Radius, an 8 county economic development organization in the area has put out a report on the economic impact the Washington Knights of Columbus Treasure Hunt game had on the city and county this year.
According to the report, with a minimum crowd of 2,000 people downtown, the Washington area economy saw a boost of $92,000 each night the drawing was held. $22,000 of that amount translates into personal income for area workers. With a crowd of 5,000, Radius estimates visitors to the community spent $230,000 each night…enough economic activity to generate three full-time jobs, and nearly $57,000 of personal income in the pockets of area residents. Arnold said that a local restaurant owner reported an increase in income of $10,000 each week the drawing was held.
In highlighting the report at this week’s Daviess County Commissioners meeting, Daviess County Economic Development Director Ron Arnold said that having a permanent tourist venue in the area of the I-69 interchange would be a valuable economic engine for the county and would create additional jobs and local income on a permanent basis. Parts of the Economic Development Foundation’s plans are for the construction of a hotel and restaurant complex with an entertainment venue near I-69 to attract tourists to the area on a regular basis.
