Wicomico County Selected As Host Of USSSA 2012 World Series

WicSalisbury, MD – County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. announced that Wicomico will play host to a new sports marketing event in July 2012 at today’s State of Tourism in Wicomico County Luncheon. In front of a crowd of local business owners, hoteliers and community stakeholders, Pollitt revealed that the United States Specialty Sports Association will bring its 16U A and B, 18 U Open and C Eastern World Series to the region.

Although the County has seen USSSA events for the last six years, the size and scope of the 2012 tournament surpasses them all – making this two-week tournament the largest Wicomico County has yet to see. Over 320 girls’ softball teams are expected to participate, creating a demand exceeding Wicomico County’s hotel room inventory. The Delmarva region is anticipated to see a regional economic impact of $12+ million with $5.8 million locally in Wicomico County.

USSSA State Director Bill Dowell was present for the announcement. Dowell has brought several USSSA events to Wicomico County over the past six years and has experienced the County’s offerings firsthand. Dowell elaborated that it was the community’s strong buy-in, the unique combination of Recreation, Parks & Tourism divisions into one department, the continuously updated and abundant facilities available as well as the strong and stable relationship USSSA has built with Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism staff that have kept him and his organization returning every year.

Tourism Board-member Stephanie Willey, who served as the luncheon’s Keynote Speaker, explained that the success realized in securing this tournament is a direct result of a vision that began fifteen years ago – in which Recreation & Parks, Tourism and the Youth & Civic Center were combined into one department. This allowed the County to leverage its assets making it a viable option for groups and sports marketing events. Willey went on to further explain that the current Tourism board works diligently to continue that vision, as they are “…truly a working board” and with the support of the community the success of Tourism and Sports Marketing will continue to grow in Wicomico County.

Tourism Board-member Ed Urban served as the luncheon’s master of ceremonies, and in closing stressed that the successes now being realized are a direct result of teamwork from the community, County officials, staff and volunteers.