The Challenge
Beginning in 2016, Dominion Energy embarked on an ambitious sports sponsorship venture by becoming the title sponsor of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic (DECC), a prestigious PGA TOUR Champions event. The company's objectives were multi-faceted: to bolster employee engagement, support local veterans, and enrich the Richmond community through the international phenomenon of professional golf.
To effectively activate their sponsorship and realize these goals, Dominion Energy sought a seasoned agency with a strong local presence and extensive experience in managing corporate relationships and global sporting events.
The Solution
Dominion Energy engaged Wilkinson Sports Advisory, to orchestrate the activation of their title sponsorship at the DECC. WSA collaborates closely with Dominion Energy's internal teams by working out of its downtown Richmond headquarters, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of sponsorship activities.
Throughout each year, WSA assumes responsibility for every facet of Dominion Energy's sponsorship, meticulously planning and executing various initiatives. This encompasses logistical coordination, vendor management, hospitality program execution, employee engagement initiatives and much more.
The RESULT
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Dominion Energy and Wilkinson Sports Advisory, the DECC sponsorship has yielded remarkable outcomes:
Employee Engagement: Over 10,000 Dominion Energy complimentary employee tickets to the tournament have been distributed through WSA-operated engagement programs.
Community Impact: The DECC has raised over $11 million for local charities, with a focus on supporting veterans' care and rehabilitation programs. The event's primary beneficiaries, the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation and the Richmond Fisher House, have experienced substantial support, further enhancing Dominion Energy's community contributions.
Prestigious Recognition: The DECC has garnered widespread acclaim within the PGA TOUR Champions community, earning the Players' Award five times for exceptional player experience and the Tournament of the Year Award in 2022.
Economic Stimulus: The tournament has generated up to $15 million each year in economic impact for the Richmond region, bolstering tourism and community prosperity.
Volunteer Engagement: Over 1,200 volunteers, including 600 Dominion Energy employees and retirees, actively contribute to the planning and execution of the tournament each year, underscoring the widespread support and engagement within the local community.
Through strategic partnership and meticulous execution, Dominion Energy and Wilkinson Sports Advisory have not only activated a successful sponsorship but have also made a profound and enduring impact on employee engagement, community welfare, and regional economic development.