What does volunteerism got to do with economics? They don’t even seem like they belong in a sentence together, more less how they would benefit a town, but they do. Events put on or hosted by volunteer organizations bring visitors to our community that spend money in our local restaurants, gas stations and retail stores. Case in point, this year’s Shenandoah Time Trial put together by the volunteers of The Page Valley Cycling (PVC) and the volunteers from the Shenandoah Merchants Association. It is reported that visitors spent nearly $8,000 on food and merchandise in Shenandoah over the weekend. A little over $7,000 was spent on lodging in the county. About 311 people, including 178 bike racers, came to Shenandoah for the Shenandoah Time Trial on July 30.
In all, between $74,000 and $80,000 was spent by participants, family, and friends in Page County during the weekends of the Shenandoah Time Trial on July 30 and the Tour of Page County on August 5-7. The two weekends saw a total of around 1,100 bike racers, family, and friends visiting Page County for the Page Valley Cycling events.
So the next time The PVC, Shenandoah Heritage Center, Shenandoah Merchants Association, Shenandoah Indians, Shenandoah Recreation League, Shenandoah Beautification Committee or other organization asks you to support their event, please consider the economic benefits the community receives indirectly from the volunteer organization.
Shenandoah Time Trial Event report by The Page Valley Cycling Club:
Shenandoah Time Trial
Event Report
On July 30, 2011, Page Valley Cycling promoted the inaugural Shenandoah Time Trial on a course that saw the start/finish on Shenandoah Avenue near Route 340 and headed out into the county by way of Back Road, Fleeburg Road, Naked Creek, and Loop Roads. By all accounts, the race was well-received by both participants and spectators. The success of the event is due in no small part to the kind assistance from the Town of Shenandoah and the Shenandoah Merchants Association. Below is a short report on the budget and economic impact of the event.
Budget:
One of Page Valley Cycling's goals is to promote quality cycling events that highlight Page County to visiting bicycle racers; encourage people to consider taking up cycling as a sport or way to get in or stay in shape; and to hopefully give back to the community some kind of economic benefit. Our events are all relatively low-budget, and our aim is to promote events that pay for themselves with any additional small amounts going back to local charities and to assist the club in generating future events (our start-up budget for the Shenandoah Time Trial, for instance, was made possible from the previous year’s Tour of Page County). With all of this in mind, the inaugural Shenandoah Time Trial was a relative success from a budgetary standpoint. The event very nearly paid for itself, and we were able to generate a small contribution to the Shenandoah Volunteer Rescue Squad for their kind assistance during the event. Total expenses for the event amounted to $4,606.62 and the total income for the club was $4,400.00. Given the economic impact indicated before, we believe the $206.62 shortfall was well worth the effort.
Economic Impact:
About 311 people, including 178 bike racers, came to Page County for the Shenandoah Time Trial on July 30. Of these, approximately 20% stayed a night in the county, spending a little over $7,000 on lodging and $8,000 on food and merchandise. The overwhelming majority of the food and merchandise was spent in Shenandoah on the weekend of the time trial.
- In all, between $74,000 and $80,000 was spent by participants, family, and friends in Page County during the weekends of the Shenandoah Time Trial on July 30 and the Tour of Page County on August 5-7. The two weekends saw a total of around 1,100 bike racers, family, and friends visiting Page County for the Page Valley Cycling events. (End of Shenandoah Time Trial Event Report)
In addition to the Shenandoah Time Trial, the Page Valley Cycling Club also spear headed; Tour of Page County, Showdown at Shenandoah Speedway, Page Valley Road Race, Luray Criterium and the 2011 Senior Championship Road Race.
The PVC also was responsible for writing and obtaining a grant for the installation of the Bike/Hiking trails at Big Gem Park in Shenandoah. Click this link to read more about the biking / hiking trails at Big Gem Park.
biking / hiking trails at Big Gem Park
The PVC was founded in June of 2007 to unite local cyclists with the common goal of promoting bicycling in the region. Currently, club membership counts thirty-six and rising. They are always looking for new members. If interested in joining them, check out their website at: http://www.pagevalleycycling.com/-.html
The Shenandoah Merchants Association is also looking for volunteers and new members. Check out their web site for more information: http://www.shopshenandoahva.com/_domains/shopshenandoahva.com/
