Breeder’s Invitational Commits to Three Years in Tulsa
TRIPLE IMPACT: Officials at the press conference are: back row, from left, Roger Twilley, Agribusiness Event Coordinator, Expo Square; Ray Hoyt, Executive Director, Tulsa Sports Commission and Interim Sr. VP VisitTulsa; Bob O’Bannon, Executive Director, Breeder’s Invitational; Pat Fitzgerald, VP of Breeder’s Invitational; Mark Andrus, President and CEO, Expo Square; and Fred Perry, Tulsa County Commissioner. On the front row are Sarah Thompson, Marketing and Development Supervisor, Expo Square; Brandi Herndon, Agribusiness Manager, Expo Square; Amy Huntley, Vice President, VisitTulsa; and Amanda Blair, Executive Manager of Sales and Marketing, Expo Square.
DANIEL C. CAMERON for GTR Newspapers
Mark Andrus, president and of Expo Square, and Ray Hoyt, interim senior vice president of VisitTulsa, were joined by Bob O’Bannon, executive director of Breeder’s Invitational, and Tulsa County Commissioner Fred Perry at a press conference announcing the signing of a three-year contract between Breeder’s Invitational and Expo Square.
“I am excited our facility has solidified additional event years with one of our great partners,” said Mark Andrus, president and of Expo Square. “The Breeder’s Invitational enables us to provide Tulsa County with a quality attraction, while fulfilling our mission to create a significant economic impact. Being able to develop partnerships with our clients and Visit Tulsa has allowed us to grow and retain business, resulting in a higher quality of life for our community.”
Breeder’s Invitational made its debut in Tulsa two years ago when they signed their original three-year contract through 2011. As a result of the show’s success in Tulsa, the group elected to sign another three-year contract good through 2014.
“Their decision to sign a second three-year contract is truly a testament to the wonderful facilities, dedicated staff and accommodating space at Expo Square as well as the hospitality only Tulsa can offer,” said Hoyt. “As a representative of VisitTulsa it is my honor and duty to work with these fine men and women of the Breeder’s Invitational to ensure the two weeks they spend in Tulsa each year is a success both for their organization and for our region.”
Annually, the Breeder’s Invitational brings an estimated $3.3 million economic impact during their two-week stay in Tulsa. As a result each three-year contract provides a nearly $10 million economic boost to the regional economy.
“They are very much a part of our community and their contribution has a lasting impact,” said Hoyt. “Through the additional sales tax revenue generated during their extended stay, the city receives help in funding critical civic works projects for the benefit of our citizens.”
The Breeder’s Invitational is a nonprofit organization formed to promote and enhance the cutting industry. The 2011 show will be held May 14-28 in Tulsa. For more information about Breeder’s Invitational or the show, visit breedersinvitational.com.
Updated 04-12-2011
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