SorcererMickey
October 19th, 2004, 19:56
Disney lures BASS headquarters to Florida
By Ed Zieralski
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
October 19, 2004
Don't look for a set of Mickey Mouse ears around the BASS logo any time soon, but BASS officials announced yesterday they are moving their headquarters from Montgomery, Ala., to Central Florida near Walt Disney World Resort.
The move, which was first announced as a possibility last November, will be made in the spring of 2005.
BASS, which was bought by ESPN and Disney in April 2001, promised Florida officials it will eventually bring "120 new, higher-wage jobs" to Celebration, Fla., in Osceola County. Approximately 20 to 25 BASS employees involved with BASS membership fulfillment will remain in Montgomery, Ala., the only home BASS has known since Ray Scott founded it in 1968.
"Moving to Walt Disney World will tremendously enhance our ability to grow the sport," said George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports.
Disney World has lakes stocked with lunker bass, and last year, BASS combined with Disney's Sports and Recreation division to enhance the guided bass fishing trips for Disney visitors. All guests who fish the lakes on guided trips receive a membership to BASS and other enhancements.
"BASS-branded fishing excursions are among the most popular sports and recreation activities at the Walt Disney Resort," said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "And we look forward to creating even more programs and unique experiences for our guests with the worldwide authority on bass fishing moving to Central Florida."
Christine Godleski, vice president and general manager of ESPN Outdoors, sees the move as a great opportunity to showcase the sport at Disney and to introduce non-anglers to bass fishing at the resort lakes. Florida is the top fishing destination in the U.S., with more than 1 million nonresident anglers fishing there each year, according to the American Sportfishing Association.
"Our presence in Florida will allow us to deliver more value and enhanced experiences to the BASS membership, people who love the outdoors and their families, and those looking to experience the sport for the first time," Godleski said.
After months of dealing with one devastating hurricane after another, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush yesterday gladly accepted a BASS-branded hat and shirt from ESPN Senior Vice President Mark Quenzel. Bush said BASS will be "an excellent addition to the long list of major sports entities that proudly call Florida home."
By Ed Zieralski
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
October 19, 2004
Don't look for a set of Mickey Mouse ears around the BASS logo any time soon, but BASS officials announced yesterday they are moving their headquarters from Montgomery, Ala., to Central Florida near Walt Disney World Resort.
The move, which was first announced as a possibility last November, will be made in the spring of 2005.
BASS, which was bought by ESPN and Disney in April 2001, promised Florida officials it will eventually bring "120 new, higher-wage jobs" to Celebration, Fla., in Osceola County. Approximately 20 to 25 BASS employees involved with BASS membership fulfillment will remain in Montgomery, Ala., the only home BASS has known since Ray Scott founded it in 1968.
"Moving to Walt Disney World will tremendously enhance our ability to grow the sport," said George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports.
Disney World has lakes stocked with lunker bass, and last year, BASS combined with Disney's Sports and Recreation division to enhance the guided bass fishing trips for Disney visitors. All guests who fish the lakes on guided trips receive a membership to BASS and other enhancements.
"BASS-branded fishing excursions are among the most popular sports and recreation activities at the Walt Disney Resort," said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "And we look forward to creating even more programs and unique experiences for our guests with the worldwide authority on bass fishing moving to Central Florida."
Christine Godleski, vice president and general manager of ESPN Outdoors, sees the move as a great opportunity to showcase the sport at Disney and to introduce non-anglers to bass fishing at the resort lakes. Florida is the top fishing destination in the U.S., with more than 1 million nonresident anglers fishing there each year, according to the American Sportfishing Association.
"Our presence in Florida will allow us to deliver more value and enhanced experiences to the BASS membership, people who love the outdoors and their families, and those looking to experience the sport for the first time," Godleski said.
After months of dealing with one devastating hurricane after another, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush yesterday gladly accepted a BASS-branded hat and shirt from ESPN Senior Vice President Mark Quenzel. Bush said BASS will be "an excellent addition to the long list of major sports entities that proudly call Florida home."