Feature | Conference 2005 Highlights

NSC Board meets in Orlando

Marketing advances discussed

Full agendas were tackled at two NIRSA Services Corporation Board of Directors' meetings held in Orlando during the 2005 Annual Conference.

One of the important orders of business was to welcome the new NSC Board Members: Kathleen Hatch, Washington State University, Eric Nickel, James Madison University, and Tamra Garstka, Arizona State University, as Immediate Past NIRSA President. Proceedings also included electing Mick Deluca, UCLA, as NSC President and retaining Jeff Vessely, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, as Secretary. (Click here to see the 2005-2006 NSC Board of Directors). Stepping down after very successful terms on the NSC board were Sid Gonsoulin, University of Southern Mississippi (Immediate Past NIRSA President), and Jesse (Tony) Clements, University of Illinois.

Other agenda items included:

• Selection of Title for National Campus Championship Series: Discussions continued for the naming and branding of the NIRSA Sport Club and Intramural Championships. Branding these events under an umbrella identity will help build continuity for all NIRSA sponsored and endorsed events, both for NIRSA and for potential sponsors. The board decided on the title of "National Campus Championship Series," with "Presented by NIRSA" as a possible by-line. A trademark search on this name will be conducted before its use and release.
• Risk Management: Discussions included comparisons between several proposals and other NIRSA agreements. There were questions regarding the NIRSA's liability exposure and the possible need for an RFP.
• College Connect, Inc.: Steve Bodine, President of College Connect, and NIRSA's contracted sports marketing agent, presented an update to the Board on his progress in securing sponsors for NIRSA sponsored and endorsed events. While Steve has yet to secure sponsorships, substantial progress is being made through an increasing number of face-to-face meetings with potential sponsors. These meetings have helped significantly in positioning NIRSA, and our Member Institutions' recreational facilities, as the most cost-effective means to reach the important 18-24 year old demographic. Steve continues to use data from Kerr & Downs and other recent NIRSA research to promote NIRSA to potential sponsors.

Look for continued updates regarding potential sponsors.