Dear Potential 2010 International Plowing Match Partner:
The International Plowing Match (IPM) will be held in Elgin County from September 21 to 25, 2010. This 5 day outdoor event will spread over hundreds of acres of lands along Highway #3 in the proximity of the St. Thomas municipal airport. This event presents an opportunity to showcase Elgin County's business, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture industries and of course our wonderful hospitality. It is anticipated that 100,000 visitors will pass through the gates to experience the IPM. The tented city will have approximately 600 vendors presenting everything from farm machinery, alternative energies, local artisans and innovative methods of farming.
There will be exhibits on education, promotion of rural living plus demonstrations and exhibits on farming in the past. The IPM will draw world class competitors to the plowing competitions and over 12,000 school children to the agricultural education events designed just for them. Many visitors to this event and Elgin County will take up residence for the week in the 2010 RV park designed with an excess of 2000 sites, adjacent to the match site.
The success of the IPM will be due to the many generous financial partners and the estimated 2000 volunteers that will be required to stage the event. As volunteers, we ask that you consider being a part of this great event. Your support may come in many different ways. Although financial assistance is a priority, in-kind donations of goods, services, equipment and talent is also welcome. All monetary and in-kind donations will be acknowledged in the same manner. Various levels of support are outlined in the enclosed package. Imagine your business name on the entrance to a large exhibit tent, a stage, a parking lot or on every brochure that is handed out to the 100,000 visitors and on the IPM 2010 web site.
It is anticipated that it will cost over $3 million to host this event, but it has been calculated that it has an economic benefit to the local economy of $20 million. The Bruce County IPM of 2008, recognized a profit exceeding $750,000 from their successful IPM. These funds return to the IPM host community in the form of contributions to service clubs, community projects and charities.
The Elgin IPM 2010 looks forward to the opportunity of being of assistance by giving back to the Elgin - St. Thomas community.
On behalf of the executive and the fundraising committee, we thank you for your consideration in partnering with us to host a successful IPM 2010.
Joe Preston
IPM 2010 Fundraising Chair
Major Sponsors
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