments
aligns with the Board of Commissioners' authority to support community initiatives that promote
economic development, cultural diversity, and recreational opportunities in Oakland County.
Involvement in the Project: As the Director of Operations at Palazzo Di Bocce, the project lead will
oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the tournaments, ensuring compliance with
budgetary and operational requirements.
Proposed Timeline for the Project: The proposed timeline for the project includes planning and
preparation leading up to each tournament and the execution of the tournaments as scheduled. This
clear timeline demonstrates a well-defined approach to project management and execution.
In conclusion, the proposed bocce tournaments project aligns with the goals and criteria
outlined in the Special Projects Policy, demonstrating a comprehensive plan to stimulate the
local economy, promote cultural exchange, and provide recreational opportunities for the
community. The proactive approach to seeking funding partnerships and the clear timeline
for project execution further strengthen the proposal's viability and potential impact.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that a similar request was successfully funded in 2023 and
2022, wherein the Board of Commissioners approved appropriations of $20,000 from non-
departmental transfers General Fund Special Projects to the Board of Commissioners
General Fund Special Projects line-item budget for the purpose of sponsoring the 2023 and
2022 National Bocce Tournaments at the Palazzo di Bocce.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: No
Committee members can contact Michael Andrews, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.425.5572 or andrewsmb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Michael Gingell, Commissioner
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 4/24/2024
AGENDA DEADLINE: 04/24/2024 6:00 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. Bocce Request Letter
2. Letter of Support
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2024-02-29 Full Board - Refer to Finance
2024-04-03 Finance - Postponed
2024-04-17 Finance - Recommend to Board
2024-04-24 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Gwen Markham
Seconded by: Commissioner Linnie Taylor
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Spisz, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Christine Long, Robert
Hoffman, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia Gershenson, Charles Cavell,
Brendan Johnson, Ann Erickson Gault, Linnie Taylor (14)
No: Kristen Nelson (1)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Ajay Raman, Michael Gingell, Yolanda Smith Charles, William Miller III (4)
Passed
Dear Oakland County Commissioners,
I am writing to emphasize the significant benefits that sponsoring world-class bocce
tournaments, such as those hosted by Palazzo di Bocce, can bring to Oakland County.
As an integral member of the Palazzo di Bocce team, I have witnessed firsthand the
transformative impact these events have on our local economy, the growth of bocce as
a sport, and the positive view of our commissioners.
First and foremost, sponsoring these tournaments significantly stimulates our local
economy. By attracting participants, spectators, and enthusiasts from across the nation
and around the globe, these events create a surge in tourism spending within Oakland
County. From lodging accommodations to dining establishments and retail shops,
businesses throughout our community benefit from the influx of visitors attending these
tournaments.
One of the most compelling aspects of our International Tournament, held from May
16th to 18th, is the remarkable participation of teams from across Europe, South
America, and Canada. Countries such as Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France,
Turkey, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and many others send enthusiastic competitors to
vie for victory. Additionally, our U.S. Open National event, held on September 5th to 7th,
draws representatives from over 20 states across the United States, including California,
Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Illinois. This diverse
participation not only underscores the universal appeal of bocce but also positions
Oakland County as a prominent global destination for sports tourism and cultural
exchange.
In addition to the international and national interest, the growth trajectory of our
sponsored tournaments is remarkable. Past events have experienced an annual growth
rate of 25%, demonstrating a clear demand and enthusiasm for bocce competitions
within our community and beyond. Furthermore, the tournaments are entirely free for
spectators, providing accessible and inclusive entertainment for residents and visitors
alike with an estimated 1,500 over the previous two years.
It is also worth noting the significant impact our tournaments have on the senior
community. The interest and participation from seniors have been immense, and they
greatly benefit from the social interaction, physical activity, and sense of camaraderie
that bocce provides. By supporting these events, you are not only investing in the
economic development of our county but also enriching the lives of our senior
population and promoting active aging.
We are immensely proud to have had the opportunity to host children from The Power
Company Kids Club, based in Pontiac, MI, during our tournaments in the past.
Introducing these young individuals to the timeless game of bocce has been a truly
rewarding experience for us. Through our events, we have witnessed the excitement on
their faces as they engage in friendly competition, learn new skills, and forge lasting
friendships. It is moments like these that remind us of the transformative power of
sports, bringing communities together and instilling values of teamwork, sportsmanship,
and perseverance. We are deeply grateful for the chance to inspire and empower the
youth in our community, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with The
Power Company Kids Club in the future.
Moreover, our tournaments feature a live stream broadcast, reaching audiences far
beyond the confines of our venue. This broadcast not only increases the visibility and
reach of our events but also promotes Oakland County as a technologically advanced
and globally connected community.
By sponsoring Palazzo di Bocce's world-class tournaments, you demonstrate a
commitment to promoting economic development, cultural diversity, and recreational
opportunities in Oakland County. Your support not only enhances the county's
reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism but also showcases your
dedication to enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.
In conclusion, I urge you to consider the immense value of sponsoring world-class
bocce tournaments hosted by Palazzo di Bocce. Your investment in these events will not
only drive economic growth, promote the growth of bocce as a sport, but also enhance
the positive view of our community. Together, we can continue to showcase Oakland
County as a vibrant and dynamic destination for companies, tourists, and sports
enthusiasts from around the world.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jason Wisniewski
Director of Operations
Palazzo Di Bocce