BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has acquired three new local partners for the Huk Performance Fishing Bassmaster Elite at Chesapeake Bay — the Maryland Lottery, the town of North East and the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC).
“Partnerships with local and regional companies highlight organizations that are committed to the success of their community,” said Michael Mulone, B.A.S.S. director of event partnerships. “These partnerships provide the companies with a platform for employee and customer recognition as well as the affiliation with the Bassmaster brand.”
The tournament, Aug. 13-16, will mark the first time B.A.S.S. has held an Elite Series event on the bay; however, the fishery has an impressive B.A.S.S. history as the site of the 1991 Bassmaster Classic.
“ODEC is excited to partner with the Bassmaster Elite Series to bring this event to Cecil County, Maryland,” said Rick Beam, ODEC’s senior vice president for power supply. “As an electric cooperative, we’re very dedicated to the communities we serve, and this tournament is a great way to enhance tourism activities in this part of the state.”
The tournament pits 107 of the top bass anglers in the world against each other, as they compete for the $100,000 first-place prize and valuable Toyota Angler of the Year points.
“We are thrilled to host this amazing event along our shores, and to share our county with anglers, families and fans from Cecil County, the Mid-Atlantic and across the United States,” said Tari Moore, of Cecil County Executive. “It is my sincere honor to welcome everyone to Cecil County and the 2015 Huk Performance Fishing Bassmaster Elite tournament and Summerfest, where visitors will find some of the best bass fishing on the East Coast.”
Under terms of the agreements, B.A.S.S. will host VIP experiences for guests of the companies, including back stage tours, meet and greets with anglers and extensive hospitality. In addition, the companies will exhibit at the outdoor expo.
“The Maryland Lottery’s partnership with the Bassmaster Elite Series allowed us to provide a unique opportunity for eight of our players who won tournament VIP packages,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica. “Our winners will get a look behind the scenes of the tournament and get to meet some of the world’s best anglers. We are proud to support the Cecil County Economic Development and Tourism Department, and we salute B.A.S.S. for its conservation efforts.”
Guests of the Maryland Lottery are winners of a second-chance sweepstakes, which ran earlier this year. These winners will be travelling to the event from outside of the local area, with a guest of their choice and $1,000 cash prize.
“We’re pleased to have partnered with such highly regarded organizations within the Cecil County community,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “Support from these local companies reinforces the importance of valuable partnerships, which are key to making our events a success.”
Daily takeoffs will be at 6:15 a.m. ET from Anchor Marina and Adjoining North East Community Park with weigh-ins scheduled at East Community Park for 3 p.m.
The Elite Series Outdoor Expo will have B.A.S.S. sponsors onsite throughout the weekend with activities, games and prizes for attendees. All of the family-friendly activities planned throughout the weekend are free and open to the public.
The local host for the event is Cecil County Tourism.