by Cara Beth Lewis
At the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Meeting on June 15th, 2021, Executive Director Terri Dennison announced to members that the Elizabethtown Dixie Youth Baseball League will host the DYB State Championship. The championship is a week-long event that begins on July 16th, and will continue until July 23rd, 2021.
Kyle Bostic, Elizabethtown DYB Vice President, shared history of the baseball league, information regarding the tournament, and the economic impact that this event will have on our community.
Elizabethtown Dixie Youth Baseball was founded in the late 1970s. It is a volunteer organization that consists of a 13-member board.
The DYB Vice President took time to thank the community for supporting the league. He said, “We have a big thanks to give to the town of Elizabethtown… The town of White Lake has been a big financial supporter as well.”
Dixie Youth Baseball is a Christian organization. Their motto is Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Bostic stated, “It’s more than just baseball; it’s the greatest way we can teach kids life lessons.”
This organization consists of sixty leagues across the state. The Elizabethtown league consists of approximately two hundred fifty players, and sixty volunteer coaches.
This championship will have a great economic impact on our community. According to Bostic, “It is a good shot in the arm for our businesses.” 288 players, 25 coaches, and 22 teams will bring parents, grandparents, friends, and siblings, adding up to potentially one to two thousand visitors in our area for the week. These families will seek lodging, as well as places to eat and shop while they are here. Bostic urges local businesses to make them feel welcome. Banners, marquee messages, and signs are a great way to do this.
Volunteers are needed for the event. In addition, ad space is available to help cover the cost of hosting this major event. Goodie bags will be given out, and this is a great way to advertise your business to the visitor. You can offer coupons, brochures, business cards, etc.
In the words of Kyle Bostic, “It’s a lot of work, but it’s an even better opportunity to show off what we call home.”
Dennison sent an email to Chamber members with six ways to support the DYB event.
1.) SPONSOR: Become a sponsor by placing an ad in the official program. Sponsorship forms will be available shortly or you can contact Kyle Bostick at 910-874-2257.
2.) PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS: The Chamber is helping to create goodie bags for each athlete, coach and official. Think about supplying an item or a coupon for the bags. Discounts on food, supplies, fun activities, and services are greatly appreciated. We need 400 items by Friday, July 9. Drop off at the Chamber office (207 E. Broad Street). Bladen Office Supply can help you create your coupons.
3.) WELCOME OUR VISITORS WITH SIGNAGE: Thinks about putting signs up in your yard, banners on your businesses, or welcome flags in your windows. Contact SignLogic at 910-862-8965 to help with your signage.
4.) SHOW THEM OUR BLADEN COUNTY HOSPITALITY:
Ask strangers if they are from out of town, welcome them here and offer directions or recommendations.
5.) HANG OUT IN THE OUTFIELD: There is still availability at the ball park to place a sign on the ball field fence. These are 3 year contracts. Contact Cameron West at Elizabethtown Town Hall (910-862-2066).
6.) COME WATCH THEM PLAY BALL!
Any questions, please call Terri with the Elizabethtown – White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 910-862-4368 or visit the Chamber’s website: www.elizabethtownwhitelake.com.
View the Chamber meeting on our YouTube channel linked below.
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