SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY. – Nov. 3, 2004 – Mike Norman, Tournament Director for the B.C. Open, has announced that Star Advertising and Public Relations, LLC, located at 125 High Rock Avenue in Saratoga Springs, New York, has renewed their tournament agreement to solicit new Regional and National sponsorships for the PGA Tour event hosted by Broome County Community Charities, Inc. and played at the En-Joie Golf Course, in Endicott, NY.

The B.C. Open derives its name from the comic strip "B.C." written by Endicott native Johnny Hart, and began as a Tour satellite stop to the Cleveland Open in 1971 with a total purse of $10,000.

Since that time, Alex Alexander, Executive Director of Broome County Charities, and a small group of volunteers have turned the B.C. Open into a regular PGA Tour stop, which has become the largest single sporting event in the Southern Tier of New York State. The purse has grown to $3,000,000 and requires over 1,500 volunteers. To date, over $7,500,000 has been contributed to local charities from the PGA Tour Event. In 1999, The BC Open received the Bing Crosby tournament’s sponsor award, an award given annually by the Metro Golf Writers Association. According to Tim Finchem, Commissioner of the PGA Tour, “The B.C. Open is one of the most amazing success stories in the history of the PGA Tour.”

Former area resident and radio executive, Bruce E. Layman, now chairs the agency, Star Advertising and Public Relations. Mr. Layman has been affiliated with the New York State Broadcasting Association for over 25 years and is a member of the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation. The company was first retained in 2004 and Norman reflects, “Bruce and his staff helped generate new corporate dollars and opened some doors for the tournament.” He continued, “The agency sent out a specially designed mailer promoting the event and will do the same this year as part of our agreement. Some new opportunities are starting to take shape for 2005, focusing in particular on our stepped up efforts to secure a Title and/or Presenting Sponsor for 2005 and 2006.”

Involved with the tournament for many years, Layman has marshaled the tournament in the past. Commenting on his enthusiasm for working with the tournament, Layman stated, “It has been a wonderful experience coming home and working with Mike, Alex, Tournament Coordinator John Karedes, and their staff as we move ahead. This event has been integral to the area’s economic development and helps showcase the region.”

Discussing last year’s tournament, Layman explains, “A few of the agency’s highlights were coordinating Jim Boeheim, Syracuse University’s Men’s Basketball Coach, playing in the Pro-AM and organizing a press conference which garnered national attention for the tournament.” He continues, “Coach Boeheim did a wonderful job in helping to promote the tournament in Syracuse and watching him play with Joey Sindelar was a great thrill for the fans. We look forward to working harder this year.”

Star Advertising will continue to work at identifying regional and national marketing agencies, directors of marketing, and large corporate accounts to develop new revenue for the B.C. Open. The agency will handle new corporate sales and the solicitation of sponsorship opportunities in the both the Capital District and Syracuse.

For more information about Star Advertising and Public Relations, LLC, please contact Bruce E. Layman, Chairman, at e-mail protected from spam bots or
Call 518-934-8712 x 3840.