“CVB: Special events contribute to local economy”

CVB: Special events contribute to local economy

Posted: 09 Dec 2010 11:35 PM PST

Martha Crimmins of Carrollton was the winner of the raffle held during the third annual American Heroes festival on Nov. 6 at the Five Star Complex./Photo courtesy city of The Colony

The Colony Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced the winner of the raffle held during the third annual American Heroes festival on Nov. 6 at the Five Star Complex.

Martha Crimmins of Carrollton claimed her prize at City Hall earlier this month. Her winnings included a large sport-travel bag filled with two fleece throws, several military-themed movies on DVD, two Starbucks mugs, an assortment of hot chocolate, an American flag, a holiday popcorn tin and Ghirardelli chocolates � all valued at $100.

In order to receive an entry for the raffle, festival-goers had to complete a short survey, which was administered by CVB staff at their booth. The purpose of the survey was to help determine the economic impact of the American Heroes festival. Those who completed a survey received an entry in the raffle and a chance to spin the prize-wheel where they could win a sport bottle, disposable camera, a small bag filled with coupons to local restaurants or more raffle entries. Communications Director Diane Baxter and CVB Coordinator Christie Copling also were promoting the city's hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

The survey included questions asking festival attendees how they heard about the event, if they stayed in a hotel, how far they traveled, their residency, if they shopped or dined while in town for the event and how much money they spent, if they would attend next year and if they would like to receive information on future events.

Results revealed that a majority heard about the event by word of mouth, traveled 10 miles or less, were residents of The Colony, and many indeed spent money while out and about for this event. However, some traveled from out of town and stayed at one of the city's hotels. Almost all participants indicated they would return next year and nearly half volunteered their e-mail addresses wishing to receive more information on future events.

�It�s evident that events contribute to the local economy,� Copling said, speaking on the results of the survey. �Diane and I are both pleased to see that more than 93 percent of those who completed a survey indicated they spent money in The Colony as a result of the American Heroes festival.�

According to a release from the city, administering and publishing the economic impact survey can be a valuable tool in bringing awareness to the community on the importance of events. It can also serve as a means to express pride and appreciation of being part of the community.

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American Heroes

Friday, December 10, 2010