Falmouth CEO Stephen M. Woods Joins Maine Red Claws as Part Owner

PORTLAND, Maine, Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Stephen M. Woods, president and CEO of Sumerian Sports & Entertainment and its parent organization, TideSmart Global, a collective of six companies primarily focused on experiential marketing, has joined the NBA Development League's Maine Red Claws as one of its owners.

Growing up outside of Boston in Needham, Mass., Woods developed an appreciation for the rich history of New England basketball.  Now a Yarmouth, Maine resident, Woods believes that the Maine Red Claws organization is more than a great sports team -- but also a powerful engine for community impact and spirit.  

"I'm honored to be a part of the Maine Red Claws not only because of the team's on-court successes, but also because this is one of the most civic and giving organizations in Maine," Woods said. "As a local business leader and a proud Mainer, I hope to contribute to that legacy."

Last year, the Red Claws, official minor league affiliate of the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats and Philadelphia 76ers, participated in several community fundraisers, including developing a partnership with the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Quirk Chevrolet and Wright Express to raise money for Portland's Fourth of July fireworks celebration after funding was cut from the city budget.  Woods joins a Maine-based ownership group as they prepare for the 2011-2012 season, set to start on November 25.  In its first two seasons, the team sold out all home games at the Portland Exposition Building, which seats 3,209 fans.

"We are excited to welcome Steve to our ownership group," said Bill Ryan Jr., majority owner of the Red Claws.  "He has been part of the Red Claws family from the very beginning as a season ticket holder and his experiences as a business leader will certainly benefit our team."

In addition, Woods is also an investor and partner in The Forefront at Thompson's Point project -- the largest commercial, hotel and sports venue complex in Maine.  (Currently under development.)

As president and CEO of TideSmart Global (TideSmart), Woods manages an industry-leading group of six companies, including emg3, Promerica Health, TideSmart Logistics, Sumerian Sports & Entertainment, Viridescence and LedgePoint Digital, all headquartered on an 8-acre eco-friendly campus in Falmouth, Maine.  TideSmart Global's flagship agency, emg3, is widely recognized as one of the most successful experiential marketing agencies in the United States, earning national awards and industry accolades for exceptional strategy, creative delivery and operational expertise.

The Falmouth CEO brings a wealth of experience to the Red Claws, having represented a variety of Fortune 100 companies and also more than 100 professional athletes as an executive in a large sports management company and former NBA & MLB player agent.   In addition, he has served as the Tournament Director for many major ATP, AVP and other professional sporting events.  Together with his wife Katie and their three children, Woods lives in Yarmouth, where he has served town government in a number of leadership roles, and he currently serves as Chairman of the Yarmouth Town Council.   Woods also sits on the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine and is directly involved in numerous local charities.

SOURCE TideSmart Global