2009 Logging Congress
|
We're ready for the 2009 Logging Congress
We had the pleasure to announce to about 400 attendees at the Chamber's annual Luncheon with Governor Granholm that the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association selected the UP State Fairgrounds in Delta County as the site of the 2009 Lake States Logging Congress. The GLTPA's decision was made after deliberations on applications from two contenders.
We couldn't be happier! This community works incredibly well together and that certainly is the key to successfully attracting events such as Logging Congress. Because so many groups offered incentives to the GLTPA, we proposed a very attractive package to the association – one they could not refuse. The application was the work of the organizations of the Commerce Center, UP State Fairgrounds, City of Escanaba and the Downtown Development Authority, Community Foundation for Delta County, Radio Results Network, and Daily Press.
The Logging Congress will be held in Green Bay this September. Historically, it has been held in Green Bay in the even years and then alternating between Escanaba and Marquette in the odd-numbered years. Delta County was the host community in 2007 so we didn't anticipate holding the event again until 2011. We were pleasantly surprised when we were asked to submit a proposal for 2009.
As far as a facility goes, the UP State Fairgrounds is the perfect venue for the event. Fairgrounds manager Scott Staelgraeve and his staff are delightful to work with and make sure that the entire event runs smoothly. His goal has been to increase the year-round use of the fairgrounds and having the Logging Congress back so soon is a big step in that direction.
There is no question that the Logging Congress has a positive impact on all of Delta County and it is clear that the community is behind this. We are grateful that all of Delta County supports it in whatever way they can before, during and after the logging trucks, equipment and spectators roll into our waterfront community.
Economic impact studies conducted during past Logging Congresses indicate that the event has a nearly $2 million impact on the local economy. This includes money spent on lodging, dining and recreation. A similar study will be conducted for the 2009 Congress.
The Lake States Logging Congress is the annual meeting of the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. It is one of the largest tradeshows in the Midwest and attracts 10,000 to 30,000 visitors who are interested or involved in all phases of the logging industry. An industry and an event that are both very important to our community.
|
|
|
|
|
