This was a pretty interesting read:

http://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna...-local-economy

The Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets have an economic impact of more than $31M within the City of Kelowna.

That figure was part of an economic and social impact assessment conducted by Kenneth Carlaw, Associate Professor of Economics at UBC Okanagan.

The assessment used financial data provided by the team for the 2008-2009 season as well as survey data from fans during the 2009-2010 season.

Carlaw broke down the economic impact of the club into five areas including:


Indirect economic impact of the Rockets' regular season activities - $14.9M
Direct economic impact of the Rockets - $3.9M
Economic impact of playoff, pre-season camp and special event activity - $5.3M
Economic impact of Rockets' social impact activities - $242,000
Long term impact of former players and local staff living in Kelowna - $7M.

Rockets President and General Manager, Bruce Hamilton, says he thinks the report contains good information for everybody in the community.

"Anytime you have an event this has a spin as to what they spend when they come through here when you go through it," says Hamilton.

"Whether it be a conference, a convention, a national sporting event or a regional sporting event it shows what goes on. The Wine Festival has been doing it for years and we do it 36 times a year."

Hamilton says the information contained in the report will help in attracting local partners when the club bids to host special events, including the Memorial Cup.

Also of note in the news story is that the team is planning to bid on the 2013 Memorial Cup. If all goes well, Mrs. RGM81 and I will be back in our hometown by then.