GMRC HISTORY AND SUCCESS
GMRC was founded in 2007 by the Hamilton Vision Commission and a group of volunteers interested in bringing the highly popular sport of rowing to the Great Miami River. By taking advantage of the river’s perfect layout for competitive sporting events, GMRC is creating an economic development asset for the region.
Interest in GMRC programs is high and growing. During 2009, 80 students from high schools including, Hamilton City, Ross, Lakota, Talawanda, and Mason, participated in the GMRC Youth program. These rowers are socially diverse in gender, income level, and ethnicity. In addition, the GMRC staff taught the physical education classes at area high schools where another 435 students have requested information about rowing opportunities.
GMRC also is launching a new initiative to reach 7th and 8th grade students by visiting each school.
GMRC was approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2009.
HEALTH & EDUCATION BENEFITS
Youth and adults that row with GMRC improve their health and physical fitness. Rowing is a low impact sport that is almost unparalleled in the number of muscles that it hones and in the level of strength and endurance that it builds.
Rowing accommodates people of all physical ability, so it attracts youth who may not wish to play more traditional organized sports. It also affords them an opportunity to receive athletic scholarships which they otherwise would not have. Women’s rowing is one of the only NCAA sports where college demand exceeds the supply of experienced athletes. Students with rowing experience carry a premium in the recruiting process. The GMRC already has helped one of its youth rowers achieve a full scholarship offer from the University of Syracuse. That is a cost savings for one family of $200,000 in higher education costs.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
The GMRC is bringing attention and people to the Great Miami River, highlighting it as a recreational asset for the Butler County Community. The Great Miami provides opportunity for many kinds of water activities not possible with land based outdoor recreation.
The GMRC is also contributing to the improvement of the image of Hamilton as an attractive, family-friendly city. It draws people in to see the beauty of historic downtown Hamilton. The boats on the water, makes them better understand the desirability of living close to outdoor recreational resources. In addition, by bringing new visitors to the downtown riverfront for regattas and other events, the GMRC is contributing to local economic activity because visitors spend money on food, lodging and other necessities.
GMRC STAFF QUALIFICATIONS
GMRC’s Executive Director and Butler County native, Frances Mennone, managed the U.S. Junior National Team’s training and European competition trip in 1997. In 1998 she coached for the U.S. National Team Junior Development camp. She has over 15 years of experience with the rowing industry. In 1999, Ms. Mennone took on the challenge of creating a youth rowing program in Chicago, supported by the United States Olympic Committee. During her time in Chicago she built a stand-alone rowing community along with Chicago’s first rowing facility in over 100 years.
Head Coach and Program Director Emilie Graham oversees the development and implementation of the programs. Her rowing experience includes coaching at an NCAA Varsity Women’s program and also rowing on scholarship while at the University of Cincinnati.
FUNDING NEEDS
Within the next three to five years, GMRC expects to be self-sufficient in funding its staff and general operating expenses. To do this, we need to attract a minimum of 100 students from around the area. Once this level is achieved, the only additional funds needed will involve new equipment and special projects such as the construction of a boat house.
In the meantime, we are relying on individuals and organizations to help support this ambitious effort to improve Hamilton’s image and bring more economic development to its downtown.