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Economic Impact

Driving Growth Throughout the Northeast

Eastern States Exposition serves as a powerful economic engine for New England and neighboring New York, creating opportunities that extend far beyond the fairgrounds. Through The Big E, Hooplandia, the Fiber Festival of New England, Storrowton Village Museum and more than 120 year-round events, ESE welcomes more than three million visitors annually to West Springfield, fueling local businesses, supporting tourism and generating tax revenue that benefits communities throughout the region.

At the heart of this impact is The Big E, which attracts more than 1.6 million guests over 17 days and accounts for nearly 87 percent of the Exposition's annual operating revenue. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that receives no state or federal operating support, Eastern States Exposition relies on the revenue generated by its events to sustain its programming into agriculture, education, youth development, historic preservation and the continued growth of the regional economy—delivering a return that strengthens New England for generations to come.

Report Highlights

Regional Economic Highlights:

• $1,167,200,000 in total sales/economic output

• $697,350,000 in gross regional product (GRP)

• $439,160,000 in personal income

• $351,800,000 in disposable personal income

• 8,085 jobs supported across the region

• 3,149 people attracted or retained in the region due to ESE-driven opportunity

Hampden County (The Epicenter):

• $488,990,000 in economic output

• $296,700,000 in gross regional product (GRP)

• $148,800,000 in personal income

• $115,820,000 in disposable personal income

• $19,000,000 in state tax revenue, including $6,200,000 in income taxes and $13,100,000 in sales taxes

• 5,418 local jobs created or supported

• 1,916 residents retained or attracted to the region due to employment and opportunity

Social Impact:

ESE’s economic benefits are inclusive and equitable:

• 60.8% of all jobs created went to individuals without a college degree

• 5,646 jobs were filled by individuals in the bottom 20% of income earners

• 1,310 jobs created across the region supporting Hispanic employment

• Employment growth was observed across all races, income levels and education groups

Economic Impact

Driving Growth Throughout the Northeast

Report Highlights

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