It worked for them - It could work for you! -- By Norm Rosen

Kingston, Ontario, host venue for the Poker Runs America 1000 Islands Poker Run, has a positive approach to the impact an event of this magnitude has on the area. With more than 150 boats participating in the event, and tens of thousands of spectators pouring in from neighboring states and provinces, the city is in the international spotlight 每 for all the right reasons. From local radio stations to the esteemed Kingston Whig-Standard 每 one of the most respected newspapers in Canada since 1834, everyone takes pride in the fact that their city offers an excellent venue for tourism 每 especially for boaters who enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Thousand Islands region. On the day after the 1000 Islands Poker Run the front page of the Whig-Standard carried an article by Staff Writer Brock Harrison that summed it all up in the lead headline 每 ※Big boats lead to new business§. For (KEDCO), the Kingston Economic Development Corporation, the spectacle of the 1000 Islands Poker Run provided far more than a tourism attraction 每 it served as the centerpiece for a weekend of activities designed to enhance the economic environment of the region. During the Poker Run weekend, the City of Kingston hosted more than two-dozen executives, all expressing interest in developing new businesses in the area. KEDCO general manager Jeff Garrah commented on the potential benefits of Poker Run events: ※The Poker Run is tailor made to attract distributors and manufacturers 每 most of the powerboat drivers in town are men between the ages of 40 and 55, demographics nearly identical to most distribution and manufacturing executives. Events like this let businesses see the city shine!§ Before the weekend was over, one of the invited executives had committed to the creation of a 15,000 square foot facility that would create 16 new jobs, and more announcements are expected to follow. Several of the executives visiting the city during the Poker Run weekend had the opportunity to experience the excitement as VIP guests on board the Poker Runs America Pace Boat. Bill Taylor, Publisher of Poker Runs America, summed up the concept - ※including the Poker Run in a campaign for regional economic development is an excellent idea 每 it worked for Kingston, Ontario, and it could be very successful at many of the venues that host Poker Run events 每 participants and spectators are businessmen with the energy and investment capital to help these areas grow 每 we are delighted to be able to help in this aspect of regional economic development.§

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