A Premier Family Event: the national soccer festival

Business People, Mar 2008 by Bogle, Mary Jane

It's worth investing in. With so many fans pouring in from out of state, the National Soccer Festival is bringing economic development to Fort Wayne. And its non-profit status makes it ideal for tax-deductible corporate and private donations, either financial or in-kind. Ideas from fall contributors include noisemakers, spongy soccer balls or cup holders printed with a business name or logo. Professional Federal Credit Unioneven sent employees to the event to apply free temporary tattoos.

"It's a great way for businesses to get their name out there in front of a large crowd and get a tax write-off at the same time," says Stefankiewicz. "The possibilities are endless."

Endless possibilities is a good description of the event itself, especially with Stefankiewicz at the helm. He's exploring everything from celebrity appearances to local junior high band performances.

"If you don't try things, you'll never know if they'll succeed," he says.

No matter what choices are made in the future for this festival, one thing is for sure: with Stefankiewicz behind it, it is here to stay.

National Soccer Festival Inc.

Address: 5525 Hopkinton Drive Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814

Phone: (260) 705-3967

President: Terry Stefankiewicz

Web site: www.nationalsoccerfestival.com

Number of Employees: 2

Nature of Business: A bi-annual collegiate soccer festival