What's New
The Economic Impact of MERC's Venues on the Region
The results of an external analysis measuring the economic and fiscal impacts of MERC and its venues on the tri-county region are in!
The MERC 2008-2009 Economic & Fiscal Impact Report concludes that $522 million in direct and indirect spending is induced by conventions, meetings, events, consumer shows and performances hosted and created by the MERC venues - the Oregon Convention Center, Portland Center for the Performing Arts and Portland Expo Center.
From stimulating the tourism industry in which visitors lodge in area hotels and dine in local restaurants, to supporting the downtown city nightlife with interesting lectures and entertaining shows, to drawing consumers to some of the largest trade shows in the Northwest, analysts have confirmed what we have known all along: the MERC venues are vital contributors to the region's economic well-being.
The report also cites $18.2 million in state and local taxes generated by MERC, helping to pay for important government services upon which we all rely - schools, health care and public safety. In addition, 5,540 local jobs were supported in the last fiscal year.