Another way that the commissioners support economic development in Central Ohio is by supporting our region’s travel and tourism industry. Did you know that travel and tourism account for nearly 76,000 jobs and about $7.6 billion in local spending each year?
Franklin County supports industry growth in many different ways including funding $3 million to Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, which has helped attract the Final Four, Women’s Final Four, the Presidents Cup golf tournament and the upcoming National Figure Skating Championship.
In addition, the commissioners also sponsor events like the HBCU Classic for Columbus College Basketball All-Star Game & Celebrity Extravaganza. This annual event lasts five days and has an estimated $10 million economic impact on Central Ohio, with popular attractions including a game that features top seniors from Historically Black Colleges & Universities vs. top players from Ohio’s traditional universities.
Franklin County is also the only county in America that owns a baseball team and the stadium it plays in. The Columbus Clippers are a triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team.