8/13/2019 Gov. Justice pulls W.Va. Commerce sponsorship for 2017 Greenbrier Classic - West Virginia Press Association : West Virginia Press Ass… Latest News: Students seek purpose, find path during WVU Welcome Week Home About Board of Directors Foundation Adam R. Kelly Premier Journalist Award and list of honorees Scholarships Trustees Staff Associate & Lifetime Members Corporate Partner Program Past Presidents Legal Resources WVPA Legal Hotline Open Meetings Act Services Resources Publications – downloadable version College Newspapers West Virginia Legislature WV Newspapers Employment Resumes Freelance Sharing Opinion Photos Releases Industry News Advertising Statewide Advertising Network Political Campaign Advertising Classified Advertising Network Events Convention Information Contact Members Sign In Navigate to ... June 15, 2017 Read More → https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/gov-justice-pulls-w-va-commerce-sponsorship-2017-greenbrier-classic/ 1/4 8/13/2019 Gov. Justice pulls W.Va. Commerce sponsorship for 2017 Greenbrier Classic - West Virginia Press Association : West Virginia Press Ass… Gov. Justice pulls W.Va. Commerce sponsorship for 2017 Greenbrier Classic CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Jim Justice today instructed the West Virginia Department of Commerce to pull its sponsorship for the 2017 Greenbrier Classic. “Even though the Ethics Commission may very well approve the Department of Commerce’s request to participate as a sponsor for the 2017 Greenbrier Classic, I do not feel comfortable going forward with their participation,” Gov. Justice said. “Since I am the Governor and have a vested interest in The Greenbrier, I do not want to be involved,” he said. “There’s no need to cloud such an important economic and promotional event for our state.” “I clearly recognize the gain the state has realized from the Commerce Department’s sponsorships in the past, however, I don’t want any perception of impropriety,” Gov. Justice said. The Commerce Department had chosen a significantly diminished sponsorship level for the 2017 Greenbrier Classic in the amount of $500,000 as compared to past annual sponsorships of $1.7 million. The investment to entertain potential clients included tents, hospitality, rooms and spots in the various Pro-Am events. “With great regret we are pulling our sponsorship this year,” said H. Wood Thrasher, secretary of the Department of Commerce. “This is absolutely devastating because we had hoped to again capitalize on the wonderful opportunity this event presents to market West Virginia to potential investors. The net results achieved by the Commerce Department during the past Classics have been extremely positive, but we clearly understand Governor Justice’s decision.” Related Stories: 1. WV Development Office seeks exemption to sponsor Greenbrier Classic 2. Greenbrier Classic to be free but lack concerts 3. Justice: Stop playing politics and remove $1.75 million sponsorship for Greenbrier Classic from state budget 4. Greenbrier Classic offers lower-priced badge Comments are closed. Enter Search Terms search Connect Subscribe to WVPA News Email * Subscribe! https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/gov-justice-pulls-w-va-commerce-sponsorship-2017-greenbrier-classic/ 2/4 8/13/2019 Gov. Justice pulls W.Va. Commerce sponsorship for 2017 Greenbrier Classic - West Virginia Press Association : West Virginia Press Ass… WVPress on Twitter RT @bethwalkr: Thanks @WVPress for the opportunity to discuss our work this year. 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