Adirondack Coast to bring major revenue to the region

PLATTSBURGH | "A ten-year-old and a 12-year-old boy out on the dock with their line in the water, and I'll tell yah. When these fishermen come to town that's an inspiration to them. To come down here and watch the weigh-ins of bass that they've been trying to catch for two summers. I mean they, the children, it's an inspiration. So it's not just for dollars, it's a great thing for our community," Arthur Spiegel the owner of Plattsburgh Boat Basin said at an Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau press conference on May 27. The press conference announced events planned by Adirondack Coast for this summer. "And this year it's back, it's back big time, and that why we're here today to have not one, not two, not three or four or five, but six announcements. Six major events on this lake are going to be occurring over the next three months," said Garry Douglas, the president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. Five fishing tournaments are scheduled to be held this summer starting on July 8 with the Bassmaster Elite Series. July 15 marks the start of the Fishing League Worldwide Toyota Series, the Fishing League Worldwide Bass Fishing League tournament will be held on July 24, August 5 is the start of the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour, and the season ends on September 18 with the start of the American Bass Anglers Open Series. It was also announced that the International Jet Sport Boarding Association National Championships presented by East Coast Watercross will be held at Plattsburgh City Beach this year starting on July 31. "Even with the border closure, we're able to pull off all of these events and it's important that our economy is still doing pretty well. I think the trajectory is getting even higher, but we do need to open back up that border, we need to open that border back up," Assemblyman Billy Jones said about the announcement of these events. "This event here can really boost us up. It can help us, it can get us over the hump. You know you hear people say 'back to normal,' this could bring us back to normal. This is a great thing that is going to happen here in Clinton County and I'm really excited about it," Clinton County Legislature and Deputy Chairperson Robert Hall chimed in. The announcement of these summer events is not only a sign of things returning to normal but also a shining light to businesses in the hospitality and service industries that are struggling due to lack of business. "For us, in the hotel industry it's like I said, it's been devastating and without our friends coming over the border. 50 to 60 percent of our summer business would be our Canadian friends," Julie Kramer, the chief operating officer of Best Western Plus Plattsburgh, said. These six events are estimated to bring over 2,000 athletes and their families to the area, effectively supplying plenty of business to local restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, stores, attractions, and even gas stations. Right now it is estimated that more than $3 million in indirect and direct spending will be brought to the region. "For the fishers that are coming back, welcome. But I also know that the folks that are coming into the region for the first time, it certainly will not be their last time," Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman said. Cashman went on to talk about all the area has to offer that attracts these athletes back, including the residents. Kristy Kennedy, vice president of marketing and business development at North Country Chamber of Commerce, said on how residents can help, "Definitely show up, see what's happening, thank them for being in our community." City of Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest summed up his thoughts on these summer events, "And yes, we do need to open the border, and we also need to continue to shop local. That's been the thing that's been driving our economy forward. Supporting local business, shopping local, and inviting people to visit our local economy."

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Adirondack Coast to bring major revenue to the region

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