Commerce Bank Championship

(October 19, 2006 -- East Meadow, NY) Commerce Bank has extended its title sponsorship agreement of the Commerce Bank Championship with the Champions Tour through 2009, it was announced today by Commerce Bank and the Champions Tour. Commerce Bank has been the sponsor of the Long Island event since 2004.

The Commerce Bank Championship, the only Champions Tour event in the New York metropolitan area will return to the Red Course at Eisenhower Pasrk in East Meadow, NY, June 25-July 1. Defending champion John Harris and 77 other players will compete for $1.5 million in official prize money.

"Commerce Bank and the Commerce Bank Championship have enjoyed a great partnership over the past three years," said Vernon Hill, chairman of Commerce Bank. "We are proud to extend this relationship with the tournament and the Champions Tour. Our sponsorship of the tournament is an excellent way for Commerce to give back to the many great Long Island communities we serve."

"The Commerce Bank Championship has allowed Nassau County to showcase the Eisenhower Park Red Course," said Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. "The fact that Nassau County can host an event of this statue on a public course speaks volumes for the hard work  put in by our employees and the incredible turnaround that we have witnessed in our Parks over the last six years. This event has shown the world what Nassau County residents have known for years, that this is a course on par with the best private clubs anywhere."

An annual attendance of 35,000 generates more thanm $5.5 million dollars in economic impact each time the tournament is held. An economic analysis fo the championship's impact on Long Island found that 980 hotel room nights were booked at a factor of more than $220 per room. Through measuring hotel rooms, meals, entertainment, gas and other event expenitures, the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission is able to identify the overall economic impact that is derived annually from the Commerce Bank Championship.

"The positive national and international television exposure that an area receives from major sporting events is recognized as a real boost to a region's tourism. Long Island is fortunate that the Commerce Bank Championship will be returning and along with that the more than 15 hours of exposure on the Golf Channel that our region will receive." said Moke McGowan, president of the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission. The Golf Channel will televise all three rounds. 

The tournament was played for the 20th time this past June and was a tremendous success due to the support and efforts of a long list of well-respected corporate sponsors, local governments and loyal volunteers. As a result, the Commerce Bank Championship will donate proceeds to the Boomer Eisiason Foundation, Schneider Children's Hospital and other local Long Island charities.

"I am delighted to be involved with the Commerce Bank Championship," said Boomer Esiason, the tournament's honorary chairman. "This is one of the premier sporting events on Long Island and one that has a long tradition of supporting charity. As a native Long Islander, it is great to be part of something that not only celebrates the best of Long Island but gives back to the community as well."

The Commerce Bank Championship roster of past champions includes World Golf Hall of Fame members Gary Player, Lee Trevino and Raymond Floyd, plus a pair of two-time winners, Bruce Fleisher and Jim Thorpe among others. The event has enjoyed dramtic finishers over the years including last June's event when John Harris outlasted Tom Jenkins in a playoff with Jay Haas, Andy Bean and Gil Morgan missing the playoff by a shot.

Commerce Bank is a great business success story and the Champions Tour is very pleased to be associated with them," said Rick George, president of the Champions Tour. "Vernon Hill's leadership and commitment of the Commerce Bank Championship have led to key tournament enhancements. Among them are the moves to Eisenhower Park with the Red Course quickly becoming a favorite among the players and Long Island native Boomer Esiason's involvement on behalf of his charitable foundation."