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County negotiating new sports/events contractor after competitive proposals
Summary
Clay County staff said they received four proposals to replace an expiring sports/events contract; raconteurs ranked first and negotiations were underway to bring the firm on as the new contractor.
Clay County purchasing staff updated the Tourism Development Council on Feb. 20 about the procurement to replace the county’s sports and events contractor. Karen Smith, the county’s purchasing director, said the prior contract with Airstream Adventures expired Jan. 31, 2025, and county policy allowed only two one‑year renewals beyond the initial term.
The county issued a request for proposals and received four submissions: Raconteurs, 7Lights, Airstream Adventures and ADAPT (as listed in the procurement presentation). The board invited the top three firms to present on Jan. 14; Raconteurs was ranked first. Smith said staff were negotiating terms with Raconteurs and planned to return to the Board of County Commissioners for contract approval, aiming for the Feb. 25 commission meeting if negotiations conclude.
Staff stressed that even during the contract transition the tourism office will continue to support event leads, hotel outreach and venue matching. Assistant County Manager Charlie Latham told the council there is no planned restriction on field availability and that staff will coordinate to avoid delays while the new contract is finalized.
Ending The procurement process is in negotiation stage; staff expect to bring a contract to the county commission for approval once terms are finalized.
