From left, Belleville Senators CEO and Chair of QEDC Ross Rae January 24, 2017 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
The Belleville Senators brought their message of Quinte regional community partnerships to the Quinte Economic Development Commission Tuesday.
The newly-appointed American Hockey League Belleville Senators’ CEO emphasized the need for partnerships with the various Quinte communities.
Rob Mullowney said it goes beyond dollars but includes businesses helping for instance with parking and shuttle bus service to the arena.
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He says last year the AHL raised $4 million for charity and says this isn’t just 50-50 tickets but also education programs involving the players.
The Belleville Senators expect to hire up to 20 staff, 6 to 10 will be full-time with numerous other game day staff. He says as an example of working with the community the Sens already have two Loyalist interns.
Mullowney told commission members most of the ticket inquiries are from within 30 minutes distance of the city.
QEDC Chair Ross Rae said “It’s not just about hockey, it brings the same value to the economy as other companies do” such as Proctor and Gamble or Kelloggs, they contribute in their own ways.”
When Brighton Mayor Mark Walas indicated his community is interested in a presentation, Mullowney said he’d be glad to go to that town as well to talk about partnerships.
Mullowney says there are 2,000 ticket deposits already made on the 4,400 seats which will be available.
Belleville’s Director of Recreation Mark Fluhrer gave an update on the renovation work at the Yardmen arena, in advance of the Senators arriving later this year.
He pointed to the direct economic impact as being $8 million.
Yardmen arena design for renovations (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
For more information you can go to www.bellevillesenators.com
