Dow Corning Tennis Classic “22 Years Of History, 22 Years Of Success”

Credit the Dow Corning Corporation for guiding this women’s professional tennis tournament from a modest challenger series  on the women’s pro tour in 1989 to today’s mega event attracting 15,000 fans. With a track record for hosting top stars of the game, including four Grand Slam singles  winners and 13 Grand Slam doubles winners, the Dow Corning Tennis Classic is a dramatic example of how corporate commitment to the community translates into a unique education, entertainment/sports attraction for Michigan.

Providing resources and marketing savvy, Dow Corning  Corporation led the transformation of this tournament to the current 8-day tennis festival of pro competition coupled to 12 different programs, serving an astonishing 4,000 students and adults. Dow  Corning’s intention to reshape the culture and economy of the region made it possible for residents to hear distinctive educational, personal and lifestyle messages from  international athletes, while providing $500,000 in economic impact for the community. Dow Corning Tennis Classic’s celebration of world class tennis is the longest-running consecutive women’s event on the USTA Pro Circuit.

Hosted by the MidlandCommunityTennisCenter, the tournament  began as a $25,000 tourney in 1989, became a $50,000 contest in 1996, became a $75,000 event in 1999, and in 2009 was named the first and only $100,000 event. Among the international players who compete, the
Dow Corning Tennis Classic is the top stop on the 103-stop tour because of the unique hospitality offered players, and the professional management of the tournament.

Midland residents open hearth and home to players, providing transportation to the Center with visits to  city “highlights,” malls and civic attractions like the MidlandCenter for the Arts. Players are wined and dined at a variety of special events where they meet corporate sponsors and tournament officials. A PlayerHospitalityCenter provides healthy fare such as subs, fruits and nutritional snacks throughout the tournament.  “It’s one of the best run tournaments on the tour,” says Jill Craybas, two-time defending singles champion. “No other tournament at this level treats the players with such wonderful attention. We love it, and we come back.”

The players’ messages of perseverance, cultural diversity, and following your dream with  determination goes down well with youngsters and teens as they learn about the world through “Pros to Schools,” and “Schools to Matches.” Civic and service organizations heard about life on the tour and the economics of competitive tour tennis.

Grand Slam winners who played the Dow Corning Tennis Classic include Maria Sharapova, Mary Pierce, Anastasia Myskina, and  Justine Henin, the world’s # 1 player. Other top stars who graced the courts are Nicole Vaidisova, and Jelena Jankovic, both ranked in the top five. Anna Kournikova won her first of two ITF singles titles here.

As the Tournament grew, broadening its impact with outreach and fan amenities, Dow Corning stepped up again, coordinating an effort with foundations and the MCTC to provide a major events expansion in the West Wing. A new entrance with drive around leads to refurbished meetings suites, new restrooms, registration center, and a planned secure walkway to the area that will not disrupt member tennis. Additional parking lots also are being completed.

"The Dow Corning Tennis Classic is about world-class athletes, world-class tennis and world-class entertainment!  This Pro Circuit Event provides a unique opportunity for special customers, employees and community members to share in the excitement of professional competition. Dow Corning is especially proud of the school outreach during the 10-day tournament, which encourages athletes from as many as 25 different nations to visit with students from throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region,” said Dan Futter, Dow Corning, Executive Sponsor. 

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