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From: Michelle Cavaretta

Good morning Joe,

Again, I want to thank you and the Leesburg Partnership for your generosity to the many AA's that attended Bikefest and found The Friends of Bill W. right on Main Street.
Here are some numbers for your records. 221 people attended the eight meetings from Thursday evening thru Sunday morning at 10:30 AM.
We had over 100 visitors both on Friday and Saturday and kept the room open from 10 AM to 10 PM. 4 PM on Sunday.
There were 3 vendors who attended your event this year and past who always locate the room right after setting up. One of those vendors goes back to year one and remembers when AA was located at 705 W. Main Street all year long.
Over 40 groups were represented and signed our list by Group and City.
We collected at total of $281.00. $167.00 was from the basket we pass and $114.00 was for the water. $51.00 was deducted for coffee expenses and the balance was delivered to The Partnership on 4/27/09.
So many visitors thanked us for being there and we pass that gratitude to you. Many of our visitors are regulars to Bikefest and search out the AA room first.
Contact me anytime if you have any other questions, and I will look forward to working with you next year. I personally had a wonderful time and know I speak for the many friends (AA and not AA) that attended also. Leesburg Bikefest is the best of any bike week I have attended and I have been around for a good while.

 Sincerely, Michelle Cavaretta

Thanks to Jim Miller and Tom Grizzard and the Leesburg Opera House for donating the space.

Joe Joe W. Shipes
Executive Vice President
Leesburg Partnership, Inc.

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From: Tom Z

Mr. Shipes,

 As a resident of Leesburg for 19yrs and a biker, I am glad to see how the bike fest has grown. I think it’s one of the greatest things to happen to Leesburg.
One question comes to mind. Why is it when something becomes successful does GREED set in? I read the paper this morning and it was noted that beer sales were down. DUH who wants to spend $4.00 for a 12 oz glass of beer and why is it only Budweiser products? I can remember when events downtown beer was $2.00, then $3.00 NOW $4.00. As the partnership puts these events together they should also be the Stewards to prevent the attendees from being ripped off. Take the common HOT DOG $3.50 come on! One can buy a whole pack for less then $2.00 wholesale.
I was there bright and early Friday and met a biker from North GA, I asked him where he was staying, he said at one of the small motels in Leesburg. He got into town Thursday and got a room for $60.00/night but if he wanted to stay Friday night it would be $100.00/nightand Saturday $125.00/ night. Biker FRIENDLY I think NOT!
I also read about the new stadiums in NY and how poorly they are doing because of high prices. Gatorland had the best idea recently when they dropped prices and were amazed to find out there attendance doubled. Bikers quit going to Daytona because e of rip offs. The old adage “ IF YOU WILL BUILD IT THEY WILL COME” is only true if you treat people fairly.

Tom Z Leesburg

You are not the first person to comment about the price increase of nightly room rates but the $4.00 beer is necessary to pay for the 40 bands and everything else that is absolutely free at the event.
I run the beer tent on 6th and Main for The Leesburg Sunset Rotary and after some 80 kegs of beer in 3 days I did not hear 1 person complain about the price of beer and after paying for their $4.00 beer they left Sunset Rotary $4,796.95 in tips!! The same 16 oz cup is $6-7.00 in Daytona and at the Magic games plus admission.

Thanks for your comments, it is indeed a super event and I like to call it 'Lake County's Economic Stimulus Package'.

Jerry Galbreath, Broker Galbreath Realty

 

Overall a Great Job Let it continue and maybe for 4 or 5 days.

Thanks
Tom Z

Hey Tom,

The Partnership has considered extending BikeFest to more days, however we feel the citizens of Leesburg especially the close historic neighborhood that are impacted the most would not tolerate more days. Bikefest already shuts City Hall down on Friday. We also considered doing a spring and fall event but the City of Leesburg was not receptive to the idea.
Thanks again for your thoughts and ideas.

Jerry
Jerry Galbreath, Broker Galbreath Realty

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From: Andy Pallemaerts

Leesburg Bikefest was awesome.

Very pleased we came. We'd like the same spot next year, as we collected some very HOT leads for new bikes. As we booked late with credit card payment, I have yet to receive an Invoice which I need to get some Co-op aupport from Victory motorcycles. Any chance you could email it to me today?
Many Thanks for a great friendly event. Leesburg is a great example of how a small town can host an event and make some money. Congrats!

Regards Sincerely,
Andy Pallemaerts
Volusia Motorsports, Inc

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From: Jack Fitzgerald Savannah GA 
To: Lawrence Frederick of Disc-Connected K9's

Hello Lawrence I saw your Show during the Leesburg Bikefest. I throughly enjoyed watching you, your bride & your dogs perform. Keep up the great work with your rescue efforts and program. I have rescued 3 Cocker Spaniels over the years the reward to me is beyond words. As an old friend once told me" When you die you will know that you have arrived in heaven because every dog that you have loved will meet you at the gate" God Bless you, your wife and your dogs.
Thank you again for the best 30 minutes that I have ever spent at a bike rally.

Jack Fitzgerald Savannah, GA

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From: Al Kennedy

I rode down with my group of bikers called JABOFOR. (Just A Bunch Of Friends Out Riding) We have been to quite a few bikefests, and have to admit that yours is by far the best.

This year was even bigger and better than last years. I would like to thank all of your staff and the many hundreds of volunteer groups that help make this event possible. JOB VERY, VERY WELL DONE!! May I wish you more success in future events.

Yours Truly.
Al Kennedy JABOFOR (Gainesvile, Fl)

 Mr. Kennedy:

Thank you for taking the time to write us. Your comments will be forwarded to our City Commission. Just so you know who makes the magic happen, the Leesburg Partnership puts on the event, with support services from the City of Leesburg.

I am very glad to hear you enjoyed the event. We're hoping you good folks from JABOFOR will visit us next year!

Regards,
Jay M. Evans
City Manager City of Leesburg, Florida

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From: John D. Brandeburg

Dear Joe:

Hats off to you and the staff of the Partnership and your Partnership Board. I worked a lot on Friday and Saturday with our Lightning group and had just a wonderful response from our customers from all around the state. We appreciate the opportunity to serve as unofficial ambassadors (the best kind) for the City of Leesburg. And, our Lightning Baseball benefited by over $6,000 in Beer Tent and Parking.

Those are critical dollars and the community does not really understand that. I intend to send a personal e-mail to Lauren Richie (will try to take the high road) to suggest several other areas where her comments miss the mark. Here are my thoughts:

 1. Community non-profit organizations benefit from working during Bikefest. As a result, most of the people who greet customers are volunteers who are happy to be there working the event on behalf of their group and the community. Therefore they are upbeat in welcoming people to Leesburg and often promoting “Be Safe” as a message.

2. County Tourism taxes are derived from the room tax charged by Lake County on hotel rooms. Hotel rooms throughout the county, and well beyond, are filled because of Leesburg’s annual Bikefest.

3. Other communities and businesses well beyond just Leesburg benefit because of the visitors who come to the county because of Bikefest. The Partnership shoulders the majority of all costs and creates an economic benefit. This is always beneficial but especially in these tough economic times.

 4. The remark about the costs of the Lake county Sheriff dept was troubling to me. Where is ANY support of the vastly successful Bikefest from City of Leesburg government, and by Lake County Government? For all the talk about jobs and the economy, we STILL take an awful lot for granted.

5. City employees….many get overtime pay and get a heavier workload as a result of Bikefest. This is true for Supervisors also…who may not get overtime pay. This is still called “job security” even if everyone doesn’t understand that term is especially relevant in these times.

6. The Daily Commercial should offer you a free page (full page) to reprint some of the wonderful e-mails from those who attended the event. This is “good news” and everyone needs to read this stuff these days. Be sure to send all of those e-mails to Lauren Richie as well. She needs to read them herself and understand that they are real. Joe, I can go on and on about the Partnership successes. Bikefest is only one of them. You are a driving force for so much good in our community and I apologize for the way many in our overall community and county ignore and belittle those enormous efforts.

Thank you all for continuing to be able to put on a wonderful show and literally putting Leesburg and Lake County on the maps of a lot of people.

Kindest personal regards.
John D. Brandeburg Broker / Developer
Brandeburg Development Group, Inc.

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From: Terry and Peg

Dear Joe and Sandi,

Congratulations of such a successful Bikefest weekend!
Thanks for inviting us to be a part of it.
Our kids loved the internet coverage, by the way.

Terry and Peg

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From: Tim Ward

Trish,

 I wanted to send a "Thanks" to all of you who set up the Leesburg Bikefest. It was one of the most well run and coordinated events I have attended and participated in. I hope things went well for you. I would like to reserve the same spot next year if possible, as the guys from Rumbling Pride and I worked well together and may be doing a joint venture next year.

Once again, great job and I will talk with you soon.

Tim Ward Portable Music Company

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From: Connie Czernuch

Hi Joe,

Congratulations on another successful Bikefest event. I had a great time seeing my Bikefest customers like Mike and his crew from New Port Richey, Russ and Charlene from Titusville and so many more. I have meant new customers and also my regular customers came in to shop. Along with a group of ladies who come down every year for a quilt retreat and stay at the Methodist Camp in Fruitland Park.

My husband and I enjoyed the concerts and browsing all the vendors and my husband did shop and buy things.

There is an old saying you can't judge a book by its cover. I know many ladies who are bikers and quilters. I also know many bikers who go to church. My husband who is a biker, goes to church, believes in God and country and is a very productive member of society and is a great husband, father and Papa. I myself also a biker (actually passenger), quilter, goes to church, is a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, a member of the Leesburg Chamber, Business owner, member of the Downtown Leesburg Business Association, member of the local quilt guild called Quilting Sisters and a mom, wife and a Grammie. I also do charity work.

The Bikers of today are the Baby Boomers who have work hard all their lives and now are enjoying the benefits of their hard work. All Bikers I have met are very nice people.

Leesburg Bikefest has a number of non profits rasing money so the children do not go door to door to ask for help. Leesburg Bikefest employs many people during Bikefest and lets not forget the businesses they help during Bikefest like mine. Bikefest also helps fund the other events the Partnership puts on during the year which bring people downtown.

If was great to see hotels with packed parking lots and restaurants filled and busy and hearing all the wonderful comments from the bikers about how great it is to come to Leesburg and relax for the weekend.

I look forward to next years Bikefest. Thank you for all you do to bring business to Downtown Leesburg

Sincerely,
Connie Czernuch
A Quilter's Dream, LLC
719 W. Main Street Leesburg, Fl 34748

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From: George Lawrence

I am offended by the column written by Lauren Ritchie dated May 3rd in the Orlando Sentinel about Bikefest and taxpayers.

First,the mom who could not get across town,she and the whole Lake County had more than one months advance notice of the closure of some roads in Leesburg,therfore she should have made other plans!

Leesburg partnership should be applauded for putting on Bikefest.The cost of $101,000 stated by Ms. Ritchie is far under the sales tax collected for food,lodging and alcohol consumed and used by the bikers.

Besides,the entertainment provided for many Lake and other counties made Bikefest a great way to take people's mind off our economy. Partenership director Joe Shipes and his staff have helped boost the economy of Leesburg and surrounding towns we do not tell Orlando or Daytona how to run their promotions,case closed.

I am the president of a great organization in Lake County,We provide 8 acres of our property to Abate of Lake County for a campground,Yes we do prepare food and sell beer to them.However they work closely with Leesburg in keeping bikers safe,there were 2 traffic fatalities in Leesburg.Our prayers go out to their families.How many traffic deaths do they have in Orlando over a 3 or 4 day span?

Again Leesburg Partership WE Applaud You!!!

Fraternally,

George Lawrence Jr.
President Lake County Eagles #4273

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From http://www.dailycommercial.com/voices/story/Robert--amp-amp--Barbara-Beuter---5-15-

Leesburg is a great place After attending the Leesburg Morning Market for many months, the Christmas Parade, Mardi Gras and the Leesburg Bikefest a couple of weeks ago, we want to thank the Leesburg Partnership for the great organizing job they have done for these events and others.

These events are a lot of fun and free so that anyone can attend and enjoy them. We would be remiss if we didn't say how safe we feel at these events too, due to great police and fire safety and emergency personnel that are always on hand.

It is a real treat to come into our beautiful city center and see that it is thriving. There are many businesses, restaurants, and all types of shops as well as a great library. The city of Leesburg makes you feel right at home.

Again, thank you, city of Leesburg and the Leesburg Partnership for a beautiful city and please keep up these great events for all to enjoy. We feel that the city of Leesburg is one of the best in the great state of Florida.

Robert and Barbara Beuter Leesburg

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From DailyCommercial.com

Leesburg Bikefest benefits our area

The Leesburg Partnership as its name applies, is a partnership between the citizens of Leesburg business and community leaders and the city of Leesburg, not just a group of merchants. The city of Leesburg should be proud of providing Lake County with it's own "Economic Stimulus Package" in the form of the Leesburg Bikefest, which generated millions of dollars in revenue to tax paying businesses in Lake County. Bikefest is the major fundraiser for the Leesburg Partnership, which reinvests the profits back into the community for the benefit of the citizens in the form of additional free events including: Halloween on Main Street, the Leesburg Christmas Stroll, the Christmas Parade of Lights, the Leesburg Saturday Morning Market and Mardi Gras. Thousands of citizens enjoy these free events. Bikefest, along with 40 bands playing on four stages, is free to the public, including citizens of Leesburg, and is made possible by 700-plus unpaid volunteers who give from three hours to three days of their time to help make the event a success. Last year, Bikefest generated over $100,000 to local non-profit charity organizations. One example is the Leesburg Sunset Rotary Club that had 79 volunteers working in their venue and generated $4,795 during Bikefest. This money will be recycled back to the youth of Leesburg in the form of scholarships, etc.

According to a survey completed at Bikefest this year, 17 percent of those attending were from the Leesburg area. Of those attending, most everyone thought Bikefest was an outstanding event.

Jerry Galbreath Leesburg

Sunday, May 17, 2009 - Read the full article at http://www.dailycommercial.com/localnews/Jerry-Galbreath-5-14-

 Read the mobile article at http://mobile.dailycommercial.com/Jerry-Galbreath-5-14-

2007

Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 2:54 PM
To: info@leesburgbikefest.com
Subject: Late Letter


Greetings Leesburg Bikefest:
Tom "T-bone" Nolan here for his 7th year at the Festival. Notice on the past letters I have complained about the High Draft beer prices. This year the $4.00 did not bother me as much with all the entertainment that was given.
My Goodness! Seven stages of entertainment, and I found some type of Country Music on at least one if not two stages during the day.
They say if Rock & Roll, bothers you, then you are too old. I guess at 50, I am to old! I just cannot stand the banging of the Rock and Roll, just like to enjoy my music like I enjoy life nice and easy.
The crowds grow Larger each year which is a good thing, but you could spread it out to more then a few side streets.
This would take the load of people off Main street and the back of the bank parking lot. It would spread them out for a few city blocks.
You have a wonderful festival that will keep growing, and growing each year. Spread the seven stages out a little more and use 3 or 4 city side streets to spread the people out and you will continue to grow.
I have already rented our groups rooms for next year, which is my advice to all readers.
Tom "T-bone" Nolan
Jax Fla
 

From: Bill Chrisman
Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 3:22 PM
To: Police
Subject: A Job Well Done!!!

ALL,

I would like to extend a heart felt "thank you" to each and every member of the Leesburg Police Department who had a hand in this year's Bikefest. I am extremely proud of the efforts that each of you demonstrated during this taxing event. Thanks to you, (x-number) motorcycle enthusiasts from throughout the state and country came to Leesburg, enjoyed themselves, and left with a feeling of satisfaction. Whether you helped with the pre-planning, or worked the actual event, or covered your normal responsibilities, or provided vital communications for those in the field, or greeted visitors in the lobby or by telephone, you can take pride in the efforts displayed during the 2007 Bikefest. You performed your duties with a sense of purpose. You worked hand in hand with numerous outside agencies, pulling together as one team. You earned the respect of your peers for a job well done!

I have received, and continue to receive compliments from visitors expressing their sincere appreciation for your efforts. People complimented the manner that you carried out your duties and by the professional appearance you exhibited during the long weekend. Several thousand of your newest friends are already planning on coming back next year for another cordial visit. I am grateful for every effort displayed by our staff. Thank you!

Police Chief Bill Chrisman

From: Melissa Crispo
To: info@ratshole.com ; info@ratshole.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 9:21 AM
Subject: Melissa Crispo


Hello,

I attended the Leesburg Bike Festival this past weekend. Wow....what a great event! I was truly impressed with your display, stage setup, and your custom bikes.
I am a professional musician/performer based out of Orlando. I would love to be a part of any future events you may have. I have just recently performed my 6th show at the Hard Rock live in Orlando, and perform each year at several Harley Davidson events. I have opened for such national acts as STYX & Jefferson Starship. I perform acoustic solo, or full band, originals & rock covers from 70's to todays hits. You can check out more information at my website, including music, photos, video and tour dates, or you can contact me.

I look forward to working with you in the near future.

Thank you for your consideration,

Melissa Crispo
(407) 924-7479
www.myspace.com/melissacrispo

To: info@ratshole.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 6:49 PM
Subject: SpeShees


The Rats Hole Stage was the place to be at Bike Fest...glad we were a part of it, we had a blast!!! Anytime you need a band that rocks, give us a call (or email).

Thanks

Deb Cox
352 383-1722 home/work
352 258-8478 cell
www.speshees.com
www.myspace.com/speshees

From: A Quilters Dream [mailto:aqd@earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 11:06 PM
To: leesburgpartnership@earthlink.net; JOE SHIPES
Cc: Sandi Moore
Subject: Bikefest not a complaint
Dear Joe, I know many people have complaints about BikeFest but I am not one of them. I just wanted to say that I had a great time at Bikefest. My store did very well. I meet a lot of people including the yearly customers who come in to have patches sewn on or just to say hello. I was sewing on patches for 2 little ones and their Aunt/Mom told me she asked were could she get these patches sewn on and 5 people who were in the vendors booth said "The quilt shop lady sews them one and is she is very nice". That was the best compliment I could get. I was so exhausted by the end of the weekend but it was well worth it. Ilook forward to BikeFest every year and talk about it all year. Yes Bikers are Quilters or Quilters are Bikers. I received many comments about my quilts in the window which I make just for BikeFest.

Connie Czernuch
A Quilter's Dream
719 W. Main Street
Leesburg, Fl 34748
352-728-1482
www.aquiltersdream.biz

From: Cheryle Johnson [mailto:cherylebhg@earthlink.net]
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 3:42 PM
To: Joe Shipes
Subject: FW: Bike Fest and Main Street

Hello, my name is Cheryle Allen Johnson. I worked on Main Street at Ezell’s Department Store from 1975 until the day they closed the doors. I saw Main Street in the years that it was hustle bustle and everyone shopped on Main Street. Then regretfully I saw the days when all the major stores left and went to the new Mall.

This was my second year attending Bike Fest. Last year I was impressed with the turn out and how well organized the event was and this year I was more so. It was so nice to see Main Street being visited by so many people. I felt the volenteers did a wonderful job. The Leesburg Partnership did such a Great Job bringing such a great event to Main Street Leesburg!!!! I felt it was extremely well planned out and Monday after the event I had to go downtown for business and was shocked to see hardly any signs of such a big event. Hats off to everyone that participated in this event!!!!!

Cheryle Johnson
Buchanan Health Group
Marketing Director
352-408-2013

 

Subject: Great show

As usual the bikefest was great!  It is sure growing and the vendor setup down several streets was a lot better.  I don't know how anyone could lack for entertainment.  I am very disappointed in my fellow bikers and citizens.  There was no lack of trash cans for placing litter and yet so many people just dropped their trash where they stood.  Are they too lazy to walk a few feet to a trash can.  Come on folks, we are HOG owners not hogs.  The city of Leesburg and all the people that work so hard to put on this event deserve a little respect.  Pick up your own trash!!!!!   Katie Proctor

Great time. We went for the first time this year. I dont think I will ever go back to Daytona.

You do a great job of handling alot of people. Well organized and thought out.

The folks at all the booths we went to were very nice and pleasant. Even heard the sheriff's telling people to have a nice time. We parked on a side street down a few blocks and walking people in their yards told us to have a good time...very welcoming.

I wouldnt change a thing. We will be back next year.

L James
Middleburg FL

That was the most unwise thing to do.
Turning off the web cam,

I have invited 100ths of Fiends to visit Leesburg Bike week, use the web cam to check it out , see how much fun we have. 

I would add 3-4 web cams for next years Bike week, and don`t turn them off, what an opportunity to advertise and bring in $$$$

 

 

Join Us for a Southeast U.S.A. Riders Award Winning Festival

Free Admission • Vendors • Main Street Open to Bikers Only
Party in the Street • Rat's Hole Motorcycle Show • Live Entertainment on Eight Stages
• Ms. Bikefest Contest • Trials Riders • Restaurants •
Antique & Gift Shops • Bars • Foods • Observation Rides over Lake County Country Roads