The views at the AT&T Pro-Am are spectacular, the golf is world class, but the upscale sporting event is not immune to the recession.
“I have to say it is scaled back with a lot less people,” said a spectator. A corporate presence at the AT&T starts at $85,000. The number of chalets or hospitality tents has dropped from 12 last year to eight this year. “We understand what’s going on, it just doesn’t work for them at this point in time and I’ve even written to all of them saying, ‘We appreciate your support long term and hope to have you back in the future,'” said Ollie Nutt, from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. “I don’t think you’re going to see quite the entertainment that you used to but for us, we’re in it for the long haul,” Twila Carter, from The Crane Group. Kohler which sells plumbing fixtures says now is exactly the time to be promoting business and rewarding valued clients.
“Even in slow economic times, it’s important to keep those relationships and build on new relationships,” Tracy del Dotto, a Kohler branch sales manager.