Traverse City Horse Shows, Matt Morrissey: HB 6185 testimony in support (October 6, 2020)

Summary

Letter dated October 6, 2020 from Matt Morrissey, a Managing Partner of Traverse City Horse Shows LLC, to Steve Marino, Chair of the House Commerce and Tourism Committee, in support of HB 6185. Morrissey writes that the company owns and manages the Flintfields Horse Park outside Traverse City, where it ran top level horse shows including the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival. The letter cites a 2017 economic impact study finding $123 million in direct and indirect economic impact from six weeks of horse shows that year. It states that a partnership with the Great Lakes Sports Commission helped bring the longest running American Grand Prix from the state of New York.

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MORRISSEY MANAGEMENT GROUP

P.O. Box 1375
Bradenton, FL 34206

October 6, 2020

The Honorable Steve Marino, Chair
House Commerce and Tourism Committee
P.O. Box 30014

Lansing, MI 48909

Dear Chairman Marino and members of the Committee:

Thank you for the committee hearing on HB 6185 and the opportunity to submit this testimony in support of Representative
Cambensy's legislation.

My name is Matt Morrissey and I am one of the Managing Partners of Traverse City Horse Shows LLC which owns and
manages the Flintfields Horse Park outside of Traverse City, where, this summer, we ran eleven wecks of top level horse shows
inchiding the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), one of the premier horse jumping events in the United States.

You will likely hear a good deal of testimony about the history and economic impacts of sports and recreation in northern
Michigan. As a third generation member of our family company that has managed world-class horse shows for decades, | can
speak directly and passionately about the economic and community benefits of investment in high-caliber sports and recreation
facilities,

In 2017, GLEF undertook an economic impact study of the equestrian festival. The findings showed $123 million in direct and
indirect economic impact on the Community from the six weeks of horse shows that year, In addition, through a partnership
with the Great Lakes Sports Commission and others, this year, we were able to attract and secure the 50th Anniversary of the
Amencan Gold Cup, the longest running American Grand Prix, from the state of New York. This expansion of the horse shows
allowed for three additional weeks of championship-level riding opportunities. economic opportunities through tourism, and an
optimal way to showcase Michigan to world-class athletes, successful business owners, and a global spectator base.

House Bill 6185 would provide a unique but tested way for northem Michigan to continue vesting in world-class sports and
recreation related infrastructure and events, much necded for our regional economy in the wake of Covid-19,

We appreciate the opportunity to share our perspective on HH 6) 85 respectfully ask for your support.

Sincerely.

Mait Mornisscy
Managing Partin
Morrissey Managesfient Group
Traverse City Horse Shows


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