Ben Whiting and others from the Albion College in Michigan paddle on the Rappahannock River below the Interstate 95 bridge yesterday. The club is competing in today's ACA Collegiate Canoe & Kayak National Championship. MIKE MORONES/THE FREE LANCE-STAR View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

Local groups court canoe association TOURISM INCENTIVES OFFERED WANT TO GO?

City, development groups offer big package of incentives to lure paddling group here

Date published: 6/2/2007

By RUSTY DENNEN

The American Canoe Association likes what it sees in Fredericksburg as it hunts for a new headquarters.

Now, city officials and development groups here have sweetened the pot with incentives totaling nearly $900,000, according to a proposal sent to ACA.

They say it's worth it because the association here would enhance tourism.

Here's what's on the table:

From the city of Fredericksburg, an offer of in-kind contributions to help with advertising, promotion and meetings, and coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Fredericksburg Regional Alliance will host the ACA board meeting here July 21-22. The public-private partnership and the University of Mary Washington will cover the cost of hotel rooms, meals, meeting space and arrangements.

From the Silver Cos., complimentary office space for up to two years for the ACA staff until a permanent site can be found. Also, the Fredericksburg-based developer has offered the group an acre site in its planned "ecotourism" area of Celebrate Virginia.

From developer Tommy Mitchell, an offer of space to lease at several locations downtown.

The city's business development staff estimates the the incentives total $869,000.

"We're trying to assist them with marketing, logistical help and office space scenarios," said Kevin Gullette, Fredericksburg's business development director.

Lining up a suitable piece of land, he said, is the biggest challenge, because the association wants to be as close to the river as possible, and land prices and rental rates for that are expensive.

Gullette said the ACA would be "a great partner for the city as we continue to develop our strategy for the riverfront."

The 50,000-member association, headquartered in Northern Virginia, gave a presentation to the City Council last month. After that, it accepted an invitation to hold its July board meeting here.

Pamela Dillon, the association's executive director, told The Free Lance-Star that the ACA has been looking to move from its Springfield office building to a spot on a river. Its lease there expires next April.

Wherever it decides to go, ACA will need office space for its 15 employees, a warehouse, and space for a museum.

Fredericksburg, she said, is a good candidate because it has a longtime paddling tradition and a history of river stewardship through the city and groups such as the Friends of the Rappahannock.

"The board was happy to get a generous offer for hosting the meeting and is looking forward to checking out Fredericksburg and meeting folks there and paddling the Rappahannock. We have some fun things lined up," Dillon said yesterday. The 21-member ACA board hails from all over the country.

Dillon said four states are actively in the running for the relocation. She declined to say what other areas are under consideration.

ACA is a sponsor in the Great Rappahannock Whitewater Canoe Race, taking place today and tomorrow at Old Mill Park.

Gullette said he expects a decision within three to six months.

"We're hopeful their board will see that there are advantages here. They can be a big fish in a small pond"

GREAT RAPPAHANNOCK CANOE RACE WHEN: Today and tomorrow WHERE: All races end at Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg DETAILS: grwcr.org

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Date published: 6/2/2007