Strongman Economic Impact
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Posted: 8:53 AM Sep 8, 2008
Strongman Economic Impact
Local hotels and motels in Charleston say their occupancy is normal for this time of year, despite the World's Strongest Man Competition.
Reporter: Carrie Jones
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.VA. (WSAZ) -- You would think that a competition drawing athletes and fans from around the world would have a major economic impact on Charleston, but that's not the case.

We checked with several local hotels and motels and they're telling us the occupancy is about normal.

However, organizers are expecting larger crowds during the finals next weekend.

Charleston Mayor Danny Jones says the city didn't expect to make a bunch of money during the World Strongman competition.

Instead, he hopes it will give the city world wide recognition when the event airs on ESPN later this year.

Latest Comments

Posted by: anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:04 PM

Of course the other hotels aren't seeing any of the business that the competition has brought to town. that's because the good mayor handed all the business to the Marriott. the tax payers are footing the bill one way or another for something that may or will never happen from the ESPN coverage. I'm sure someone watching the competition will turn and look at their family and say we should go to Charleston, WV. I highly doubt that will happen. What the area hotels should be asking is why didn't the mayor share the competition attendees with all of the full service hotels instead of just the Marriott
Posted by: Beth on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:55 PM

With every type of business there is always a beginning. You have to get your name out there by word of mouth and then once that's established you will see the profit just start flowing. Let's just use this as a stepping stone in our quest for bringing more economic growth to our state. I can't wait till the finals....it's so exciting!
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:36 PM

Why don't $2 Danny charge them a user fee. If they are inside the city limits they are using the city streets and they have EMT, fire and police services. Oh what am I thinking, Jones only takes advantage of working men and women not visitors of his private little kingdom he calls Charleston.
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