Rink

figure based on the average spending for a visitor to the community. Average spending included food, gas, lodging, taxes and entertainment. It also includes a factor for the jobs created as a result of events being held in a community. In our case, each person was multiplied by $150 per day. So of our five questions, only two were needed for the formula: "how many people are in your group" and "how many days are you staying." Although it isn't needed for the formula, we still collect the information from all questions as the information can be useful. Knowing how many hotel or motel rooms are booked is helpful when asking for rate support from hotels/motels. Check with your Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tourism Office, or Chamber office for the multiplier they use for your local events. Using the same formulas is absolutely necessary. This way, you cannot be accused of padding the numbers to make the facility look better. At the end of the first year, we had information that surprised both skating organizations and the Park District. Over 125,000 users passed through the doors of the arena in 2006 with the visitors to the community having an economic impact of $3,034,650. None of us ever expected to see an impact of that amount. Our youth hockey, figure skating and other events booked 4,096 motel rooms that year, and visitors were brought in by car, bus, and helicopter (our Canadian Armed Forces friends flew into Minot AFB to play a game against the base team). The figures for 2007 were even better. Over 138,000 people passed through the doors bringing in an economic impact of $3,359,250. Over 8,000 motel rooms were booked, showing the increased traffic throughout the community. The 2007 numbers received publicity this year after the report was presented to the Minot Park Board. After two years of collecting data, we now have a benchmark for size of teams and an average number of motel rooms booked for each event and tournament. Having this benchmark will simplify collecting information. Did we accomplish anything by collecting this information? Sure, some individuals that I know were not supporters prior to disclosing this data now realize that the Maysa Arena is a positive impact for the community. People now realize that there is a return on their investment of tax support. If you also want to improve your facility's viewpoint in your community, take a few minutes at each event to gather information. It is easy, as long as you keep it simple. It is the same process that is used for most events in any community, and arenas need to show the impact that their user programs have. Knowing this information is useful in talking to advertisers and program supporters, and in getting sponsors for events. Finding out the information just might give you a pleasant surprise or affirm what you have long suspected: ice facilities do have a positive economic impact! ★ 36 R INK MAGAZ INE may/June 2008 If you also want to improve your facility's viewpoint in your community, take a few minutes at each event to gather information. It is easy, as long as you keep it simple. Ice impact

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