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The East End Runner Is Now Island Running
These economic times are hard for all. All of us are being effected by it in many ways. Local governments are no exception. Because of budget problems, Southampton Village has decided that events would have to pay for overtime police officers. After all, they have a responsibility to their taxpayers. East Hampton Town is considering this as well.
Do runners not pay taxes? OK, so many of our runners come from outside the village, so they don't pay village taxes.
Bringing runners into the village during the deadest times of the year may not bring an economic boom to the village, but runners do spend money. The local deli, bakery, sports store, will benefit from bringing runners into town. I was planning to take my staff out to lunch after the race. A shopping stroll down Main Street after the race is not out of the question.
Events bring people into town.
Non profit organizations organize events to raise money for their cause. Businesses sponsor events, not only to benefit an organization, but also to advertise the company and be visible to the public. More business, more money, more taxes paid.
Non profits are going to have a harder time raising money. Contributors are cutting their budgets. Sponsors are sponsoring fewer events.
When I was the vice president of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber's aim was to create more off season events to vitalize the village during quiet times. The October Fest was my idea and I was the chair of that committee. It is with the same spirit that I created off season running events.
Charging non profit organizations for overtime police is a burden to the non profits. Some may be able to absorb the expense. Some may not. Either way, it remains a burden to an organization that is serving and benefiting the community.
Add to this the further burden of getting sponsors for events in these hard times. Businesses are cutting back, budgets are tight. Sponsors are going to be harder to find.
2009 has brought us our share of problems. I continue to work with the village, the police and the chamber of commerce to work out a solution.
Bob Beattie, East End Road and Trail Runners Club www.eerunner.com
The East End Runner
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Running in the off season has always been a challenge. For runners, it’s dealing with the weather. For a race director it’s dealing with the low turnouts... and the weather. Managing four races last year in five off season months on the east end is not something I would ever recommend to anyone. Physically and financially it was a burden. Yet I plan to do it again this coming year, but bigger and better. This year with the help of OMAC, I’m determined to make it work. And we are! Join Us!
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