Annual Members Meeting a Giant(s) Success

The Bay Area Council this week held its Annual Members meeting, which was attended by more 70 members and was generously hosted by the San Francisco Giants. Council President and CEO Jim Wunderman thanked members for their profound leadership in the Bay Area, and gave an update on a few of the Council’s recent successes, including our hosting of the historic Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation conference and the related Women and the Economy Summit. He also briefed members on the Council’s trip to Washington, D.C., next week and upcoming trips to China. Wunderman also discussed some recent advances with high speed rail and the Council’s efforts to bring the World Expo to the Bay Area in 2020.

Larry Baer, President and newly appointed CEO of the San Francisco Giants and a member of the Council’s Executive Committee, stopped by to provide a little inside baseball on the future of the Giants. While he said they were disappointed the Giants did not advance to the playoffs, he announced that the ballclub enjoyed record attendance with every game being sold out. He said the Giants are looking forward to building the team and returning to the post season next year. The Giants also have some big things in store for their neighborhood, with plans for turning Lot A (the parking lot across McCovey Cove from the ballpark) into a mixed-use development with a large parking structure for fans. Baer also spoke about the possibility of building a stadium or arena as part of the development, either for a sports franchise or concerts and cultural events.

Members capped off the evening with a reception on the field in Triples Alley, followed by a great win for the Giants, complete with two home runs. Thanks to the Giants and everyone who came out, and we look forward to next year’s meeting and another winning season.