Oklahoma City's Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is good for the economy

Wednesday, November 9th 2005, 2:58 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum creates an annual economic impact of about $45.7 million for Oklahoma City, according to an economic study released by the museum.

The study released Tuesday showed the largest component of the museum's economic impact is derived from visitors from outside Oklahoma City.

Based on 103,500 visitors attracted primarily to view exhibits and attend special events, and an average of $200 spent per person each day, researchers said those visitors create a direct impact of $20.8 million. Applying another standard economic multiplier brings that total up to $32.9 million, which supports about 700 local jobs.

``I think it's fair to say by some accounts those results were nothing short of startling,'' Executive Director Chuck Schroeder said. ``The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is having a very positive influence on the economics of Oklahoma and particularly on Oklahoma City.''

Museum spokeswoman Leslie Baker said the nonprofit art center has an annual operating budget of more than $9 million, none of which is provided by federal or state tax money. She said funding is provided by museum admissions, memberships, museum store and restaurant sales, and contributions from individuals, grants and corporations.