by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
Riding the strongest growth curve in its 35-year history, the Gator Bowl Association officially opened its 56th year with a challenge from its president to do even better.
“We’re coming off the greatest four-year run ever,” said Rick Catlett as his association’s directors held their first meeting Tuesday night to prepare for the Jan. 1, 2003, game and the events around it. “It’s up to all of us to keep this going.”
In the 1999-2002 period, the association saw its television ratings go up over 25 percent, charitable contributions reach the highest point ever, the financial impact to the community reach almost $40 million and attendance stay at the 70,000 mark.
“We have few traditions in Jacksonville,” said chair Susan Hamilton of CSX, “and the Gator Bowl is one of those traditions. It’s strong now and there’s no reason we’ll let down.”
About 75 directors and prospective directors attended the meeting at Alltel Stadium’s East Club. In addition to an orientation session for new board members, the agenda included awards to immediate past chair Jim McCollum of BellSouth and Ronnie Fussell of Poole Management, the latter for coordinating the patriotic-themed pregame show.
Catlett announced that there would be 23 events this year, including the football game. The association’s other major events are a junior tennis tournament and a pro-am golf tournament.
Members of the 2003 executive committee were introduced, including Bob White of Compass Bank, chair-elect; Richard Morehead of Allstate Financial, secretary-treasurer; and Fred Franklin of Holland & Knight, general counsel.
The executive committee also was expanded from 11 to 17 with the addition of attorney John Donahoo, Players Championship manager Brian Goin, Hartley Press owner Mike Hartley, Cendent Mortgage executive Scott Keith, Southeast Toyota executive Bob Moore and convention bureau chair Michael Stewart of BellSouth.
Returning on the committee are Hamilton, White, Morehead, Franklin, McCollum, Mercury Luggage owner Andy Pradella, Cendant’s Bob Smith; past chairs Carl Cannon of the Times-Union, Leerie Jenkins of RS&H and John Harrison of Harrison & Associates; and Ken Tonning, the general manager of Ch. 12/25, the local NBC affiliate. NBC televised the game.
The association board next meets on May 7 at the Marriott Resort at Sawgrass.