RAHALL REPORT: Tamarack Marks 10th year with Record Revenues
From the desk of U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV)Representing West Virginia's 3rd District
Washington, D.C. (HNN) -- As Tamarack celebrates its tenth year in 2006, it's the perfect time to reflect and recognize what this southern West Virginia showcase has done for the Mountain State. From creating economic development opportunities, to creating jobs, to enhancing West Virginia's tourism, the Tamarack has proven itself a good investment.
As many of you already know, Tamarack is among the Nation's first statewide collections of handmade crafts, art and cuisine demonstrations, and theatre. We should all take pride in having this spectacular cultural center and creative approach to business in our own back yard-an approach to business that is benefiting every county in our fine state. Take a look at the total goods and services purchased by Tamarack in the Third District alone:
Cabell County: $1,691,000
Wayne County:$434,000
Mingo County: $11,000
Logan County: $49,000
Lincoln County: $123,000
Boone County: $23,000
Wyoming County: $10,582,000
McDowell County: $15,000
Mercer County: $679,000
Summers County: $310,000
Fayette County: $779,000
Nicholas County: $543,000
Raleigh County: $13,883,00
Greenbrier County: $7,089,000
Pocohontas County: $86,000
Monroe County: $924,000
Webster County: $152,000
In its first nine years of business, Tamarack has hosted more than 4,315,000 visitors, generated $60,846,000 in sales revenue and collected $3,211,000 in consumers' sales tax for West Virginia and represented more than 2,500 artisans. And it keeps getting better, with Tamarack coming off of its best month ever in July.
Tamarack had about a half- a-million sales in July, according to the West Virginia Parkways Authority. This is particularly impressive, given high gas prices and low vehicle counts on the Turnpike. Tamarack's annual figures were also encouraging. A recent Register-Herald article noted that retail operations posted a more than $69,000 increase over the previous year, while food operations did $136,000 better. Overall, Tamarack earned $206,000 more than it did before.
Of course, revenue isn't the only thing that is on the upswing as Tamarack prepares to enter its second decade. I was happy to announce late last year that the Tamarack Foundation has been awarded an ARC grant to create a One-Stop Resource Center to train and provide resources to the State's entrepreneurs. With the creation of this research and training center, the Tamarack Foundation continues its established tradition of supporting the spirit of entrepreneurship in West Virginia, which includes mentoring programs, education outreach and artisan relief.
Yes, the Tamarack Foundation's mission to 'build an economic foundation, preserve our cultural arts to celebrate our State's past and present, and to prepare a strong foundation for our future' is alive and well. I will continue to be a steadfast supporter of this important State resource and ask you to join me in congratulating Tamarack on an impressive first 10 years.
Like the sturdy, functional tree for which it was named, I am sure the Tamarack, too, will continue to serve the people of West Virginia for generations to come.