Chautauqua Institution president Michael Hill, now in his seventh year at the helm, enters the gates of what will soon be the start of its 150th season.
"This is a place I've always loved and it's such a privilege," said Hill.
What You Need To Know
- The 2023 Chautauqua Institution season opens Sunday, June 25
- A new economic analysis illustrates the financial impact Chautauqua has on the region and state
- The study proves helpful to several tourist-related organizations, including the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau
This year's season brings with it the results of a comprehensive economic contribution analysis, designed to measure the institution's growth since the last study more than a decade ago.
"Simply trying to measure, how are we doing? We are always focused on ways that we can add to the vitality of our region," said Hill.
The study looks at the institution's financial impact on Chautauqua County and Western New York to the tune more than $250 million in revenue and taxes, as well as thousands of new jobs.
In the state, the economic impact of the Chautauqua Institution generates more than $305 million, supports and sustains more than 3,600 jobs and generates close to $35 million in state and local tax revenue.
"And really contributes to the broader kaleidoscope here in New York State. When you invest in Chautauqua Institution, the investment pays back many, many folds over," said Hill.
"And it's good to have a report that can sort of tell us that. Visitor money is new money in the local economy," said Andrew Nixon, president and CEO, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Nixon says the economic study of a long-standing attraction like Chautauqua helps quantify how important it is to the area.
"And it's really synonymous with the development of the tourism industry in the region. When Chautauqua Institution opens for its season, it's like someone turns a faucet on in the tourism industry. And when it closes, it's like the faucet gets turned down. We still have good shoulder season business," said Nixon.
Not just from visitors who eat out and stay in hotels, as mentioned in the report, but employees of the Institution and the 900-plus residents of Chautauqua, some seasonal, some year round, who also spend money in grocery stores and at gas stations, boosting the economy.
"Those people represent tremendous buying power and as the Institution broadens its reach to have programs and activities more year round, that number can only go up," said Hill.
The study goes on to say the greatest number of visitors come from New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The trio also leads the largest number of tickets sold by state, followed by Florida, Virginia and Maryland.