James Appointed To Empire Statesmen Executive Committee

Tim James, director of sales at the Greater Rochester Visitors’ Association (GRVA), is buying into the Empire Statesmen’s program by agreeing to serve on the Vince Bruni executive committee. His appointment was approved at the Nov. 24 meeting of the committee.

James is already familiar with Empire Statesmen activities. He assisted Empire Statesmen founder and director Vince Bruni in arranging the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) championships in Rochester in 1996. He served on the Rochester DCA championships local planning committee in 2006, and will continue to serve on that committee in 2007.

The executive committee was established in early 2004, following Vince Bruni’s passing in August, 2003, to support various activities of the Empire Statesmen organization. Since then, the group:

•helped develop and approve a mission statement for the organization

•developed information used for fund raising and publicity campaigns

•established a consistent media relations program

•gathered and reviewed information required to launch the current major capital fund raising campaign

Don and Pamela Rhoda, co-chairs of the capital campaign, which officially began with a well-attended media conference on Nov. 25, also participate in executive committee meetings, although they are not official members. Former corps member Daniele Lyman also attends the quarterly committee meetings in her capacity as the capital campaign manager.

James’ appointment brings the executive committee up to full membership. Dan Mason, general manager of the Rochester Red Wings baseball team and Steve Donner, CEO of the Rochester Sports Group, recently completed their terms and remain strong supporters of Empire Statesmen activities.

Other current executive committee members are Kate Wahl, director of patron services with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra; Louise Slaughter, member of Congress, 28th District, New York State, represented on the committee by Jeff Rodgers; Mike Spang, Irondequoit Parks and Recreation Department; Roy and Anne Wilson, Empire Statesmen publicity; David Bruni, assistant corps director; Allen Buell, business manager; Ron Cheesbro, general manager; Laurie Cheesbro, chief financial officer.

The Statesmen, five time DCA world champions, also operate the Empire Cadets youth marching band for area boys and girls as a community outreach program. The major capital fund-raising campaign now underway aims to provide the long-term financial support required to maintain various programs of both the Statesmen and the Empire Cadets.

The Statesmen will be sponsoring the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) world championship tournament on Labor Day weekend for the second year in a row in 2007. The first meeting of the local planning committee will take place in January.

The Empire Statesmen drum and bugle corps is a self-supporting independent group that represents the city of Rochester across the United States and Canada and as far abroad as Europe, the Caribbean and South America.

To contribute to the Empire Statesmen’s capital campaign, or to obtain information about membership and volunteer opportunities, call (585) 266-2232 or visit the Empire Statesmen Web site at: www.statesmen.org