USA IBC announces the results of economic impact study
JACKSON, Miss.,– An independent economic impact study shows that the ninth USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC) generated $10.2 million for the state. The impact is a 35 percent increase from the 2006 competition and a 61 percent increase over the 2002 event.
Compiled by the Department of Economic and Workforce Development at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg the results are based on program operations and participant/attendee expenditures during June 12 – 27, 2010 in Jackson. Other figures from the study reveal just over a $500,000 associated impact for state general fund revenues and also personal income of $5.2 million locally.
“In difficult economic times, we are proud to contribute so mightily to the economic stability of our city and state,” said Sue Lobrano, USA IBC executive director. “We are pleased to have exceeded the impacts of the past two competitions and to have welcomed the masses of the dance community to Jackson once again for our festival of dance.”
The economic impact was calculated using ticket data, hotel reports and USA IBC records.
Thirty-one countries were represented by 100 competitors and another five were represented by the international jury. Ticket buyers flocked from 40 states including Puerto Rico and 10 foreign countries. The total attendance for the 2-week competition and its ancillary events was 27,040. The companion USA IBC dance school drew 258 students from 24 states and 2 countries. The 2010 event garnered over 2 billion in online and print media impressions and welcomed nearly 800 volunteers from the metro area.
The next USA IBC will be June 14–29, 2014.
The USA IBC is a two-week, “olympic-style” competition where tomorrow’s stars vie for gold, silver and bronze medals; cash awards; company contracts; and scholarships. The event is designated as the official international ballet competition in the United States by a Joint Resolution of Congress. Presented under the auspices of the International Dance Committee, International Theatre Institute of UNESCO, the USA IBC is held every four years in Jackson, Miss., in the tradition of sister competitions in Varna, Bulgaria, and Moscow, Russia. For more information visit www.usaibc.com.