Posted by Dr. Honora Norton
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale welcomed Bridget Binsbacher, Executive Director of the Arizona Cactus League Association, to the Club's luncheon meeting held at Scottsdale's McCormick Ranch Golf Club's Pavilion.  During his introduction, Rotarian Tim Baughman stated that Ms. Binsbacher serves as Vice Mayor and Councilmember for the City of Peoria. Ms. Binsbacher is the first employee of the Arizona Cactus League Baseball Association.
 
Ms. Binsbacher's tireless dedication as a community volunteer has not gone unrecognized. Bridget is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow recipient in recognition of her "service above self" community service contributions and was named one of 2016’s Who’s Who, Top Five Women in Business Leaders of Arizona.  In July 2019, AZ Business and AZRE magazines announced Ms. Binsbacher as one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2019.
 
According to Ms. Binsbacher, since 1947, the Arizona Cactus League Association has consisted of members with direct interest in the good of the league.  The Association has provided a forum to share operation efficiencies, to establish and nurture business relationships with respective Major League Baseball franchises and to facilitate and participate in activities to promote and fundraise for the Cactus League. 
 
 
Fifteen (15) Major League baseball teams call Arizona their spring training home.  With ten spring training facilities hosting the Major League baseball teams, the Phoenix metropolitan area holds claim to the greatest concentration of professional baseball facilities found anywhere in the USA.  The facilities offer volunteer opportunities and non-profit partnerships that generate meaningful contributions to various programs, charities and scholarships throughout the state.  
 
The Cactus League industry League industry continues to grow and contributes an estimated $644 million annually to Arizona's economy. Ms. Binsbacher shared Cactus League 2017/2018 statistics: 1,941,347 fans attended games (6 of 10 were from out of state); 6,439 jobs paid $224.6 million; over 90,000 volunteer hours were shared by 1,944 volunteers; the Cactus League organizations collectively raised over $2.6 million for charitable gifts; and, $319 million was generated in taxes.  Per an ASU W.P. Carey School of Business Study, the median spring training visitor stays four days in Arizona and the spends $405 per day.
 
Ms. Binsbacher closed her talk with the following statement: The Arizona Cactus League Association is committed to continuing its work to strengthen and promote the industry while serving communities and contributing to a wonderful quality of life for all to enjoy in Arizona.