Kemper and U.S. Opens Contribute to Local Economy

Db:brownbg.pr 97- Contact: Donna Bigler, 301-217-6537
Rob Hagedorn, 301-217-2090

KEMPER AND U.S. OPENS
CONTRIBUTE TO LOCAL ECONOMY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 1997

The economic impact of the Kemper and U.S. Opens golf tournaments is expected to
exceed $100 million, County Executive Douglas M. Duncan announced today. In addition, he
noted that the County stands to gain $408,000 in hotel/motel and admissions tax revenue, and
is passing along another $3 million to the state in sales and use taxes.
"The Kemper and U.S. Opens contribute a tremendous amount to the economy here in
Montgomery County, and the benefits go beyond even the impact of the dollars," said
Duncan. "The national exposure helps with our long-term economic and business
development goals, as well."
Citing a County Finance Department report, Duncan pointed to a direct economic
gain of more than $40 million as a result of ticket sales, food and beverage sales,
merchandise sales, overnight stays, meals and entertainment, car rentals and local travel,
program sales and other miscellaneous items. An additional impact results from the trickle
down effect of those dollars spent directly as the result of the events. For example, some of
the money paid to a landscaper, food service worker or tournament merchandiser is again
spent locally when that worker goes out to dinner or a movie, or shopping. The ultimate
effect is that the $40 million generated directly by the two golf events generates another $60
million in the local economy. # # #

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