Fostering a Community First Culture: An Exclusive Interview with Team Owner Greg Harris
Pensacola, Fla. – Ice Flyers owner, Greg Harris, has always been passionate about utilizing the team’s platform to give back to the community. It’s a passion that every member of the Ice Flyers team and staff have bought into and fuels them to be leaders on and off the ice.
“I grew up with grandparents and parents who were very involved in their communities and gave back in so many ways. It wasn’t only about the money you donated. The service to one’s community was just as important,” said Harris. “When I envision what I want my team’s legacy to be, I think of them and I want it to be the same legacy my grandparents and parents left in their communities.”
This example in his childhood propelled Harris to instill these values into the Ice Flyer’s overall mission. The blending of Harris’ hockey background and philanthropic family initiatives is evident in all aspects of the Ice Flyers organization.
“I want the community to understand that there’s a deeper commitment to things far greater and more important than just the game of hockey to us,” explained Harris. “It’s through our great game that has further engrained the Ice Flyers in Pensacola which has enabled us to turn that right around and give back. In all we do, whether it be at our games, in the community, or in our office as we develop and implement new and impactful concepts for the organization, we have the mentality of being leaders in our community, in our league and throughout the game of hockey.”
Harris is proud that the people he has working for him and playing for him have bought into the importance of impacting the Pensacola community. He believes that the team has made and is making an incredible impact, which is a regular topic of discussion for him with community leaders, nonprofits, and fans.
“No matter what our plans are, we always brainstorm about our community contributions, how we can assist nonprofits, and how we can use our resources to raise awareness,” said Harris. This approach ensures that the team’s commitment is maintained.
The community activities also shape the players’ experiences. Harris believes, “The community activities help create a well-rounded experience for our players. When you wear the Ice Flyers shield, there’s a significant amount more to it than just playing hockey. My hope is that they come to realize how much the community embraces them and then in turn they embrace the community.”
The team has hosted various community initiatives. The most notable being the Community Initiative Night, which focuses on a local nonprofit and has raised over $120,000 through five seasons. Season 1 and 2 benefitted Autism Pensacola, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida was the benefactor for Season 3 and 4. Season 5 and 6 benefit the Rally Foundation Gulf Coast as they continue the fight against childhood cancer.
“We are also in our second season of our Charity of the Month program where each month of our season is focused around providing advertising and awareness for the nonprofit, as well as dedicated fundraising opportunities. The inaugural season was an incredible success, raising $84,000,” Harris shares. Additionally, the team generously donated a gift of $125,000 to the new Baptist Hospital through the Baptist Hospital Foundation.
But it doesn’t stop there. The team announced the founding of the Ice Flyers Foundation in early October. The Ice Flyers Foundation serves as a platform to foster positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and groups associated with the Ice Flyers.
“This is another demonstration of our commitment to Pensacola. Through the Foundation, we plan to provide more opportunities for fans and community members to make a difference. I want our fans to know that by simply buying a ticket to an Ice Flyers game, they are supporting those in need, local nonprofits, and our wonderful community,” Harris concluded.
