January 17, 2012
For more information, contact:
Jill Daniel, Marketing & Communications Manager
Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office
360-750-1553 Ext 18
jdaniel@VisitVancouverUSA.com


VANCOUVER USA REGIONAL TOURISM OFFICE CREATES 
LOCAL SPORTS COMMISSION
VANCOUVER, Wash. - In its ongoing mission to create positive economic growth throughout Clark 
County, the board of directors of the Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office voted to create a new 
sports commission that will serve as a catalyst for attracting and promoting sports events and 
tournaments in Clark County, Wash. The newly formed Vancouver USA Regional Sports 
Commission will serve as a special advisory committee to the board.
"Our numerous sports facilities, parks and natural venues are becoming well-known among event 
organizers throughout the Northwest as well as the entire U.S.," said Kim Bennett, President and 
CEO of Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office. "By lending us their expertise and connections, 
the new commission members will be invaluable resources for our board and staff and will help 
better position Clark County as a go-to region for sporting events of all kinds."
The Sports Commission will ultimately be comprised of 20 to 30 members from across Clark County, 
including representation from:
Colleges, universities and high school athletic programs
Private and public sports venues and facilities
Parks and recreation organizations
Sport associations and clubs
Athletic suppliers and vendors
Sports medicine organizations
Tournament directors
Sports officials
Sports media
Tourism and hospitality professionals
Private businesses and retailers 
Additionally, at least two members of the Tourism Office's board of directors will sit on the 
commission. 
Initial members of the Sports Commission include Brian McClary, Heathman Lodge; Charles 
Guthrie, Clark College, Peter Mayer, Vancouver-Clark County Parks and Recreation; Alison Hite, 
SpringHill Suites by Marriott; Dave Sobolik, Fit Right Northwest; and Kim Bennett, Vancouver USA
Regional Tourism Office."All across the nation, communities are realizing the massive economic and public relations impact 
sports can have on a community. Here in Clark County we have the people and places necessary to 
realize that potential. We can build on the successes of marathons, regional youth tournaments, and 
equestrian events to make sports a major force in economic development and revitalization for the 
County," said Steve Stuart, Clark County Commissioner.
The primary goals and objectives of the Sports Commission include, but are not limited to:
Providing and coordinating resources in the community that will enhance the success of 
sports events/tournaments.
Serving as information resources when developing contacts and knowledge in the state, 
Pacific Northwest and throughout the U.S.
Prospecting sports events/tournaments and bid opportunities that fit the resources available 
in Clark County.
Providing education and information to the general public on the benefits of investing in
sports competitions and venues.
Providing a forum for the continued recognition of sports as a positive force in improving the 
quality of life in the Clark County area.
Vancouver and surrounding Clark County are home to a growing number of major national and 
regional sports events that attract thousands of visitors to the region every year. Most notably, the 
NAIA Cross Country National Championships have been held in Vancouver since 2009 and it was 
just recently announced that the city has been selected to host the National Championships in 
2012; the fourth consecutive year. Vancouver also has served as the host city for: 
The Little League Girls Softball Western Region Tournament, which has been held for eight 
consecutive years at the Fort Vancouver Little League Field.
The Washington State Horse Expo held at the Clark County Event Center.
Adidas Clash at the Border soccer tournament held at sports fields in Camas, just east of 
Vancouver.
The U.S. Rowing Northwest Junior District Championships held at Vancouver Lake.
The Vancouver USA Marathon.
The initial members of the Sports Commission are expected to meet in February.  Parties interested 
in serving on the Sports Commission are encouraged to contact the Vancouver USA Regional 
Sports Commission at sports@vancouverusasports.com  for additional information.
About Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office
Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office (formerly Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors 
Bureau) is an economic development organization responsible for competitively marketing 
Vancouver and the surrounding area as a destination for meetings, conventions, and group and 
leisure travelers. The organization's mission is to promote Vancouver and Clark County by 
increasing convention and visitor business. For more information call (360) 750-1553, or visit 
www.VisitVancouverUSA.com .  
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