ROCHELLE — In just a few weeks, the Chicagoland Skydiving Center is hosting the USPA National Skydiving Championships. As preparations are underway there are still several opportunities for local businesses and organizations to contribute to the success of the event.

CSC Director of Marketing and Events Becky Johns hosted a meeting for business owners Tuesday evening to explain how the community can be involved, including sponsorships, volunteering, and product donations. Several representatives from Rochelle Rotary, Rochelle Hospital, City of Rochelle, the Chamber of Commerce and business owners attended.

Skydiving teams from all over the U.S. and internationally will be competing in the championships from Sept. 4 through Sept. 18 and it is estimated about 1,500 people will be visiting the Rochelle area between the judges, USPA staff, guests, and spectators.

CSC edged out two other previous hosts to secure the event as the first new host in nearly 20 years.

“These competitors are coming here for two weeks, buying gas at our gas stations, eating at our restaurants, shopping at our stores, and will be spending time and money here,” Johns said. “We want everyone to enjoy our town and their stay here.”

Johns talked about several ways to make the competitors and judges feel welcome such as banners or messages displayed on their digital signage. There will also be a hospitality tent where competitors can get a bottle of water, a snack, or sunscreen if needed.

“These competitors know they have to arrive with everything they need to compete, but we want to be there to assist with any essentials, and to go above and beyond, to give them a great experience here,” Johns said. 

Along with supplying items for the hospitality tent, businesses and organizations are welcome to be on hand to welcome the competitors. 

Other areas of sponsorship include providing lunch for the 15 judges and USPA staff members, sponsoring a breakfast of morning coffee and pastries, selling food on-site as a lunch vendor from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsoring a hotel night for a judge/USPA staff.

“CSC is also seeking monetary donations to support the event, and making the commitment that the majority of those sponsor dollars will be spent locally,” Johns added.

All sponsors will receive thank you signage and social media recognition.

Other ways to make the guests feel welcome is for business owners to display a welcome poster in their storefront or create special offers.

Opportunities to volunteer for tasks during the event include ground crew assistance, facility cleanup, greeters, and hospitality item distribution. Volunteers must be 18 or older and will need to sign the CSC liability waiver. CSC will also provide confirmation of service hours if needed for schools, work, or organizations.

Interested individuals should go online to nationals.skydivecsc.com, click the “Volunteer” button, and fill in contact information and availability.

Businesses and organizations wishing to sponsor are asked to contact Becky Johns at bjohns@skydivecsc.com, or by calling 815-561-3663, extension 354.