Grand Junction Hotels

How Much Does JUCO Impact The Economy?

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Starting today, we're get ready for an economic home run on the Western Slope. The Junior College World Series games begin tomorrow morning and tourists are starting to arrive.

This community is ready for a win this week, not only from teams but in tax dollars. Fans and visitors will spend their money at hotels, restaurants and destinations here in town.

"JUCO kind of sets the stage for this first big out of town thing," Jennifer Grossheim Harris with the Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau said.

The streets of Grand Junction will soon be full of out-of-towners. Hotels are booked, and restaurants are ready.

Grand Junction's Visitor and Convention Bureau estimates about 60 people come with each baseball team.

"There's usually about 26 folks that come with the team themselves, then you have family members," Grossheim Harris said.

JUCO's chairman, Jamie Hamilton says the economic impacts from this event are great.

"Five years ago, when they took a look at the economic impact, it was four to four and a half million dollars," he said.

Hamilton says there's not just tax benefits. Local students also luck out.

"I think this is the 10th year we're are giving out sponsorships to all four high schools and the college," Hamilton said.

Not to mention all the upgrades to Suplizio Field and Stoker Stadium, that local athletes reap year round. JUCO has paid for new turf at the football field, resurfaced the track, and build the west stands.

Now they have another project to look forward to. An $8 million revamp of the stadium is on the horizon. Hamilton says no tax revenue will go to funding the project.

"It really is something that JUCO does and the economic impact," Hamilton said. "The good people (are) paying and buying the tickets, so tax dollars aren't paying for it."

Something that will attract athletes to the area.

"I can count just this year, five different guys that have moved here because they played baseball in Grand Junction and decided this is place they want to live," Hamilton said.

It all kicks off with the banquet Friday night at 7:00 p.m. Then games begin Saturday morning at 10:00.

Grand Junction Quality Inn earns Choice Hotels Gold Hospitality ...

The Quality Inn of Grand Junction has received the 2010 Gold Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International, franchisor of the Quality Inn brand.

“The Quality Inn hotel’s commitment to excellence and outstanding guest service has earned it this well-deserved recognition as one of the best hotels among the Quality brand,” said Steve Joyce, president and chief executive officer of Choice Hotels International. “We here at Choice Hotels are very proud to award this distinguished honor to the Quality Inn hotel.”

The Grand Junction hotel is only one of 10 hotels in Colorado and 59 hotels out of the 1,349 Quality hotels to earn Gold Award status. Qualifying hotels demonstrate dedication to service and guest satisfaction. Choice Hotels evaluates additional criteria through its property ranking reports.

The Quality Inn is located at 733 Horizon Drive. For more information, call 247-7200.

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