Motorola Western Open

In each of the communities for which we work, public and private partnership opportunities come before us. Each potential partnership must be evaluated on its merit and the positive benefits to those we serve. Partnerships become successful when each party involved can see the results as a Win/Win situation. In 1994 the Illinois Park and Recreation Association entered into a partnership with the Western Golf Association (WGA). IPRA took on the responsibility of staffing over 2,700 hours of labor for tasks related to the 1994 Motorola Western Open, a major Chicago area golf tournament.

In evaluating the potential partnership IPRA staff and volunteer leadership had to assess the benefits to the IPRA service community — it's members. What were the positive aspects to IPRA as a whole? Each of the following issues were perceived to be positive relative to the association.

1) Financial remuneration    2) Professional recognition    3) Fun activity (Take Time For Fun)    4) Member recognition (volunteer amenities) The negatives to the partnership were also discussed and identified as follows:    1) The dates—June 27-July 3    2) Manpower — 2,700 volunteer hours

Each of these positive and negative aspects were addressed by the IPRA Board. The negative issues were discussed at a South Suburban Park and Recreation Professions Association meeting in February. Individuals at that meeting showed great enthusiasm for the opportunity when over 60 people volunteered on a preliminary sign-up sheet. The overwhelming response from one affiliate of IPRA convinced the leadership that the negative factors could be overcome.

After thorough analysis, unanimous consensus was reached — that entering into this partnership by IPRA was very positive, and a successful contract should be developed with the WGA.

In negotiating with the WGA, IPRA representatives had no question that the responsibilities to be managed by the Association would be done in a professional and successful way. The WGA, on the other hand, did not really know IPRA's ability or organizational success. However, the WGA did feel that having one organization coordinating the five areas would streamline communication and help improve an already successful tournament. The event has concluded and the "proof is in the pudding." It was a very successful partnership as evidenced in the evaluation returns of over 80% of the volunteers. All areas seen by IPRA as positive were met or exceeded.

FINANCIAL REMUNERATION

IPRA received $18,000 for providing manpower, organization and training for over 2,700 hours of labor. This remuneration comes at a most opportune time for IPRA. A five-year financial plan developed in the spring of 1994 showed negative numbers as early as 1997 based on paying off the building mortgage when due. (Refinancing is an option but not a cost effective one.) The IPRA Board dedicated $15,000 to mortgage retirement and $3,000 for expenses related to the Western Open project. The five-year financial plan now shows a positive balance at the end of 1998.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

For years IPRA has identified professional recognition as a priority. Not just recognition within our own peer group, but to the general public and private enterprise as well. The 1994 Motorola Western Open has given the professionals new foundrespect with those attending the Open and the corporate sponsor Motorola! This comment is based on the accolades received by IPRA staff and Board members.

36* Illinois Parks & Recreation * September/October 1994