Presentation Outline for Baseball Heaven Proposal to Voters

Focuses on engaging voters by highlighting the economic, social, and community benefits of the project, ensuring clarity and addressing concerns effectively.

Baseball Heaven…

Objective: Introduce Baseball Heaven as a $35M youth sports complex that will drive economic growth, enhance community engagement, and provide a sustainable sports infrastructure in Shawnee, OK. ● Key Points: ○ Total investment: $35M ○ Economic impact: Over $137M projected over the next six years. ○ Purpose: To create a long-term, financially sustainable youth sports facility that will become a cornerstone for Shawnee’s economic development (Proposal Kit) (Upmetrics).

Why Now: Present the need for an enhanced youth sports facility, explaining how current infrastructures are inadequate to meet the growing demands for tournaments and community sports. ○ Missed Opportunities: Reference the failed proposal for Shawnee’s earlier sports complex to highlight what will be done differently this time. ○ Economic Catalyst: Explain how Baseball Heaven will generate substantial income through tournaments, gate fees, and local spending (hotels, restaurants) by leveraging the success of Buck Thomas Sports Complex (Bizplanr).

Economic Benefits: ○ Direct Revenue: Breakdown projected revenues from event entry fees, sponsorships, concessions, and field rentals (Bizplanr). Integrity of the Game vs Economic Impact (Politics), The Oklahoma Business Plan 1 Professor K Presentation Outline for Baseball Heaven Proposal to Voters 9-9-24 ○ Tourism: Use data on “night trippers” and “day trippers” to showcase how out-of-town teams will increase spending on lodging and dining (Baseball Heaven Update …). ○ Household Income: Reference the umpire salary study, which shows that shifting to a salary-based system will increase local household wages and economic mobility (Proposal Kit). ○ Tax Revenue: Outline the potential tax revenue gains for Shawnee, helping offset initial investment costs (Upmetrics).

Financial Management: Explain how Baseball Heaven will operate with financial transparency similar to Moore Youth Baseball Association’s 990 filings. ○ Oversight: Highlight strong governance structures that will ensure proper allocation of funds and compliance with IRS requirements (e.g., Form 990, Schedules A, D, O) (Bizplanr) (Proposal Kit). ● Tax-Exempt Status: If applying for 501(c)(3) status, emphasize the tax benefits and how public charity status will ensure community-driven financial accountability (Proposal Kit).

Youth Development: Highlight the role of Baseball Heaven in promoting youth engagement and offering structured athletic programs, leagues, and tournaments for children. ● Health and Wellness: Include a section on how the facility will contribute to public health by offering a space for fitness programs and recreational activities (Upmetrics). ● Community Integration: Showcase partnerships with local schools, businesses, and organizations that will help the project succeed through shared use and local event hosting (Bizplanr).

Ethical Approach: Cross-reference the ethical implications of transitioning from cash payments to a formal salary-based umpire system. Explain how this move will help legitimize the profession and promote financial transparency (Baseball Heaven Update …). ● Cost Reduction: Show how a salaried compensation model reduces overhead and administration costs, benefiting the community by cutting down on operational expenses (Baseball Heaven Update …).

Construction Phase: Detail the construction timeline, phases, and expected completion dates for Baseball Heaven (Upmetrics). ● Initial Event Planning: Provide an overview of the planned tournaments and community events that will take place in the first two years. ● Payback Period: Reference the 15-year payback period cross-referenced from similar projects like Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex, highlighting how the investment will be recouped (Baseball Heaven Update …).

Potential Risks: Identify key risks (e.g., delays, construction overruns) and how these will be mitigated through contingency planning (Proposal Kit). ● Competitive Landscape: Compare Baseball Heaven with other complexes in the region to emphasize how the facility will stand out and attract tournaments (Bizplanr).

Community-Driven: End the presentation by reminding voters that Baseball Heaven is not just a project but an investment in Shawnee’s future. ● Call for Support: Encourage them to vote in favor of the project, outlining the direct benefits they will see in terms of improved facilities, economic growth, and community pride (Proposal Kit) (Upmetrics).

Financials: Cross-reference the tax filings from Moore Youth Baseball Association (Forms 990, A, D, O) to strengthen the financial transparency section. ● Economic Projections: Integrate data from Buck Thomas Sports Complex and Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex to validate projected revenues, operational costs, and payback period. ● Ethical Umpire Pay Model: Use the umpire salary study as part of your argument for implementing a formal salary structure (Baseball Heaven Update …).