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Kalispell Chamber estimates airshow will have economic impact in the millions

Anticipated valley wide impact to range between $3.5 and $4.7 million​

KALISPELL, Mont. (June 24, 2014)-The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce announced today that the anticipated economic benefit of the upcoming Mountain Madness Airshow (http://www.montanaairshow.com) to the Flathead Valley should be between $3.5 and $4.7 million dollars. The event, slated for August 30 and 31, 2014, will feature the U.S.A.F Thunderbirds and is expected to draw 30,000 spectators over the two-day period.

Based on statistics released by the International Council of Air Shows for events of similar size, length and scope, that number may actually be conservative. The Council notes that nationwide attendance for air shows in the 2014 season has thus far been even stronger than anticipated.

"A number of shows held already this year have reported record attendance. Many shows scheduled for later in the season are reporting better-than-normal advanced ticket sales," John Cudahy, International Council of Air Shows President stated in a recent newsletter.

Of the $3.5 to $4.7 million dollars in anticipated economic impact, the Kalispell Chamber anticipates approximately 25 to 30 percent will be spent with retail locations and another 20 percent on dining based. These predictions are based on the most recent non-resident expenditures study from the University of Montana?s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research.

?"The Mountain Madness Air Show’s economic benefit to the Flathead Valley is significant because it drives both hospitality and consumer sales, and it also provides a significant benefit to the area’s non-profit community," stated Chris Parson, Airshow Director and Vice President of the Kalispell Chamber. "During the last two air shows, local non-profits raised approximately $100,000 for 60 non-profits in just four days. That represents an important supplement to many community-oriented organizations on tight budgets."

The Kalispell Chamber hopes to see fundraising numbers increase over those in 2005. There are currently 29 non-profits with 867 volunteers participating, and the Chamber is still accepting applications from non-profits wanting to recruit and organize volunteers.

For non-profits interested in participating in the Mountain Madness Airshow, visit http://www.montanaairshow.com or call the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce at 406-758-2803. Businesses and organizations seeking further information about air show sponsorships should contact Chris Parson at 406-758-2802 or [email protected].

About the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce

Since 1904, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce has been a leading voice in strengthening our community and the business climate, ensuring that in order to make Kalispell and the Flathead Valley an ideal are ideal locations to live and work. The Chamber consists of 700 businesses and organizations that employ over half of the workforce in Flathead County, Montana.

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