The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau released an economic impact study showing the summer series of Plattsburgh-based pro bass fishing tournaments bring in $2.7 million annually in direct and indirect spending to the region.
 
The study also revealed that through anglers ancillary visits to the region, in preparation for their respective tournaments, the economic impact grows to $8.2 million.


“The fishing tournaments in Plattsburgh bring significant revenue to the community,” said Colin Read, principal consultant of Economic Insights, and lead on the study. “When compared to each dollar invested in hosting fees, the region stands to gain upwards of $95, depending on our assumptions. As we begin to measure additional impacts over time, we may even discover the economic impact to be larger yet. In terms of community investment, there are few projects one could imagine with a similar positive return.”
 
The study, calculating the economic impact of the 2012 pro tournament season on Lake Champlain, reported:
 
   



  • $2,742,581 generated annually for the region in direct spending
  • $8,227,714 million generated annually with the inclusion of ancillary visits
  • 8,330 room nights
  • 34.5 full time regional jobs created
  • For every one dollar invested in host fees and in-kind services $95 is returned to the local economy

 
In addition to the economic impact of the tournaments, ongoing media exposure and recognition worldwide from outlets such as ESPN and the Versus Network, reaching 90 million and 61 million households respectively, increases the potential impact on Clinton County as Lake Champlain and Plattsburgh become synonymous with world-class fishing.


These findings reaffirm what we already knew,” said Michele Powers, vice president of marketing for the North Country Chamber of Commerce and director of the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. “The pro bass tournaments are an economic boom for the area. A 95:1 return on investment is impressive to say the least and then take into account the publicity we receive via media coverage throughout the world, the ROI is even greater. Needless to say, were happy to welcome the pro anglers back in 2013.


2013 Pro Bass Tournament Schedule
The 2013 fishing tournaments, which will run throughout the summer, will draw more than 2,500 of the top bass anglers from across the country as they compete for $1.5 million in cash and prizes.

 

We are very pleased with the 2013 fishing tournament schedule,” said City of Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak. “The fishing tournaments continue to provide solid economic benefits for the North Country. The people associated with the tournaments are wonderful and many of them have become part of our community over the years. We appreciate their commitment to the area and hope it continues for years to come.