2010 TOM Reaches Final Stage: The Total Misinformation Challenge
Update #2: And Kathleen Nelson of the Post-Dispatch has finally reported on the email she received last Friday. Headline: "Tour of Missouri canceled for 2010."
Update #1: The Riverfront Times reports that Tour of Missouri chairman Mike Weiss is finally downshifting.
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Peter Kinder and Tour of Missouri (TOM) organizers continue their online campaign for public funding in 2010, even though they know that the Tourism Commission has decided not to allocate $1M for a 2010 race, and even though they know that the Tour's management and marketing companies have withdrawn from the race.
Kinder has kept up the tweeting (yesterday and today), and Tour organizer Brent Hugh published a blog post last night trying to create uncertainty about the status of public funding in 2010 where none exists.
Today in the Sedalia Democrat, we're told by fellow race organizer Mike Weiss that "without the participation of [Medalist Sports, the Tour's management company], the event would have to be canceled." I don't think anyone disputes that point. But Weiss and Hugh also told the Democrat that Medalist "could still be brought in," though "the window of opportunity is closing quickly."
It sure is funny how Kinder, Hugh and Weiss keep forgetting to tell people that Medalist has withdrawn from the race. (And by funny, I mean not funny at all.) Kinder, Hugh and Weiss know perfectly well that Medalist Sports is out of the picture because they received the following emails on Friday afternoon:
From: Chris Aronhalt
To: Mike Weiss; Peter Kinder; Brent Hugh; Richard Aubuchon; Kelly Swanson
Cc: Gina Walsh; Scott Hovis; Eric Rhone; Ryan McKenna; Jack Goodman; Marci Bennett; Katie Steele Danner; Maynard Wallace; John Joslyn; Kathleen Nelson ; Steve Brunner; David Porthouse ; Jim Birrell; Kelly Greene
Sent: Fri May 21 14:48:22 2010
Subject: Re:On behalf of Medalist Sports, we are now officially stepping out of the effort. Its clear the vision, leadership and desire is no longer apparent, which is a critical component to a successful world-class event.
We greatly appreciate the opportunity, as well as will always remain proud of the positive results achieved on behalf of the Tour, our sponsors and partners, the state of Missouri and its communities, and the sport as a whole.
Of course we are disappointed, but it appears time, at least for us, to move on to other opportunities.
We wish everyone the best.
Mike, we will follow-up accordingly with the Board.
Chris Aronhalt
Medalist Sports
Emphasis added. And then later Friday afternoon....
From: Steve Brunner
To: Chris Aronhalt
Cc: Kelly Swanson; Mike Weiss; Peter Kinder; Brent Hugh; Richard Aubuchon; Gina Walsh; Scott Hovis; Eric Rhone; Ryan McKenna; Jack Goodman; Marci Bennett; Katie Steele Danner; Maynard Wallace; John Joslyn; Kathleen Nelson ; Steve Brunner; David Porthouse ; Jim Birrell; Kelly Greene
Sent: Fri May 21 16:23:07 2010
Subject: Re: Re:On behalf of KOM Sports, the marketing partner of Medalist, we must relunctly [sic] bow out also.
[...]
Mike, we will follow up accordingly and will need to inform the 30-plus sponsors of the event's demise. This is disappointing for all supporters. Missouri has built up international equity as a state through this major event. Also, if so desired we can release information to 150 or so media members out here In California. Many are keen on updates since they've covered the event for their global constituents.
[...]
Kinder, Hugh, Weiss, members of the Tourism Commission and Post-Dispatch reporter Kathleen Nelson all received the emails.
Medalist Sports and KOM Sports are out of the race. KOM says it will inform race sponsors that the race is over, and may have even told the "150 or so media members" covering the Tour of California that there will not be a 2010 Tour of Missouri.
Yet Kinder, Hugh and Weiss persist in telling supporters and the general public an entirely different story. They continue their online and media campaign saying no decisions have been made -- knowing full well that the opposite is true.
Tour organizers were unable to raise the private funds to make the 2010 race happen, and the Tour Commission has been very clear regarding their decision to spend their limited public funds on other projects. Without the money to make the race happen, Medalist and KOM pulled out.
Time to squeeze the brakes, boys.
Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mobikefed
