Steve Ciarfalia
For Immediate Release: July 7, 2008
OMAHA, Nebraska—The Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet is pleased to announce that A.J. Elgert and Judd Cornell have received sponsor exemptions for this years Cox Classic golf tournament.
Elgert, a native of Lincoln, NE, won the Nebraska State Junior award, the Nebraska State Match Play, and back-to-back State Amateur titles while still in high school. Elgert played all four years at the University of Kansas and was named the Nebraska Amateur Player of the Year at the age of 22.
Elgert has enjoyed his share of success, being named a member of the Adams Golf Pro Tour Series for the 2007-2008 season. The former Kansas Jayhawk has played 9 tournaments this season, making 7 cuts, including 2 tournament wins in his inaugural year.
Cornell, a resident of Omaha his entire life, finished third at the Nebraska State Amateur in 2006 and was the Nebraska State Amateur Player of the Year in 2004. The former Husker golfer was named Rookie of the Year in his first year with the Adams Golf Pro Tour Series.
The tournament attracts nearly 85,000 spectators and more than 1,000 volunteers each year. It also has given over $1.5 million to 12 local charities throughout the Omaha area. It is the only nationally televised professional sporting event in Nebraska. The 2008 Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet runs from July 31st through August 3rd at Champions Run.
Steve Ciarfalia
For Immediate Release: June 23, 2008
OMAHA, Nebraska—As the College World Series comes to a close and the heat of July moves in, Omaha sets its sights on the hottest sporting event in town, the 2008 Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet.
The Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet will be in its 13th year as one of the most premier golf tournaments in the Midwest. The tournament makes a significant economic impact on the Omaha area and has given $1.5 million to twelve local charities throughout Omaha. Studies show attendees have spent over one and-a-half million dollars at local hotels and the tournament annually brings in almost nine million dollars to the Omaha Metro Area.
The Cox Classic, a Nationwide Tour event, boasts some of the best up-and-coming professional golfers as well as many known former PGA Tour players. Attendance at the event averages between 82,000 and 110,000 for the week, which includes a youth clinic, two pro-am events, as well as the Nationwide Tour event. “We look forward to another great tournament this year with excellent golf competition and also raise as much money as possible for our local charities,” said tournament director Jaime Alt. The Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet begins Thursday, July 31st and runs through Sunday, August 3rd at Champions Run.
The Cox Classic $8.8 Million Impact On The Omaha Metro Area
Omaha, Nebraska – Friday, June 20, 2008. An economic impact study that the Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet commissioned during last year’s tournament shows that the tournament has an $8.8 million impact on the Omaha metro area.
The economic impact study, conducted by Christopher Decker, Ph.D., of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Department of Economics and Real Estate, also shows that:
- About 31% of attendees (an estimated 25,000) are from outside the Omaha metro area
- The sales tax impact excluding hotels and other lodging for the 2007 tournament was $235,279, with $184,683 going to state taxes and $50,417 going to city taxes
- Attendees spent $1.6 million at local hotels, which generated $202,430 in occupancy tax revenues and $82,212 in state taxes
- 50% of those surveyed had attended the Cox Classic for three or fewer years
- Most of the attendees (27%) were between the ages of 35 and 49
- Roughly 70% of attendees have a bachelor degree or higher
- Nearly 57% indicated earning incomes of more than $80,000
“This study has really helped us in answering a lot of questions we had about the tournament,” said Jamie Alt, the Cox Classic tournament director. “We now have some solid answers we can give to our sponsors, community leaders and fans on just how popular the tournament is, and how we help the metro area.”
Attendance at the event averages between 82,000 and 110,000 for the week, which includes a youth clinic, two pro-am events, as well as the Nationwide Tour event. The Nationwide Tour is the developmental tour for the PGA Tour. Omaha has had several golfers come through that have won major tournaments on the PGA Tour.
Since 1996, the Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet has been held at Champions Run Golf Club. In that time, more than $1.5 million has been raised for local charities. In 2007, the Cox Classic gave away nearly $140,000 to 12 charities. This year’s tournament, which will be held from July 28 through August 3, will have a $700,000 purse with $126,000 going to the winner.
Steve Ciarfalia
For Immediate Release: May 27, 2008
OMAHA, Nebraska –The Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet is pleased to announce that Sunday, the last day for the Cox Classic, will be free admission to any member of the armed forces during Military Appreciation Day.
The 2008 Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet is one of the most popular summer events in the Omaha area and is the only nationally televised sporting event in Nebraska. The Cox Classic, a Nationwide Tour event, boasts some of the best up-and-coming professional golfers as well as many known former PGA Tour players.
Military Appreciation Day will be held on the last, and most exciting day of the tournament with free admission to any person, active or retired, that presents their military ID at the box office. The Cox Classic has decided to host this event in hopes to attract more of our country’s servicemen and servicewomen to the tournament as well as show our appreciation and gratitude for all they have done for our country.
The Cox Classic is trying to attract members of the military from Offutt Air Force Base and the Air National Guard posted in Lincoln, Nebraska. “We want to give back to our military personnel and extend our gratefulness for everything they have done for our country,” said tournament director Jamie Alt. The Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet begins Thursday, July 31st and runs through Sunday, August 3rd at Champions Run.
April 6, 2008
2006 Cox Classic Champion Wagner wins Shell Houston Open
There will be one more Cox Classic Champ at Augusta this year and his name is Johnson Wagner.
Johnson Wagner etched his name in his first PGA Tour trophy today by out playing Geoff Ogilvy and Chad Campbell by two strokes at the Shell Houston Open. Wagner set the pace early carding a 9 under par 63, tying for the course record with Adam Scott who turned in the same score just minutes before Wagner started his round that day.
It was a day of big prizes for Wagner who, with this win, earns his first on the PGA Tour, takes his first wire to wire win of his career and gains a Masters invite for next week’s tournament in Augusta, GA. Not bad for a 28 year old Texan whose previous best finish in a PGA Tour event was a tie for 2nd at the Viking Classic and a tie for 9th at last year’s Shell Houston Open. It’s especially impressive when one considers that this year, so far, Wagner has missed 6 of 9 cuts with his highest a tie for 38th at the Bob Hope. Wagner did bring to the tournament two Nationwide Tour wins, one at the 2006 Chitimacha Louisiana Open and the 2006 Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet.
Wagner’s newly earned exemption into next week's Master's tournament makes him the 24th player in the field to have played in Omaha at the Cox Classic, a list that includes Daniel Chopra, Camillo Villegas, Stewart Cink, Aaron Baddeley and defending Master’s champion Zach Johnson.
May, 2007
The Big Break VII Winner is Omaha Bound
OMAHA, Nebraska – The Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet, is pleased to announce that Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey, the winner of the Golf Channel’s popular series The Big Break VII: Reunion, has been rewarded with a sponsor’s exemption to participate in the 2007 Cox Classic.
“We are thrilled to have Tommy in the field this year and bring his competitive spirit to Omaha. This gives him the opportunity to jump start his career and take it to the next level,” said Jamie Alt, Cox Classic Tournament Director.
Earning the nickname “Two Gloves” for wearing a golf glove on both hands, Gainey, was crowned champion of the reality television series that premiered on Feb. 25. The Big Break VII concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in challenges that test physical skills and mental toughness as each challenge brings out the more creative side of golf. Competitors are gradually eliminated with the last one standing crowned champion and awarded his/her “Big Break.” Champions of previous Big Break series have won their chance to compete on some of the world’s top professional tours, such as the Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour.
This self-taught golfer from Bishopville, South Carolina, once shot a 59 during a friendly round with some Nationwide Tour buddies. He spent years working on an assembly line in a water heater factory and as a furniture mover to keep money in his pocket. It finally took a friend willing to risk $750 so Gainey could play in his first professional event. Fortunately, Gainey was able to make that money back by winning the event and $15,000. Currently Gainey plays various mini-tours, including the NGA Hooters Tour, Gateway Tour and the Carolinas Tarheel Tour. Golfweek Magazine recently described Gainey as “A simple, humble, yes-sir, no-sir, all around good guy.”
The 2007 Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet runs July 23rd through July 29th at Champions Run. The tournament attracts nearly 100,000 spectators and more than 1,000 volunteers each year, and has given over $1.3 million to local charities. It is the only nationally televised professional sporting event in Nebraska.
February 8, 2007
The Big Break VII: Reunion
Offers Lucrative Rewards
ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2007) – The Big Break VII: Reunion, the seventh season of the GOLF CHANNEL’s popular series which will premiere on Feb. 25, champion will be rewarded for his/her efforts with an exemption to play in either the 2007 Cox Classic on the Nationwide Tour, the 2008 Ginn Championship at Hammock Beach on the Champions Tour or the 2007 Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika on the LPGA TOUR.
With a field of 16 contestants varying in gender and age, the ultimate prize will depend on who is crowned champion. If one of the eight male professionals is victorious, then he will earn an exemption to play in either the Champions Tour or the Nationwide Tour event. Should one of the eight female contestants prevail, then she would compete in the LPGA Tour tournament.
In addition to tournament exemptions, the Ginn Reunion Resort will present the champion with $50,000 in cash and Ginn Resort lodging & hospitality. Adams Golf will present the winner with an Adams Golf endorsement contract – which includes $10,000 cash – to keep them on top of his/her game. Also, Dick’s Sporting Goods will provide a $10,000 shopping spree in the form of a gift card.
Finally, the ultimate winner will drive away in a new 2007 Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler’s first full-sized SUV.
The Big Break VII features the most memorable characters from the first six seasons. The seventh season promises new excitement as old adversaries, fan favorites and a few surprise guests bring their “A-game” to the hit series.
Filmed at Ginn Reunion Resort in Reunion, Fla., The Big Break VII concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in challenges that test physical skills and mental toughness. Competitors will be eliminated with the last one standing crowned champion and awarded his/her “Big Break.”
Returning as hosts for the series will be the GOLF CHANNEL’s Vince Cellini and Stephanie Sparks.
As with previous installments, episodes of The Big Break VII will feature challenges designed to demand precise shot-making. Each challenge will bring out the more creative side of golf. The Immunity Challenges are true tests of the players’ shot control, and the player that comes out on top in these challenges will be awarded a one-show exemption from elimination. In the Elimination Challenge, each show’s pressure-filled test of golf skill, the poorest performer will be eliminated from the show and sent packing for home.
Champions of previous Big Break series have won their chance to compete on some of the world’s top professional tours, such as the Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour.
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Charitable Donations
Increase for local Charities, Again!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Omaha, Nebraska -- The Cox Classic donated a total of $134,000 to 12 area charities at the Boy Scouts of America – Mid-America Council, located at 12401 West Maple Road, on Wednesday, November 1, 2006.
“The Cox Classic brings great golf, and huge crowds to Omaha and helps area businesses,” said Jamie Alt, Tournament Director. “It is always a pleasure to give back to the community by thanking the volunteers from the various charities we support. Each of these charities are able to continue to serve the Omaha community with the help of our donations.”
“The funds provided by the Cox Classic are of great importance, but we actually get much more from the tournament,“ said Lloyd E. Roitstein president of the Boy Scouts of America – Mid-America Council. “Scouts get to actually volunteer during the event, so they also benefit from the experience of volunteering for a philanthropic cause as well.”
“At Cox Communications, we are proud of our philosophy to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Percy Kirk, Vice President and Region Manager for Cox Communications. “In addition to bringing national exposure to the city and having a multi-million dollar effect on the local economy, the tournament generated more than $1.4 Million to date for local charities.”
“On behalf of the local area Chevy Dealers, we are excited to have been involved with the tournament this year,” said Gregg Young, President of Gregg Young Chevrolet. “This tournament has such a big economic impact for Omaha and the local charities.”
Checks were presented to the Boy Scouts of America – Mid-America Council, Camp CoHoLo, Girl Scouts – Great Plains Council, Hogan's Junior Golf Heroes, Nebraska Children's Home, Nebraska Organ & Tissue Donor Coalition, Omaha Hearing School, Omaha Jaycees, Pacific Pals, Ronald McDonald House, Tangier Shriners, and Youth Emergency Services (Y.E.S.).
Since its inception in 1996, the Cox Classic has donated more than $1.4 million to local charitable organizations. It is our mission as well as the PGA TOUR to raise significant funds for local charities.
The 2007 Cox Classic is the only PGA or Nationwide TOUR event in the region and is scheduled for July 22 - July 29 at Champions Run.
August 5, 2006
Omaha , NE – The first day of the weekend is typically known as moving day for golf professionals and Saturday was no different at the $650,000 Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet.
As is becoming the custom on the Nationwide Tour, a log-jammed leaderboard promises a wild finishing day at the Tour’s 19 th stop of the season. In all, 34 players will enter the final round within five shots of the lead.
At 14-under 199, Craig Bowden (66) and Ryan Armour (66) emerged from the pack to take a one-stroke advantage over Johnson Wagner (64), Jeff Klauk (66), Jamie Broce (67) and Michael Long (67).
“After the first day I thought it would be an absolute moral victory to just make the cut,” said Bowden, referring to an opening-round 70. “Realistically I thought I had no shot.”
Bowden, a 38-year-old native of Bedford , IN , made his way to the top of the leaderboard with a round consisting of five birdies, one eagle and two bogeys. Highlighting his round was a 5-wood to six feet for eagle on the par-5 10 th hole and an 80-foot birdie putt on the par-3 16 th hole.
“I’ve made four eagles this week after having made one this year,” said Bowden, who has eagled No. 10 two days in a row. “The putt on No. 16 would have gone in a thimble it was so perfect. That was a once in every three years putt.”
Bowden came close to not making it to Omaha at all. His 14-month-old daughter, Quinley, came down with a viral infection earlier this week and nearly forced the two-time Nationwide Tour winner to pull out of the tournament. He decided to come at the last minute, arriving in Omaha on Thursday around 4:00 a.m. – just a little over four hours before his opening-round tee time at 8:15 a.m.
“This week has been no expectations for me with the way the week started,” said Bowden, currently No. 22 on the money list. “I got about an hour and a half of sleep (Thursday morning) and here I am. When you have a sick kid everything revolves around that. I was really on the fence whether I was going to come … just for the bottom line that this is so immaterial to the health of your child.”
Armour, a 30-year-old native of Akron, OH, made his way to the top of the standings with his third consecutive sub-70 round. He appeared destined to enter Sunday’s final round a few strokes out of the lead before a stellar eagle-birdie finish at the par-71 Champion Run.
“The 17 th hole has been good to me,” said Armour, who made a 13-footer there for eagle on Saturday. “I obviously finished strong today. Hopefully I’ll give myself a lot of opportunities and make some putts tomorrow. It would be great to get a win here in Omaha .”
Bryce Molder (69), Peter Tomasulo (67) and Deane Pappas (66) are among a group of seven players at 12-under-par 201.
Third Round News & Notes : Paul Gow posted his second consecutive bogey-free round and in the process extended his bogey-free streak to 37 holes. In all, there were three such rounds on Saturday (Bryce Molder, Brad Adamonis and Gow), bringing the total for the week to 26 … Jeff Klauk equaled the best birdie-eagle streak in Cox Classic history by going 6-under on Nos. 8-12 (B-E-B-B-B). The feat had been accomplished four previous times and most recently by Kris Cox during the second round in 2000 …There were 10 eagles on Saturday, bringing the total for the week to 76 … The 54-hole leader has gone on to victory four out of 10 years at the Cox Classic, including Chris Smith in 1997, Mathew Goggin in 1999, Heath Slocum in 2001 and Jay Delsing in 2002. In 18 tournaments so far in 2006, the 54-hole leader has won just six times … Garrett Willis withdrew following the third round.
John Bush
August 4, 2006
Bradley Hughes Leads at Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet
Omaha , NE – Australian Bradley Hughes moved into the top spot at the halfway point of the $650,000 Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet.
A 5-under-par 66 propelled Hughes to 12-under-par 130 and a one-stroke advantage over John Mallinger (65) and 2001 U.S. Public Links champion Chez Reavie (67).
“I’m very happy,” said Hughes, currently No. 95 on the Tour money list. “I played solid again today.”
Hughes’ short game has come through so far this week at the Tour’s 19th event. Among his six birdies were two two-putt birdies on Nos. 10 and 17 – both par-5s – and 12-foot birdie putts on Nos. 13 and 14.
“I’ve been threatening some low scores this year but my chipping has been holding me back,” said Hughes. “I’ve played decent but haven’t been able to make any putts or chip it close. So far, I’ve putted very well this week and that has been a big key to my scoring.”
Hughes, winner of the 2004 Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open, also credits a recent overseas stop at the British Open as a key to his return to form.
“I played the British Open and even though I missed the cut it clicked my brain into gear to hit some different shots instead of flying it in on every hole,” said Hughes. “It was a great experience for me.”
Hughes ascension to the top of the leaderboard continues a trend of Aussies playing well on the Nationwide Tour – evidenced by victories this season by Paul Sheehan, Paul Gow and Andrew Buckle.
“Australians have definitely played well this year,” said Hughes. “We only have about seven tournaments in Australia, so we learn to travel and get used to playing all kinds of different courses.”
Perhaps one of the best stories of the day was the strong play by 49-year-old Chip Beck. Just a little over a month away from joining the Champions Tour, Beck fired a 7-under 64 to join Kevin Stadler (63), Cliff Kresge (63), Paul Sheehan (63), Doug LaBelle II (69) and Bryce Molder (67) just two shots behind the leader.
“Today was fun,” said Beck, who hit 16 of 18 greens in regulation. “I’ve played solid the last couple of days. Even though my scores haven’t shown it, I’ve played well this year.”
Despite only making two cuts in 11 starts prior to Friday, Beck is still looking forward to competing for his first win since the 1992 Freeport-McMoRan Classic – as well as joining the Champions Tour in September.
“Momentum in sports is hard to beat,” said Beck. “These kids hit it miles out here but it is fun competing against them. It is one of the greatest blessings to be able to play (this Tour) for two years before I begin the Champions Tour. I look forward to being a rookie again. It is nice to have a second chance.”
Second Round News & Notes : Chip Beck’s 64 matched the same score he recorded during the second round of the 2006 Chattanooga Classic. The last time he shot lower on either the Nationwide Tour or the PGA TOUR was a 63 in the second round of the 1994 Byron Nelson Classic, a span of 685 rounds (174 on the Nationwide Tour and 511 on the PGA TOUR) … Kevin Stadler’s 7-under 29 on the back nine equals the tournament record set by Rob McKelvey during the second round in 2001 … Patrick Damron has played the first 36 holes without a bogey. There were five bogey-free rounds on Friday, bringing the total for the week to 23 … The cut came at 5-under-par 137 with 69 players advancing to the weekend … Chez Reavie extended his cut streak to a perfect 15 for 15 during his career on the Nationwide Tour (3 in 2005 and 12 in 2006) … Michael Putnam extended his season-best cuts made streak to 13 … Jason Allred, Craig Bowden and Jeff Quinney had two eagles during the second round. Speaking of eagles, there were a total of 41 on Friday, bringing the total for the week to 66 … The 36-hole leader has gone on to victory three out of 10 years at the Cox Classic, including Chris Smith in 1997, David Berganio Jr. in 2000 and Jay Delsing in 2002. In 18 tournaments so far in 2006, Tripp Isenhour (Movistar Panama Championship), Darron Stiles (Rheem Classic) and Hunter Haas (Knoxville Open) are the only players to carry the 36-hole lead on to victory … Michael Sim withdrew during the second round with an injury.
John Bush
August 3, 2006
DOUG LABELLE II AND MICHAEL LONG MOVE OUT FRONT
AT THE COX CLASSIC PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET
Omaha, NE – Doug LaBelle II and Michael Long moved into a share of the lead after the first round of the $650,000 Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet, the 19th of 31 official events on the Nationwide Tour.
Both players fired 8-under-par 63s to take a one-stroke advantage over last week’s winner Kevin Johnson, Ryan Armour, Peter Tomasulo, Matt Hendrix, Scott Dunlap, Bradley Hughes and Chez Reavie.
The top of the leaderboard is familiar territory for LaBelle, just two weeks removed from his first Nationwide Tour victory at the Price Cutter Charity Championship.
“It was another good day for me,” said LaBelle, who hit 11 of 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens in regulation. “I’m just taking it one shot at a time and right now everything is working out great for me.”
LaBelle – the eighth-ranked player on the Tour money list – showed no ill effects after taking last week off to travel to attend a wedding in South America.
“I didn’t touch a club last week and you don’t know if that will take away your momentum,” said LaBelle. “But you just try to prepare mentally and physically as best you can. Obviously I’m still doing something right.”
The par-71 Champions Run course is known for yielding a lot of birdies, and Thursday was no different as it yielded a 69.052 scoring average. In all there were 122 rounds at par or better.
“It is out there today,” said LaBelle, who has now recorded nine consecutive sub-par rounds. “The scoring conditions are perfect. There are a lot of birdies to be made today.”
LaBelle, currently ranked No. 6 in Driving Accuracy, seems to have a game that is perfectly suited for Champions Run.
“You’ve got to drive it pretty good here and if you do you’ll have a lot of birdie chances,” said LaBelle. “As straight as I usually drive it, that plays to my strength.”
Long joined LaBelle at the top of the standings with his own bogey-free round, which included birdies on Nos. 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17 and 18.
“You know on the Midwest swing that you’ve got to make a lot of birdies,” said Long, a two-time winner on the Nationwide Tour. “I made a bunch of them today.”
Armour stayed close to the leaders thanks in large part to a hot putter. Among his six birdies were a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-4 2nd hole and 20-foot birdie putts on Nos. 1, 3 and 14. He is hoping to turn around a season that began with promise, including six top-25 finishes in his first eight starts. His season turned south when he missed five of his next six cuts, but three straight weekend appearances has improved his outlook.
“I had a really solid start to the season but then missed three cuts in a row by a single shot,” said Armour. “I got in some bad habits around Raleigh, Chicago and Knoxville. But its been clicking here recently. I’ve had a couple of solid rounds the last couple of weeks. Hopefully I can put four rounds together this week.”
Australian Michael Sim, Canadian David Morland IV, New Zealander Michael Long and Zimbabwean Brendon de Jonge lead a large contingent of nine players at 6-under 65.
First Round News & Notes: Doug LaBelle II and Michael Long posted two of the 18 bogey-free rounds on Thursday … Keoke Cotner (72) had a hole-in-one on No. 3 with a 4-iron from 206 yards. It represented the 14th ace of the season and the seventh in Cox Classic history, but the first at the third hole … Scott Weatherly (69) had two eagles during the first round (Nos. 9 & 17). Speaking of eagles, there were a total of 25 on Thursday, including 18 at the 539-yard 17th hole … The 18-hole leader has gone on to victory four out of 10 years at the Cox Classic, most recently Bo Van Pelt in 2003. In 18 tournaments so far in 2006, Tripp Isenhour (Movistar Panama Championship and the Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship) and Doug LaBelle II (Price Cutter Charity Championship) are the only players to carry the 18-hole lead on to victory … Aaron Barber withdrew during the round with a back injury … Thursday’s scoring average (69.052) is the first sub-70 opening round average in tournament history.
NOTE: Scores available on the Internet at PGATOUR.com or on the Associated Press Wire
April 20, 2006
Dick Bell 2006 COX CLASSIC HONORARY CHAIRMAN
OMAHA, Nebraska – HDR, Inc. Chairman and CEO Dick Bell has been named the 2006 Honorary Chairman of the Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet. As Honorary Chairman, Bell, will assist in promoting the tournament as a community event, assist in seeking partnerships between the community and the Cox Classic and will serve as a spokesperson and representative for the tournament at special events.
“The Cox Classic has showcased Omaha. Last year, Jason Gore’s 59 drew attention to the tournament,” Bell said. “With Golf Channel coverage we are showcasing Omaha not only as a quality place to live, but also an excellent location for business. With five Fortune 500 companies in a community of our size, Omaha is truly unique. The Cox Classic is part of our community-wide marketing effort to showcase Omaha to the nation.”
"Having Dick as our Honorary Chairman shows the business community just how much the Cox Classic means to the city," said Cox Classic Tournament Director Jamie Alt. "Our past honorary chairmen have set a shining example of how businesses, non-profits and charities can work together for a great cause. I know Dick will keep up that tradition."
Previous Honorary Chairmen include Bob Bates, C.R. “Bob” Bell, Chris Murphy, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and David Brown.
Bell is a graduate of South Dakota State University with academic specialties in civil engineering. He has been at HDR, Inc. since 1974. Bell and his wife Pat have two grown children, Rick and Andrea.
The Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet is entering its eleventh year in 2006. The tournament kicks off July 31st and runs through August 6th at Champions Run. The tournament attracts nearly 70,000 spectators and more than 1,000 volunteers each year. More than $1 million have been donated to local charities as a result of the tournament’s efforts. It is the only nationally televised professional sporting event in the state of Nebraska.
February 21, 2005
CHEVROLET JOINS COX CLASSIC AS NEW PRESENTING SPONSOR
Omaha, Nebraska - The Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet distributed $125,000 to 12 area charities at the Omaha Hearing School today.
"The Cox Classic brings great golf, and huge crowds to Omaha and helps area businesses," said Jamie Alt, Tournament Director. "It is always a pleasure to give back to the community by thanking the volunteers from the various charities we support. Each of these charities are able to continue to serve the Omaha community with the help of our donations."
Omaha Hearing School Executive Director Karen Rossi explained how tournament proceeds benefit the Omaha Hearing School by allowing them to continue to provide specialized services to the children. Being involved with the tournament “raises community awareness about the Omaha Hearing School,” Rossi said. “It also helps to show the community that children who are hard of hearing can learn to hear and talk.”
“At Cox Communications, we are proud of our philosophy to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Percy Kirk, Vice President and Region Manager for Cox Communications. “In addition to bringing national exposure to the city and having a multi-million dollar effect on the local economy, the tournament generates more than $100,000 every year for local charities.”
"On behalf of the local area Chevy Dealers, we are excited to have been involved with the tournament this year. We were pleased with the turnout of the event." said Gregg Young, President of Gregg Young Chevrolet. "This tournament has such a big economic impact for Omaha and the local charities."
Checks were presented to the Boy Scouts of America Mid America Council, Camp CoHoLo, Girl Scouts Great Plains Council, Hogan's Junior Golf Heroes Foundation, Nebraska Children’s Home, Nebraska Organ and Tissue Donor Coalition, Omaha Hearing School, Omaha Jaycees, Pacific Pals, Ronald McDonald House, Tangier Shriners, Youth Emergency Services and Omaha Jaycees.
Since its inception in 1996, the Cox Classic has donated more than $1.1 million to local charitable organizations.
March 25, 2005
DAVID BROWN NAMED 2005 COX CLASSIC HONORARY CHAIRMAN
OMAHA, Nebraska - Omaha Chamber of Commerce President David Brown has been named the 2005 Honorary Chairman of the Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet. As Honorary Chairman, Brown, will assist in promoting the tournament as a community event, assist in seeking partnerships between the community and the Cox Classic and will serve as a spokesperson and representative for the tournament at special events.
"I am delighted to be involved with this event. Cox Classic organizers have told us this is one of the top events on the Nationwide Tour because of the great support it receives from our community," Brown said. "Hundreds of Omahans participate in the actual event and all the related social activities. This is one more first class sporting event on the Omaha scene that helps people from outside the community see Omaha as a great place to live, work and enjoy."
"We are very excited to have David as our Honorary Chairman," said Tournament Director Jamie Alt. "His leadership, experience and relationships in the community are a tremendous asset to the tournament."
Previous Honorary Chairmen include Bob Bates, C.R. "Bob" Bell, Chris Murphy and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey.
Brown is a graduate of Dartmouth College with academic specialties in industrial location and environmental studies. He previously was the President of the Greater Greenville Chamber for eight years. He has been at the Omaha Chamber of Commerce since October 2003. Brown and his wife Maggie have two sons, Gregory, 20 and Elijah, 10.
The Cox Classic presented by Chevrolet will celebrate its tenth year in 2005. The tournament kicks off August 1st and runs through August 7th at Champions Run. The tournament attracts nearly 70,000 spectators and more than 1,000 volunteers each year. More than $1 million have been donated to local charities as a result of the tournament's efforts. It is the only nationally televised professional sporting event in the state of Nebraska.
