For Immediate Release:
January 16th, 1997
Share the Vision
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands -
Peter Holmberg, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands America's Cup
Challenge (VIACC), today confirmed his Caribbean-based yacht racing
syndicate's partnership with Don Chmiel of Atlanta, Georgia, who'll
represent the Cup 2000 Challenger both nationally and internationally.
According to Holmberg, an Olympic medalist and world-class match racing helmsman, "Don's extensive knowledge in all areas of marketing -- planning, advertising, media, promotions, sponsorships, hospitality and public relations -- provides the kind of coordinated punch needed to deliver our America's Cup package directly to corporate decision-makers."
As Executive Vice President of International Services of Atlanta, Inc. (ISA) -- a world leader in sports event and facility management in the sports, entertainment, and convention/hospitality industries -- Chmiel is a seasoned marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the domestic and international area.
During two decades with top Fortune 100 companies such as General Foods, Lever Brothers, and RJR Nabisco, Chmeil established a rapport with corporate insiders that is expected to reap sponsorship dollars to fuel the Virgin Islands syndicate's quest to wrest the 'Auld Mug' away from New Zealand.
For the past ten years, Chmeil has put his special events management skills to work for clients at a multitude of world-class events, including cycling, baseball, golf, professional football, tennis, equestrian, figure skating, Formula I racing, and the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.
For the 1996 Olympic Games, the syndicate's newly-designated marketing guru secured and managed corporate consulting for six major domestic and international Olympic sponsors and managed the Olympic hospitality programs that included over 12,5000 corporate guests during the 18 days of the Games. During the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Chmiel chartered and secured government approval for a new cruise ship that served a major corporate hospitality venue.
Coupled with a year-round sailing venue that's considered among the world's finest, the U.S. Virgin Islands' high-volume tourism and hospitality industries, provide a powerful package of incentives to sponsors seeking and international showcase.
The Virgin Islands America's Cup Foundation is a non profit organization with a 5013C tax deductible status. This endeavor is a large undertaking, but with commitment of people like yourselves, together, we will make this happen. You can be a part of this campaign by sending your donations to The Virgin Islands America's Cup Foundation at 6501 Red Hook Plaza, Suite 201, St. Thomas, VI 00802. We can be contacted at phone (809)774-9090, fax (809)777-5089 or on CompuServe 105401.3030.