University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: Annual Show Contributes Over $110 Million

The Experimental Aircraft Association -- which lately has found itself in the unusual position of having to justify its significance to the community of Oshkosh, WI -- touts a recent University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh study, showing the annual EAA AirVenture show brings an estimated $110 million economic impact to Oshkosh-area counties each year.

The university's Center for Community Partnerships conducted the independent study during last summer's event, surveying visitors from every US state and 15 other nations about their length of stay, daily spending, overall impressions of the event and other demographic information.

According to EAA, the study indicates a direct economic impact of $84 million, with $26 million in multiplier or "ripple" effects in secondary spending and job creation. More than 1,700 jobs were supported by last summer's event, which drew an estimated attendance of 540,000 and more than 10,000 aircraft to the region.

AirVenture also generated nearly $39 million in labor income in the region, which included Winnebago, Outagamie and Fond du Lac counties.

A large majority of EAA AirVenture visitors -- 73 percent -- come from outside Wisconsin, the study shows. That shows the economic impact is overwhelmingly "new money" coming into the state, EAA notes, rather than dollars simply being moved within the state.

"This report reinforces the fact that tourism in Oshkosh is a vital part of our community," said Wendy Hielsberg, executive director of the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The economic scope of EAA AirVenture is so large that it not only benefits Oshkosh, but the surrounding area as well. EAA AirVenture earns Oshkosh a reputation as a destination."

As ANN reported, community sentiment against EAA came to a head in 2008, following issuance of the EAA's master plan proposing a tax-increment finance district to get city seed money for a $17 million-dollar expansion of the group's facilities at Wittman Regional Airport. The group later shelved that effort, due to opposition to the plan on the city council.

EAA had earlier estimated AirVenture's total economic impact at around $80 million annually.

FMI: www.eaa.org