ORLANDO SPORTS COMMISSION USES SPONSORSHIP DEALS FOR FUNDING

     The Orlando Area Sports Commission (OASC) "resembled a
charity of sorts" in its early days, according to a profile in
the ORLANDO SENTINEL.  It barely survived on the public "dole and
donations" from companies that supported its efforts to attract
sports events to Central FL.  Since then, the OASC decided to
raise funds by offering companies a chance to advertise at its
events.  Also, since OASC President Randy Johnson became
president eight months ago and began selling sponsorships, the
OASC has generated nearly $68,000 in revenue, almost twice that
collected in the previous twelve months.  The "more-aggressive
pursuit of private dollars" has also influenced new localities to
join to provide OASC with $327,500, a 7% increase from last year
(Gene Yasuda, ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/22).