Ice Rink, Economic Engine

Can any American city afford to turn their noses down at a
proposed project that would undoubtedly, positively stimulate their local
economical status? Well, some resident s of Rye Brook, NY and Greenwich, CT seem to think so.

The proposed business in question is the, Quinn Memorial
Arena, to be located at the rear of Reckson Executive Park on King Street. The
140,000 square foot building will be home to four regulation-sized rinks, a pro
shop, locker rooms, and concessions.

Some neighbors are concerned that, “increased traffic will result
in declined property values and add to their daily commute”. While they have
failed to mention the viable impacts that this ice rink will create amongst the
community.

Similar concerns from residents of Marlborough,
Massachusetts, arose when, what is now, the New England Sports Center, project
was proposed. Said concerns, have since been laid to rest with the significant economic contribution and increased property values this arena has brought to their area.

The New England Sports Center has been described by the
Chamber of Commerce as, “... one of the greatest economic contributors for the businesses in this region ... "to the hospitality industry, with economic benefits
accruing to the "...local hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, and
gas stations...".

" ... (i)t's a great boon for the community," said
Arthur Vigeant, president of the Marlborough City Council at time of this quote,
now current Mayor. "The hotel rooms and the restaurants are filled when
(the New England Sports Center) has one of (their) tournaments."

Rye Brook, and neighboring cities, would certainly
capitalize from the economic benefits. No one can deny the surplus that sports
industries generate. This ice rink can be the platform from which the community
rebuilds its fiscal position.

The ice rinks’ developers have designed an event calendar
that plans to host eight tournaments in the first year, with an average of 24
teams per event. With the majority of the teams traveling some distance for these weekend tournaments, ice shows, and/ or special event(s), housing
accommodations will need to be met. Specifically, these tournaments have the
power to fill local hotels with approximately 440 hotel nights per tournament.

All who reside in the town of Rye Brook will benefit, as the
ice rink will substantially increase existing city revenue streams from; hotel
& lodging tax, restaurant tax, sales tax, business license fees, and
property taxes.

With current news circulating around the Rye School District
budget increases and tax caps that could lead to teacher lay-offs, this ice
rink would certainly come at a time when the city needs to generate sufficient
revenue streams.

Except in unusual circumstances, additional economic
activity increases the value of real estate, both residential and
commercial. Residential properties are made more valuable when they
are located near the locations where economic activity is occurring and
commercial properties become more valuable because the anticipated profit that
can be earned from a commercial property increases when that property is
located in the midst of thriving economic activity.

Expanding businesses require more employees. These employees
require a place to live, eat, and shop. These influences
drive up real estate values, albeit gradually.

Literally, decision makers and citizens alike can see what a
difference this ice rink will have on their economic lives.

Let us not forget the heart behind this project, Quinn
Michael Connally, whom the arena’s namesake is honoring. Connally, was only 12-years-old when he was fatally injured in a freak accident during a hockey practice. Quinn passed away in, December of 2000, after a puck struck the nape of his neck, just under his helmet, causing a blood vessel at the end of brain to burst.

The Connally family suffered an insufferable loss in an
accident that is almost unheard of. Professor Fredrick O. Muller of the
National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at the University of North
Carolina said, “(he) had never heard of a death involving a player being hit in
the back of the neck with a puck”.

Quinn’s father, Steve Connally, founder of QMC Group
(initials of his late son), and partners, want to bring a family-friendly
institution to the area to honor the memory of his late son. “Hockey was a
passion and motivating force (for Quinn)”, says Steve.

Steve Connally and the QMC Group want to keep that
enthusiasm alive by providing a much needed sports complex to the area.

Building an ice rink, builds a stronger community. The arena
will be a home to build confidence in young athletes, promote healthy
lifestyles, and bring together communities and neighbors alike.

Quinn Memorial Arena plans to offer a variety of programs;
community skates, figure skating, skating programs for special needs children,
learn-to-skate lesson program for children and adults, and youth and adult
hockey.

From an economic standpoint, community outreach programs,
and employment opportunities, this ice rink stands to be a win-win for all.

-Danielle Childress

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Editor's Note:  The author of this letter offers her marketing service for free to the QMC Group. She has not and will not receive any payment of any type for writing this letter and fully supports the ice rink.