Acknowledged as a leader in race production for four categories, and 21 classes of all American Power Boat Association’s (APBA) sanctioned races, a small town in a rural area, Kittanning, Pennsylvania’s Kittanning Riverbration was named as the winner of APBA’s prestigious Best Site Award for 2018.
The presentation to the race organizers was made February 08, in Orlando, Florida, during the annual APBA meeting and convention, giving everyone within the sanctioning organization a clear view of what it takes to be the best. Chosen from the more than 300 racing events throughout the 2018 calendar year, the Kittanning entry for the APBA Best Site hit all parameters with an average of 9.5 out of 10 points scores. “Kittanning is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when there is synergy between the race and the community,” explained Sherron Winer, APBA National Promotion and Marketing Committee co-chair. Winer continued, “Mary and Jeff Williams, event organizers, have set the bar high for the future. In their application, they detailed key aspects of promotion and production, including how important the cooperation of their sponsors was to the overall success. And, by any standard, any race that fields 111 entries per day, manages to promote their event through creative use of traditional media as well as three Internet platforms, provides evening entertainment, and holds an APBA Driving School, all with a small budget, demonstrates what can be accomplished by a dedicated group of volunteers.”
Jean Mackay-Schwartz, committee co-chair, added, “Returning a sanctioned APBA event to Kittanning was a key element in choosing this site as the best. Making the site logistics meet the current insurance guidelines and adding activities beyond the scope of racing created an atmosphere for a fun-filled family weekend for everyone.”
“Without the support of Alle Kiski Strong Chamber of Commerce, Kittanning Hose Hook & Ladder Company 1, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #896,” acknowledged Mary Williams, this award, and more importantly, our race would not be possible. Riverbration thanks each of you as well as our other supporters for making it all possible. We look forward to seeing everyone this coming August 16 (driving school) through 18, for the 2019 edition of exciting, free fun.”
How does your event measure up? Start now by examining your race plans, keep track of your media and once your event concludes, enter to become the APBA Best Site for 2019. Go online with the APBA web site to review past National Promotional and Marketing seminars, create your event plans using the helpful guidelines as well as the listed resources to make your race as successful as possible. Promote APBA, when one succeeds, we all succeed. It’s part of our organization-wide effort to get you “From HERE (an idea) to THERE (a great event).
Below, Jean Mackay-Schwartz and Sarah Ealy present the 2018 Best site Award to Jeff and Mary Williams. Gleason Racing Photography
