Fifth Avenue Advisors

Mesa gets Cubs Spring Training nod.

Hurdles may still present opportunity for Collier County

Organizers prepared if Collier County gets second chance

NAPLES, FL (January 27, 2010) – While the Chicago Cubs will work exclusively with Mesa, AZ, to negotiate a new Spring Training facility, leaders in Collier County, FL, will continue to develop plans while monitoring Mesa’s progress.

From the first meetings with Tom and Laura Ricketts, it was easy to recognize their integrity and commitment to Cubs fans. This was evident today by their decision to respect the history and tradition in Mesa.

The non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Cubs and Mesa provides an exclusive negotiation period to complete work towards a final agreement. Within a stated timeframe, multiple legislative and funding hurdles, including a voter referendum, must be cleared by the City of Mesa and State of Arizona; otherwise, the team can stop negotiations, and re-start discussions with Collier County.

Project Home Run! sponsors have proposed a public-private partnership utilizing tourist development taxes, state funds designated for baseball and private funding. Neither county sales taxes nor county property taxes are being considered to pay for the project.

Florida Governor Crist stated, “Today’s decision by the Chicago Cubs to exclusively negotiate with Arizona officials ends one phase of their pursuit of a new spring training home and begins another.  The dedicated civic leaders involved with Project Home Run! and the State of Florida remain ready to bring the Cubs to Naples should the remaining hurdles to a binding agreement not be overcome.  The Ricketts family has been open and honest and I wish them well.  Florida stands ready to step in.”