Staff Writer

Lsenn@CalhounTimes.com

The Dizzy Dean World Series has brought in more than 600 little leaguers to Gordon County during the past week. It is also expected to bring in a big revenue boost to businesses throughout the area, specifically in Calhoun.

"I think the economic impact will be very good," said Gordon County Chamber of Commerce President, Jimmy Phillips.

Phillips is expecting the weeklong tournament, which kicked off on Friday, to bring in an estimated $1 million to $2 million in revenue to local businesses. He said he expects that much of that money will come from hotel and restaurants sales.

"Many of these families will be staying in town for three or more days, that will definitely give local hotels and restaurants a big boost," he said.

Phillips says this a welcome relief to the local economy after a year of economic hardship.

"Local businesses have definitely been affected by the economic down turn. Travel has been off a little bit, but now that gas prices have leveled off, I think we will see a big impact. I think we will see strong sales over the coming days," Phillips said.

The Chamber of Commerce, along with many local businesses, provided Dizzy Dean families with goody bags containing goods and information from various businesses around town.

"A lot of people were impressed with the goody bags. Many of the families were excited with what Gordon County had to offer," Phillips said. "I think we are going to see a lot of money spent over the next few days."

Phillips expects that Down Town Calhoun will also see an up tick in revenue.

"There are a lot of families here, and they will be spending money," he said. “I have seen many of them around town shopping already.”

Phillips believes that hosting the Dizzy Dean Tournament will have a positive impact long after the teams and their families have left Gordon County.

"I think everyone has been impressed with both the event and the facility. And I think hosting this makes us look good. It will certainly help business dividends," he said. "I think we should host these types of events more often."