Philip Sparn reporting
psparn@ClarksvilleNow.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.– The APSU Athletics Department and University Advancement hosted Clarksville business leaders and the APSU community in the Dunn Center Tuesday night to present their new facilities upgrades and new vision to Clarksville business leaders and the APSU community.

APSU President Tim Hall and Athletic Director Derek van de Merwe spoke to business leaders and members of the APSU community about APSU’s impact on the Clarksville community and the impact that the new vision of APSU and the athletics department will have on the business community in Clarksville. The presentation was called “Scoring New Beginnings.”

Hall spoke about the growth and progression of APSU and pointed out how this growth can help the community.

“This is our time… Austin Peay is now in the spotlight,” said Hall. “Our developments are gaining attention around the country and we want to work with the business community to help them get in the spotlight as well.”

Van de Merwe presented a visually appealing presentation about the growth of APSU, its impact on the community and the importance of a collaborative relationship with local businesses using the Dunn Center’s new giant center-court video-scoreboard and the new courtside LED video displays.

Van de Merwe discussed the economic impact that APSU has on the local business community.

Van de Merwe pointed out that Austin Peay provides a $333 million impact to the Clarksville community. Van de Merwe also pointed out that for every new 100 APSU students, 2.18 million dollars in business revenue and 30 new jobs are created in the community.

“Austin Peay has a new vision and it is advancing,” said van de Merwe. “These developments can also really help advance the local community.”

Van de Merwe emphasized that the new athletics facilities renovations will greatly help businesses reach their marketing objectives by helping them reach the people in the community.

“The new growth and renovation to APSU’s facilities will provide many benefits to local businesses and the APSU community,” said van de Merwe.

Van de Merwe unveiled the new football stadium and Dunn Center’s renovations, including the new giant center-court video-display scoreboard and the new courtside video-display LED tables in the Dunn Center. Van de Merwe spoke about the marketing and advertising opportunities these upgrades will offer local businesses.

Van de Merwe ended the presentation by reaching out to all the business leaders and community members in attendance.

“These are exciting changes. This is the future. This is our vision,” said van de Merwe. “I want to help Austin Peay State University position your business within our community’s marketplaces.”

Steve Shaw, director of APSU Athletics Corporate Relations, ended the presentation and spoke about the importance of fostering positive business relationships and thanked the community for their ongoing support.

Kim Ross, planning and IE manager of Bridgestone, said he is really excited about the new vision and changes and how they will impact the local business community.

“The new scoreboards and video displays should provide a lot of advertisement opportunities for the community,” said Ross. “The new renovations look good and make me proud to be an alumnus of Austin Peay.”

Jeff Bibb, managing partner of BLF Marketing said he thought the new renovations and vision at APSU shows that the university is ramping up their fan experience for the community and marketing experience for local businesses.

“It was exciting to see that APSU is kicking it up a notch,” said Bibb.

The “Scoring New Beginnings” presentation was organized by APSU Marketing and Relations Coordinator Alaric Klinghard.


Photos by Philip Sparn