Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett was in Boulder Junction on Thursday, May 14th to present a $21,500 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant check to Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce officials in support of marketing efforts promoting the Chamber’s inaugural White Deer Triathlon on Saturday, May 16th.
The White Deer Triathlon – which has tallied 256 registrations to date – will include a 3-kilometer canoe/kayak/stand-up paddleboard course on Boulder Lake, a 23-kilometer bike course along Boulder Junction’s rustic roads, and a 6.5-kilometer run in the woods around Boulder Junction.
It’s estimated that the White Deer Triathlon will generate an economic impact of more than $200,000 from traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and stores.
“It’s a huge deal, because tourism is an economic powerhouse in the State of Wisconsin,” Klett said. “It’s a $18.5 billion industry and in Vilas County you’re talking about $264 million a year in travel expenditures. This is a new event and we know that whenever there’s a new event, especially if it’s sports-related, people are gonna come. They’re gonna check it out, they’re gonna do it, they’re gonna spend the night, they’re gonna spend the weekend, they’re gonna buy their meals out, they’re gonna fuel up, they’re gonna buy souvenirs. In the end, [tourism] has a huge economic impact. We’re thrilled about this first-time event and the fact it’s happening in Boulder Junction, where you’re gonna meet some of the nicest people on the planet. It’s just a double win for us...”
Klett also presented a JEM grant to Tommy O's Playhouse in Hazelhurst on Thursday for an event in September, and Wednesday presented a check the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce for an event coming in June.
