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Since the announcement last October that the Tall Ships are coming back to Newport from July 6-9, 10 ships have been added to the growing fleet of vessels joining Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012.
The festival promises to be a great economic generator for the county and state.
As an official host port for the Tall Ships Challenge series on the Atlantic Coast, the Ocean State Festival will bring throngs of spectators and visitors to Newport. In 2007, when the Tall Ships last sailed into Newport, an estimated 200,000 people visited, delivering an economic impact of more than $20 million to the state.
In recognizing the importance of involving the broader local and statewide community, Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012 is offering an opportunity for businesses and individuals to participate in various capacities. Businesses are invited to share their ideas of how they would like to be involved by visiting the vendor opportunities page at www.oceanstatetallships.com.
Specific areas of involvement include charter sails (day or evening), food and beverage, retail, sail training activities, trash removal, transportation (water or land), sanitation and venue entertainment. An RFP process will be issued through the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, and all statewide businesses will be able to participate in the festival as official Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012 vendor companies.
In addition, local, state and national companies can connect their brands by becoming festival sponsor. There are several sponsorship levels available with opportunities for brand association and exposure, along with events to entertain clients and staff.
Sponsorship opportunities remain in the following areas: apparel, entertainment, crew, radio, hotel, tourist package, excursion vessel, bus service, water taxi, transportation, beer, wine, bank, cell phone service, Internet service, tug boat service, pilots service, ships agent services, garbage removal, pump-out lightering service, fuel, provisions supplier, shipyard services, tents, audio, caterers, port-o-let and private security.
By helping to bring this festival to the community, companies have the opportunity to build strong, positive memories for their staff and clients.
John Houle of JH Communications wrote this article on behalf of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, which provides this monthly column. Erin Donovan, executive director of Ocean State Tall Ships, will join Jody Sullivan, the chamber’s executive director, on the “Let’s Talk Business” radio show on WADK 1540-AM on Friday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m.-noon.
JOHN HOULE
Copyright © 2012 Edward A. Sherman Publishing Co. 02/18/2012
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