Valencia Eventos Náuticos

Posted on 20 February 2012

When the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce held an America's Cup business engagement forum in their boardroom, it became swiftly oversubscribed, with more than 120 businesses.

That's typical these days when an event uses the words "America's Cup" and "business opportunity" in the same sentence.

"We all keep hearing about the enormous economic benefits that are expected from the America’s Cup," says Jim Lazarus, vice president of public policy for the San Francisco Chamber, former mayoral chief of staff, and general go-to guy for getting things done in SF.

"As the excitement builds, more and more businesses are asking how they can get in on the action. This is going to transform the economy, and local businesses want to be front and center when the teams, event organizers and spectators start shopping for services.”

To facilitate connections, the America's Cup Event Authority launched America's Cup Business Connect, a web-based business portal that will serve as a one-stop shop for local companies to compete for America’s Cup business. Event organizers will also use the portal to announce business and contracting opportunities and for businesses to engage.

“America's Cup will bring people to the wharf – the race is right outside our door – and that's what people are excited about,” said Kevin Carroll, Executive Director, Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District. “Hosting events, people staying at hotels, eating at restaurants, tours & attractions. They'll come for the races, watch the races, and enjoy themselves here before and after.”

A separate jobs board lists employment opportunities with the event organizers.

Jennifer Matz, director of the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), is glad to have AC Business Connect.

Matz says businesses need to start now to figure out how to capitalize on the increased economic activity, how to activate customers, how to advertise. "It's not like a shipyard, or Candlestick Park, where you have one contract, one decision-maker. It's lots of opportunities, and we're figuring out how we help you make your pitch."

For instance, she says, there are 250 local manufacturing businesses that belong to an industry group called SFMade. If an America's Cup team needs custom AC belts, they can find a local supplier.

“The America's Cup has attractive demographics for our businesses and so, most are excited, cautiously excited,” said Bob MacIntosh, President & CEO, Pier 39. “We are hopeful that if the People's Plan accommodates the America's Cup patrons, our local patrons and our visitors, this would result in [such] a positive impact. We're passing along AC Business Connect to all of our shops, restaurants and attractions in hopes that they will register.”

Time will tell how well it works, but the initiative is off to a strong start. More than 150 businesses registered within the first week, with close to 1000 businesses listed to date.

The OEWD project director for the America's Cup Michael Martin notes a further benefit. "We hope AC Business Connect is also part of a legacy of interactive tools and web apps to explore the city beyond the America's Cup. It's a double bank-shot."

To connect, go to http://www.americascup.com/connect.

- Paul V. Oliva

Comunicado: americascup.com