Contact: Jim Niskanen (209) 577-5351
No. 07-158
October 2, 2007

Local Organizing Committee for Amgen Tour of California Stage 3 Start Announced

As was announced in late July, Modesto has been chosen as the Stage 3 Start host city for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California on February 20, 2008. After only two years, the Amgen Tour of California has become Americas most important cycling competition, drawing 1.6 million spectators in 2007 alone. As part of Modesto's commitment to the Tour, a Local Organizing Committee has been established.

Modesto's Local Organizing Committee, or LOC, is comprised of 21 diverse and experienced community members. Each position will work directly in cooperation with their respective Tour counterpart to ensure the success of the Tour.

Mayor Jim Ridenour leads the way for this committee as the honorary chairperson. Supporting the Mayor and leading the efforts for the Tours February 20, 2008, stop in Modesto are Jennifer Mullen and James E. Niskanen as co-chairs.

I am grateful and honored that Modesto was selected to be the Stage 3 Start for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California, said Mayor Ridenour. This is a truly momentous event for Modesto and as such, we have created a fantastic team to lead the way and make this years tour truly memorable for all.

As co-chairs, Mullen and Niskanen are tasked with creating support, community awareness and fundraising efforts for the Stage 3 Start. They are also responsible for coordinating and conducting regular LOC meetings and functions. Mullen is the Executive Director for the Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau and Niskanen is the Director of the City of Modesto's Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department; positions that more than qualify both for the duties of co-chair.

Other LOC members include:

• Bob Quintella, Chris Ricci and Dave Cooperider as Technical Directors

• Mary Lou Howell as Operations Director
• Ken McCall as Media/Public Relations Director
• David Boring as Marketing Director
• Chris Murphy as Public Outreach Director
• Rod Olsen, Armando Flores and Andy Johnson as Sales/Sponsorship Directors
• Louis Levin and Susan Dion as Volunteer Directors
• Don Bean and Vicki Rice as VIP/Hospitality Directors
• Jeremiah Williams, John Sanders and Greg Cunningham as Ancillary Events/Lifestyle Festival Liaisons
• John Ervin and Mary Ann Sanders as Schools/Community Involvement Liaisons

Amgen's title sponsorship of the Tour allows the company to raise awareness of their mission to serve patients and the promise of medical breakthroughs through biotechnology. Breakaway from Cancer is a national initiative created by Amgen to raise awareness of free services and programs for people affected by cancer. Last year, Amgen and the Tour of California raised $1 million for Breakaway from Cancer.

As an accelerated effort to raise more awareness each year, Modesto is seeking a Local Organizing Committee member to take on the lead role for Breakaway from Cancer for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California Stage 3 Start. Anyone interested in this vital role is encouraged to contact Julie Hannon at (209) 577-5417.

For more information on the Local Organizing Committee or to volunteer, call (209) 577-5346 or email atocmodesto@modestogov.com.

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To contact the City of Modesto Public Information Office, 
call Jessica Smart at (209) 342-4707. Email: jsmart@modestogov.com