Beginning in 2016, the summer motorcycle festival known as Rally in the Valley will be under new management.
Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC) officials have announced that, after extensive discussions with committee members and sponsors, the chamber board’s executive committee has agreed to turn over the event’s operations to a group of long-time Rally volunteers.
“The group notified us at a recent meeting of their decision to separate from the Chamber. We support their decision and wish them continued success,” said Eric Garvin, GOACC Board President. “We will work with the group to ensure a smooth transition, and while they are welcome to continue the traditional activities put in place by the chamber, they now are also free to explore new and different programming, venues, and partnerships.’
Dennis Jones of Jones Realty Group originally presented the concept of a motorcycle rally to the chamber, at a business-networking breakfast in February of 2003. Just six months later, the first Rally was held, with very favorable results. Since that year, the Rally in the Valley has expanded its scope and schedule to include several days of community activities.
Before making the decision to separate, some committee members were already exploring changes for 2016, including a potential relocation of the event away from Olean’s Bradner Stadium. “We want to be absolutely clear that this potential move had no bearing on the decision to separate. GOACC is a regional chamber, and we regularly support events that are held outside the city limits of Olean, if that is in the best interests of our members, “ Garvin added. “The decision to separate was made out of respect for the event coordinators’ wishes to have full control over the Rally management, regardless of where or when it was held.
GOACC already organizes a number of summertime events, including its annual clambake, golf tournament, Taste of Olean and Art in the Park. Meme Yanetsko, Chief Operating Officer noted, “We regularly evaluate new and/or different events based on our member suggestions and interests. Whether this situation will lead us to expanding our summer schedule remains to be seen. Our Events and Activities Committee will be meeting soon to consider our options.”
Rally in the Valley has always had a charitable focus, and it is expected that this will continue. In the thirteen years that the chamber oversaw the event, over $250,000 was donated to local charities.