by Jeff Saunders
Reporter
Nordonia Hills -- With an estimated $2 million needed to fill a funding gap in the reconstruction of its high school athletic facilities, the school district is seeking professional fundraising help.
The district has hired two marketing firms, Cleveland-based Sports Facilities Marketing Group and Akron-based Berroteran Group to help find ways to help fill the hole.
District Business Director Tom Hartman said the two firms will work together under a single contract, which the Board of Education approved on June 15.
"[Sports Facilities Marketing Group's] focus and a lot of their contacts are in the Cleveland area, whereas the Berroteran Group is more focused on Akron so we can more completely cover the region, as well as funding sources outside the area," said Hartman on June 25.
He added that it was too early to say how much of the $2 million the companies will be able to raise.
"It really depends on how the marketing plan comes together," he said.
Hartman said the two companies together will be paid a $30,000 upfront base fee, plus a percentage of revenues that they bring in. The contract is in effect until the three-phase project's completion, which Hartman estimated will be in two to four years.
Lou Berroteran, owner of the Berroteran Group, could not be reached for comment before press time. Tim Wicinski, director of sales for Sports Facilities Marketing Group, said June 29 that it is too early to say how much money the companies will be able to raise.
"We don't have right now a revenue projection," he said, adding that he expects to know more about the middle of July.
According to Hartman, services the district is paying for under the base fee include:
* The development of a marketing plan including an inventory of items, such as naming rights of the complex and portions of it, as well as advertising opportunities on the scoreboard and other locations.
* Identify companies, organizations and individuals as potential sponsors.
"Ultimately, the district has the authority to decide what kind of sponsorships we accept," Hartman said.
* Oversee the development and production of sales materials and put together a public relations plan.
* Carry out any sponsorship agreements.
Hartman said more information should become available during a scheduled July 15 meeting with representatives of the companies.
According to Sport Facilities Marketing Groups' Web site, the company has helped raise funds for numerous projects and venues, such as Cleveland Browns Stadium and Nationwide Arena, home of the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets. It has also done work for Cleveland's Playhouse Square and Theater District, arena renovations for the National Basketball Association's Golden State Warriors and the Oakland Raiders.
Hartman said the district is advertising for construction bids for the first of the three phases, which is to include a new stadium and track. He said he expects to have bids ready for the Board of Education to consider at its July 20 meeting.
The district is currently estimating that the entire project will cost approximately $9.8 million. About $6 million is being provided by a bond issue, to be repaid with a 0.42-mill, 22-year property tax levy, which voters approved last November.
The district also has about $1.8 million that it set aside in 2005.
In December, the district formed its alternative resources committee to consider fundraising options, as well as consider the hiring of a marketing firm. The Board has also considered the possibility of selling all or part of 93 acres the district purchased from the state in 2003 for $1.1 million to reserve as space for future growth.
E-mail: jsaunders@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3169