Silver Bow Kiwanis Kiwanis Club Meeting, Jan 29, '13

12:00-1:00 Tuesday, January 29, 2013

This week Michaela joined us from the Circle K with her friend Grace. Also, former member Ed Kilgore was there.

Lee reported to us about her trip to Helena last week, where she talked to the Legislature about increasing the funds for public libraries in the state, which haven't had a funding increase from the state since 1989!

Ron talked to us about Advantage Butte, which was founded in 2004 to promote economic development in Butte and the surrounding area through sports. In 2004 they had 32 business members who paid $1,000 each to sponsor the organization.

Advantage Butte bids on and underwrites sporting tournaments in Butte and the nearby communities, which bring in players, parents, coaches, staff, and fans from all around the state. While the festivals in the summer bring in more people on given weekends, those activities are only during the fair weather seasons. Sporting events are held year round and help keep hotels and restaurants full.

The efforts of Advantage Butte have brought in an estimated $27 million in the last eight years, based on the estimated impact by the state chamber of commerce of a sporting tournament in a community.

Not only do these tournaments bring money in while the tournament is here, but it has longer term impacts, as tournament attendees see the services, businesses, and attractions Butte has to offer.

In the future, Advantage Butte is planning a AA Christmas Classic to bring teams in from across the state that often don't get to play each other because of the distance they would need to travel and the cost of that travel. With Butte's relatively central location, teams can "meet in the middle" and reduce travel cost and times.

Advantage Butte has a zero dollar overheat - there is no paid staff and no rented offices.

Ron also let us know that the suit against the State regarding the naming of Silver Bow Creek where it passes through Butte is expected to go to mediated settlement on February 7.

Presentation

Ron Davis, Advantage Butte

Menu

French Dip and Fries

Attendees

22

Event Updated

9:17 Wednesday, January 30, 2013