Gettysburg aims for anniversary boost

By Amy Stansbury, HANOVER EVENING SUN
Posted: February 20, 2013

Talk to businesspeople, residents, or government officials in Gettysburg, and they will all tell you the same thing: They need 2013 to be a big year.

"This is a big opportunity," said Greg Ciminera, an event management consultant who spoke to a roomful of local restaurant owners at a meeting sponsored by the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau last week. "It's an opportunity to secure the future."

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, and the town is gearing up for all the reenactments, special ceremonies, grand openings, events, and visitors that are expected to come along with it.

CVB president Norris Flowers said he had spoken with a woman from Ohio who had already made plans to visit this summer. "This lady said that her husband had been waiting 18 years to come to Gettysburg and experience that," Flowers said. "Do you think her expectations are high?"

Expectations are high on a global scale as well. The Associated Press has committed to stationing journalists in Gettysburg for the full 10 days of events, and several national media outlets have listed the town as a top tourist destination in 2013.

The CVB has translated this national attention into economic expectations for the region, predicting that 2013 could rake in $750 million in visitor spending and $135 million in tax revenues.

Officials in cash-strapped Gettysburg Borough and Cumberland Township cheered the news, saying they anticipated a bump in revenues.

Businesses are also trying to seize the economic opportunity.

"We are just trying to brainstorm and get a plan together that will serve our customers," said Tammy Hughes, owner of the Avenue Restaurant. "We have been in business since 1958, and it's important that we continue that tradition."

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