REPORT FROM THE ATRIUM

Now, Foothills Major

Driver Of Economy

By BILL YOUNGS • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.COM

As I start my sixth year as the director of Foothills I’d like to thank the Oneonta community and the entire region for their support again in 2019.

I am proud to report that we hosted 314 events which included everything from the Grand Oneonta Opera, a Vet’s tribute with Jerrod Niemann, a Rolling Stones tribute, Tusk- a Fleetwood Mac tribute, the Oneonta Concert Association, the Ornament holiday show, The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour, Mario the Magician, a Wedding Expo, the Tri-Cities Opera for children, live broadcasts of the Met Opera, the Bolshoi Ballet and local dance companies, Orpheus, Star Struck Players, Bigger Boat and Stuff of Dreams theater groups, our annual October fundraiser, a health expo, First Night, SUNY Oneonta alumni events, Little Delaware Youth Ensemble, weddings, private parties, business and organizational conferences, job fairs, high school proms, Red Cross blood drives, and we’re the local voting location. The list goes on!

Believe it or not, we did all of this with only three fulltime employees!! Geoff Doyle (Operations Manager), Shane LoBuglio (Facilities Manager) and Alicia Hanrahan (Event Coordinator). A very big Thank You to them!

Also, please keep in mind, Foothills is funded solely by donations, event sponsorships and facility rentals. We are very fortunate to have so many loyal supporters. We thank you all.

But what the businessman inside of me is most proud of is the 27,000 attendees who walked through our doors for those events. What a boost to the local economy! While we are busy fulfilling our mission as a center for the arts; we feel we have also become a major economic driver for the city and the region.

Imagine what those 27,000 people spent while in the area on hotel rooms, restaurants, books stores, gift shops, etc. Many business people have told me they see a positive impact each time we host an event. That makes us very proud! A stronger community can only help us in our goal to achieve our mission. I feel we are starting to be recognized for that vital role we play in the city and region.

We are continuing this trend in 2020. We are excited to say that several months’ weekends are already booked! We also have several exciting projects we are working on….stay tuned!

Thank you all for your support. PLEASE spread the word: YOUR Foothills is making a difference in our community. Please show your support by buying tickets, making a donation or just by spreading a good word!!

Thank you and Happy New Year!