Boilermaker: Economic Impact

It began as a celebration of one company and has transitioned into the celebration of an entire area. The boilermaker road race comes from humble beginnings but now has a huge impact on the Central New York area. Executive Director of the Boilermaker Tim Reed says, "It's one of those kind of seminal moments that now we're at the 35th anniversary, a race that pumps I think about seven and a half million dollars back in this community. So isn't it funny that seven and a half million dollars for a seven hundred and fifty dollar payout."

Some say the economic impact the Boilermaker brings isn't felt just by hotels and restaurants. Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce Pamela Matt says, "Before you have the advertising dollars that go into it, you have everybody buying and purchasing their athletic gear. You have the training that goes into it, all the training runs, all the gyms benefit from it. Then you have during it, everybody is eating out before, eating their pasta, running it, then enjoying the festivities afterwards and if it's not family it's in the businesses."

Area businesses say they see a direct result in business during Boilermaker weekend. Assistant Manager of The Celtic Harp Jared Nortan says, "It's the biggest, whether you compare it to a St. Patrick's Day, parade day St. Patrick's Day or you also can compare it to a Saranac Thursday. All three are great but the biggest day is Boilermaker Sunday. "

            Most economic experts say the financial impact of boilermaker goes longer than just the post party. Matt added, "Then I feel there's an afterglow, there's a city spirit that everybody for a period of time its pride and it's just going out and celebrating the spirit of Utica"