Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 16:40:13 GMT Server: WebSitePro/2.0.37 Accept-ranges: bytes Content-type: text/html Last-modified: Mon, 17 Mar 1997 16:43:58 GMT Content-length: 5250
Under the leadership of Christopher R. Pook, founder, president and chairman of the board, the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach is internationally recognized as a leader in the motorsports industry.
The cornerstone of the company -- the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach -- traces its roots back to its inaugural Formula 5000 event in 1975. From 1976 through 1983, the Grand Prix was an integral part of the Formula One World Championship and the PPG CART World Series has taken center stage since 1984.
The 1995 edition of the Toyota Grand Prix hosted a record three-day crowd of 284,000 spectators (205,000 paid attendance) and was televised live by ABC and broadcast to 110 countries via an international television feed.
The event's estimated economic impact to the community totaled $35 million and only the Indianapolis 500 ranks as a larger event in the world of Indy Car racing.
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. recently announced its renewal of title rights sponsorship of the Toyota Grand Prix, covering the years 1996 through 2000, while the City of Long Beach has extended the contract with the Grand Prix Association to stage the Grand Prix to the year 2010.
In the process of assembling the management team to operate an event as complicated as the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the GPALB found itself in the position of hiring personnel on a year-round basis. While preparations and operation of the Grand Prix is very labor intensive for a period of four to six months of the year, GPALB found itself with personnel available to undertake other projects.
Accordingly, a decision was made to diversify the company and enter into the consulting business and a variety of other special events-oriented projects.
TODAY THE GRAND PRIX ASSOCIATION OF LONG BEACH HAS THE FOLLOWING OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE:
Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, Inc. (GPALB) -- the parent corporation. Operates the annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, including marketing, promotions, construction and operation of the event itself.
Grand Prix Teleproductions (GPT) -- Provides television production services for ABC and ESPN during the operation of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Formed in 1982, this division is under the management of James P. Michaelian, Executive Vice President of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.
Automotive Safety & Transportation Systems (ASTS) -- 100% owned by the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, ASTS conducts the parent corporation's consulting business, structures rental business and owns Gateway International Motorsports Corporation.
Exposition Electrical Services (EES) -- Formed in May, 1995 for the express purpose of providing electrical service to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and independent clients in the special events industry throughout the State of California. It is under the direct management of Dwight Tanaka, Vice President of Operations.
Competitive Promotional Solutions (CPS) -- The public relations/marketing division of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, major clients include American Racing Series, Inc. (PPG-Firestone Indy Lights Championship) and Laguna Seca Raceway.
Quickline Sportswear -- The official merchandiser of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Quickline designs and markets a distinctive line of Grand Prix apparel to spectators and corporate clients.
GRAND PRIX ASSOCIATION OF LONG BEACH MANAGEMENT TEAM
Christopher R. Pook... | President, Chairman of the Board |
James P. Michaelian... | Executive Vice President |
Dwight R. Tanaka... | Vice President of Operations |
Michael S. Clark... | Vice President of Marketing |
Rick Lalor... | Vice President, Communications/PR |
Marlene Davis... | Chief Financial Officer |
Gemma Bannon... | Corporate Secretary |