2023 Gus Macker Recap
2023 Gus Macker Recap
Event Was Organized by the OHSSB and the OCSF for the First Time in 9 Years
Bysiek CPA wins 2023 Grand Slam Grill Corporate Cup Friday night of Macker. Back row (L to R): Ed Bysiek, Mckenna Maycock, Arnim Alexander. Middle row (kids, L to R): Juliana and Sylvia Bysiek, Royal, Adonai Alexander; and Front: Ermiyahs Davis. Photo / Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce
OLEAN – For the first nine years, the Gus Macker of Olean was directed and organized by Olean High School Sports Booster and the Olean City School Foundation. David Carucci and John Irving, both alumni of Olean High School were very instrumental in getting this basketball event to town and in securing more than an average of $25,000 each year just in sponsorships alone. In turn, both organizations were rewarded with splitting proceeds of (average) $17,000 each year in at least the first six years they organized Macker.
When Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce took over in 2017, the board and staff agreed that this event needed to be run as a quality-of-life event. “The model that the OCSD organizations used was it (excess revenue) was benefiting their individual programs helping out Olean High School students,” replied Meme K. Yanetsko, GOACC COO. Mrs. Yanetsko was directly involved with each of the Macker years as she was treasurer of both organizations. “They used it as a successful fund raiser – but closing in on 2015/2016 Mackers, the sponsorship monies started to dry up and although monies raised continued to be profitable, we (OCSF and Boosters) didn’t want to end on a bad note – so the third three year contract was their last,” added Mrs. Yanetsko
The Chamber model was streamlined as it tapped many of its member businesses for other sponsorships as well as membership. “The Chamber didn’t want to double dip with its members as far as in sponsor monies – so we stripped sponsorships down to a reachable level to make it a break even or slight money maker for the Chamber,” added Mrs. Yanetsko
2017 and 2018 events made budget with around $1500 made for Chamber operations – however, 2019, 2021 and 2022 continually to run in the red (average about $3000 in loss).
“As all figures aren’t in yet as well as registration monies came as a check from Macker this past weekend, GOACC is hoping to break even – however trucking came in higher this year -- $1200 in 2022 and $1800 in 2023, trophies and shirts for the players were increased slightly. Although our corporate sponsors cover the $10000 franchise fee, we were short in event sponsors by about $1400,” she continued.
As 2023 was the Chamber’s third year of its second three year contract, this could be Olean’s final Macker. However, GOACC may go into a one year contract and finish out with a bang as 2024 is the 50th Anniversary of Gus Macker.
“As a director on the Chamber board, and an event committee member, I wish that the Chamber discuss doing a one year extension – enjoy the celebration of Mackers throughout the nation as well as have Olean go out on a positive note,” replied William Aiello, Mayor City of Olean.
Ed Bysiek, long time GOACC member as well as Gus Macker player, added, “When speaking to the Chamber staff over the weekend, we talked about these concerns. This event is planned so well through-out the year, I believe there's a way of connecting the events committee with either our clients or business associates of other current supporters to see if we can really expand sponsorship for what will be Gus Macker's 50th Annual tournament.”
Well, what if all those sponsors result in a big profit to the Chamber? Mrs. Yanetsko answered, “It was always our intentions that IF the Macker made budget that we would split the excess revenue between the sports groups that assist us each year with pre event duties.” It would also be great if we could ‘fund’ to get two referees on each court throughout Macker weekend.
“I was there throughout the weekend scorekeeping on several courts and reffing clearly takes its toll on our referees – yes, it’s paid position but a thankless one!” Mayor Aiello replied.
Macker is played on a reduced court size, but by having two refs would clearly provide relief overall.
“It’s interesting when I spoke to Patrick Smeraldo organizing Jamestown, NY’s Macker in August 2023 – they are receiving DRI monies to bring that event to downtown,” stated Mrs. Yanetsko. Pending the results of GOACC’s July Board meeting on Macker 2024, Mrs. Yanetsko will connect with Mayor Aiello to check into this for Olean.
Gus Macker will continue its New York State Tour with stops at Norwich July 8-9; Ithaca August 5-6; and Jamestown August 19-20. For more information, please contact the Chamber at 716-372-4433.