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Engage Franklin and the $1.5 Million Naming Rights Deal: How Hotel Tax Revenue Flows Through Ballpark Commons (ROC Ventures)

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By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News In Part 1 , we examined ROC Foundation — the nonprofit affiliated with Ballpark Commons that reported executive compensation exceeding program spending in 2023. Part 2 examines a separate but related entity: Engage Franklin , the City’s contracted Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), which operates from the same Ballpark Commons address and may fund a $1.5 million naming rights agreement using hotel room tax revenue. Individually, these organizations serve different purposes. Structurally, they operate within the same financial ecosystem. What Is Engage Franklin? Engage Franklin describes its mission as: “To serve as a destination marketing organization, engaging in tourism promotion and tourism development that positions Franklin as a premiere destination for sports, meetings/conventions, leisure and corporate travel…” It is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization   . Under the Tourism Ent...
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Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor’s ROC Foundation Spent More on Executive Pay Than Programs, IRS Filings Show

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  Four years of tax returns reveal executive compensation exceeding charitable spending, an 18% program ratio in 2023, payments to affiliated entities, and limited governance safeguards. Part 1 of a 2-Part Investigation into ROC Foundation and affiliated tourism entities. What Is ROC Foundation? ROC Foundation is a Franklin-based nonprofit formed in 2019 and affiliated with ROC Ventures, the developer behind Ballpark Commons and The Rock Sports Complex. According to its website, the Foundation’s mission is: “To provide support and unique experiences for youth, high school, and young adults in sports, recreation, education, employment and wellness; through a robust network of like-minded businesses and supporters. The ROC Foundation strives to create impactful outcomes in the communities where we live, work, and play.” Contact Information ROC Foundation 7044 S. Ballpark Dr., Suite 300 Franklin, Wisconsin 53132 Phone: 414.224.9283 Email: foundation@rocventures.org ...
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