By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Millions of sports tourism dollars will soon be part of West Michigan's economy if the West Michigan Sports Commission has anything to say about it. The Kent County Board of Commissioners established the commission in 2006 to promote the region as a destination for youth and amateur sporting events. This summer, the commission board hired its first executive director, Mike Guswiler.
The key to attracting amateur and youth sports competitions is leveraging the Michigan's West Coast brand, says Guswiler, a brand introduced by the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau. That campaign will help promote the commission's three primary goals: enhancing the region's image as a sports tourism destination, introducing visitors to the quality of life and, ultimately, generating income for local businesses and attractions.
"We want to reach out on regional, state, and national levels," Guswiler says. "Youth and amateur sports is a $4 billion industry, so you need to show that your organization has the ability to appeal to, and draw, attendees of the events."
The commission hopes to attract some 30 events—ranging from beach pole-vaulting to bowling and soccer—each year once it's running at full capacity. Guswiler expects to begin the push in early 2008, after an events manager is hired.
In the meantime, the commission supports existing sporting events, such as the American Collegiate Hockey Association's 2009 national championship, which will be in Grand Rapids. Some1,000 coaches, players, and spectators are expected to hit town and generate over $1 million in revenue.
Source: Mike Guswiler, West Michigan Sports Commission
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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