Enigma Research Estimates the 2011 State Fair of WV Generated $13.8 million for the State of West Virginia

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2012 State Fair Theme Artwork

LEWISBURG, WV (01/12/2012)(readMedia)-- The State Fair of West Virginia, Inc., announced today that the nine day 2011 event generated $13.8 million in economic impact for the state of West Virginia, according to a study conducted by the Enigma Research Corporation. Almost $10 million of this was focused on Greenbrier County with $1.8 million in local, state and federal taxes generated.

"Tourism in the Greenbrier Valley has been significantly impacted by the growth of the state's largest multi-day family celebration and the hundreds of thousands who have traveled here over the event's 88 year history. What is even more important to note is that this study focused only on the 9 day event and did not include activities held at the State Fair Event Center throughout the year. The total impact of the fairgrounds facility on the state of West Virginia and the Greenbrier Valley is impressive," said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Key highlights from the study included:

• The economic impact derived from the State Fair equated to the creation of 99 full-year jobs in the accommodations and food service sectors.
• 70% of attendees were from outside of Greenbrier County
• 40% stayed 1 or more nights in the county
• 98% of those surveyed said the event is a great place to learn about agriculture and food.
• 96% of those surveyed felt the fair enhances the quality of life for people living in the region.
• Food, free entertainment and the carnival midway were the top 3 reasons fairgoers listed for attending when asked to choose their main reason for visiting.
• 48% of those survey rated the variety of food and beverages found at the fair as "excellent."

"We are very pleased with the results of this study and very proud of the impact we are making on our state. Agriculture, education, and family entertainmen have been our core focus and will continue to be in the future," stated Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, CEO of the State Fair of West Virginia.

The 2012 State Fair is scheduled August 10-18, 2012 and is themed "Memories that Grow...Year After Year". Pierson-Jolliffe states,"Local graphic artist Matt Landers has once again brought our theme to life through his wonderful artistic rendering of the fair. Generations of families have attended the State Fair together, with each generation having their own favorite fair memories. These family connections have been the foundation of our success."

Enigma Research Corporation is an international consulting firm which specializes in measuring the economic impact of special events. Enigma economists developed a customized model which converted expenditures into economic impact, employment created and taxes generated as a result of the event.

The State Fair of West Virginia is a mission based 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation focusing on agriculture, education and family entertainment. For more information phone (304)-645-1090 or visit www.statefairofwv.com