Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 10/20/2026
Item Status: New
From: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
Submitted by: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Acceptance of Sponsorship from Rayonier, Inc. for 2026 and 2027 Christmas Lights at Bicentennial Park
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Related to the Rayonier, Inc. sponsorship pledge, take the following actions:
1) Accept the sponsorship, in the amount of $5,000.00 for year 1 (2026) from Rayonier, Inc., to the Baldwin County Commission (Department of Archives and History), to assist with expenses related to the Christmas Light Display at Bicentennial Park; and
2) Accept the sponsorship, in the amount of $5,000.00 for year 2 (2027) from Rayonier, Inc., to the Baldwin County Commission (Department of Archives and History), to assist with expenses related to the Christmas Light Display at Bicentennial Park.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: Staff received a telephone call from Shawn DeRome, Director of Public Affairs for Rayonier, Inc., regarding the possibility of partnering with the Baldwin County Commission (Department of Archives and History) through a two-year sponsorship to assist with expenses related to the Christmas Lights at Bicentennial Park.
Rayonier is a land-resources company managing 39,000 acres of timberland and a seeding nursery within the county; their roots run deep in the region. They have been members of this community for more than 25 years. Rayonier takes great pride in local heritage, particularly in a community so rich in timber history, and actively supports local initiatives, including donating seedlings for the Weeks Bay Pitcher Plant Bog and supporting the Magnolia Springs Arboretum.
The company’s goal is to be an industry leader in responsible stewardship while optimizing its portfolio by ensuring every acre is used to its highest and best purpose for both stakeholders and the communities it serves.
Rayonier’s interest in sponsoring the Christmas Lights at Bicentennial Park developed following a discussion between Commissioner Jeb Ball and Shawn DeRome where community partnerships were being explored. Commissioner Ball provided contact information for the Department of Archives and History so Rayonier could obtain additional details about the event and potential sponsorship opportunities. For this reason, Rayonier expressed an interest in aligning their two-year sponsorship commitment during Commissioner Jeb Ball’s tenure.
Rayonier Inc. is proposing a two-year pledge totaling $10,000.00, structured in two equal annual installments:
Year 1 (2026): $5000.00
Year 2 (2027): $5000.00
Shawn DeRome will be present at the October 20, 2026, Work Session to introduce their company and share their enthusiasm for this initiative. Upon Commission approval, they are requesting that we provide an official invoice for the initial $5,000.00 installment.
Rayonier has provided a formal commitment letter (see attached).
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: Rayonier sponsorship incoming revenue Year 1 (2026) $5,000.00 and Year 2 (2027) $5,000.00
Budget line item(s) to be used: Incoming Revenue - Commission Sponsored Events 51907-51502
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration staff
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Admin - NOA email to Shawn DeRome (Shawn.derome@rayonier.com)
cc: Felisha Anderson, Roger Rendleman, Tara Hazelbaker, Wanda Gautney, Beth Hodges, Katrina Taylor, Lynzie Clark, Christie Bezoari
Additional instructions/notes: N/A