Announcement Set for August 17 Pirates Game at PNC Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August, 16, 2011: The cities of Bradenton, FL and Pittsburgh, PA are putting a domestic spin on the international “sister city” concept. The two will announce an official “Two Cities” alliance intended to enhance the cultural, sporting, educational and economic development opportunities available between the two destinations. An official presentation, including proclamations by Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, will be made at the August 17th Pirates game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
“We have enjoyed a long and strong bond with the Pittsburgh Pirates for more than 40 years and have signed a Spring Training contract to add another 30 years to that major league baseball pact,” said Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston. “It only makes sense that we take that relationship to the next level, strengthening the ties the two cities have and adding new ways of thinking about how we can help each other strengthen our economies, our tourism opportunities and our major league baseball presence.”
Spectators at the game will also watch a travel video showcasing the beaches and many activities in the Bradenton area, including Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.
Representatives traveling to Pittsburgh from Bradenton:
Elliott Falcione, Executive Director - Bradenton Area CVB
Mayor Wayne Poston- City of Bradenton
Carl Callahan, City Clerk and Treasurer/Chief of Staff - City of Bradenton
Dan Schlandt, Deputy County Administrator - Manatee County Government
Bob Bartz, President - Manatee Chamber of Commerce
Dave Gustafson, Executive Director - Bradenton Downtown Development Authority
Michael Walley, Director of Development and Community Relations - SRQ
Paul Blackketter, Project manager for Benderson Development
Trevor Gooby, Senior Director of Florida Operations - Pittsburgh Pirates
About Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key
Located between Sarasota and Tampa Bay on Florida’s southwest coast, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key, and their coastal companions, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, are treasured for their authentic Old Florida charm, breath-taking scenery, funky dining and shopping districts, and miles of sugar-white sands. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Manatee County, Florida. Tourism is Manatee County’s leading industry, employing nearly 18,000 residents, generating a direct annual economic impact of more than $470 million in the local economy and producing more than $6 million in bed-tax collections in 2010. For more information, call (941) 729-9177, ext. 243 or visit www.AMILBK.com. We also invite you to follow us on Facebook at “Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key” and Twitter @VisitBradenton.
