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The Washington County Board of Commissioners presented a check for $33,000 to the PONY League World Series to support the World Series' efforts to attract tourists and increase the promotion of the event. The investment was made through the 2014 Washington County Tourism Grants Program.

Pictured are (l-r): Washington County Chamber President Jeff Kotula; Commissioner Larry Maggi; Washington County Tourism Board Chairman Mark Alterici; PONY Baseball and Softball - Hawaii Region State Director Gwen Earll; PONY Baseball and Softball - Perth, Australia David Hayes; Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan; and Commissioner Harlan Shober.

The commissioners were joined by the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency and representatives of the county's tourism assets and attractions at the event held at Lew Hays Field in Washington Park, Washington, PA. The presentation was made before the start of the second inning of the PONY League World Series Championship Game.

According to Larry Maggi, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, the PONY League World Series is a chance for Washington County to highlight its growth to a regional and national audience. "The PONY League World Series is when 'the world comes to Washington' and we want to take every opportunity to highlight our economic growth and showcase our county as a premier business and tourist location. Through our commitment to PONY, we have increased the media exposure of this series and subsequently placed Washington County in the limelight," Maggi stated.

Diana Irey Vaughan, Vice Chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, demonstrated the economic importance of the PONY League World Series. "The PONY League World Series has a substantial economic impact on the county. It is estimated that the series contributes an estimated $1 million in tourist spending to the county through hotel room stays, increased patronage at restaurants and shopping venues. That revenue supports local jobs and local businesses," commented Commissioner Irey Vaughan.

Washington County Commissioner Harlan G. Shober, Jr., stated that the PONY Leagues World Series is part of the cultural foundation of Washington County. "PONY Baseball started in 1951 as a means to Protect Our Neighborhood Youth by encouraging participation in baseball as a positive outlet for young adults. And although that slogan replaced Neighborhood with Nation's Youth, the mission still is the same. We are proud to host these young adults and their families from around the world who share our values of active participation and a strong work ethic as a means to a positive future," Commissioner Shober relayed.

Upon receiving the funding, Bob Gregg, President of World Series Tournaments, Inc. (the entity that hosts and manages the PONY League World Series) stated, "The PONY League World Series is proud to partner with the Washington County Commissioners, Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency and Washington County Chamber of Commerce and we are grateful to once again be a Tourism Grant recipient. Events like this could not exist without the support of our elected officials, our business community, valued sponsors and dedicated volunteers. We appreciate all their support."

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