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East Texas Business

Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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Crowds Growing Every Year For Firefighter Challenge
By GREG JUNEK
Business Editor

This year’s Firefighter Challenge spectators could bring $1,000,000 to the city during the two-day event, a Tyler firefighter told the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce board on Tuesday.

“This will be the third year we’ve had this event,” said firefighter Joey Hooten. “It’s growing every year.”

The challenge will run Sept. 5-6 at Broadway Square Mall.

Two years ago, the event attracted an audience of 2,000, Hooten said. Last year it drew 4,000 spectators. This year, he said, the challenge is anticipated to draw 5,000-6,000 spectators.

“It simulates actual job skills, like cutting a roof open or running up a high-rise,” Hooten said of the competition.

He said it is estimated that if 5,000-6,000 spectators attend, they will spend about $500,000 on food and another $500,000 on lodging.

This year, firefighters will pair with the Shriners, with all proceeds, with the exception of hamburger and T-shirt sales, going to the Shriners Burn Hospital in Galveston.

Also Tuesday:

  • The board approved an executive committee recommendation that the chamber contract with Prothro, Wilhelmi & Co. for the auditing of financial statements for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 for an estimated fee of $12,500.

  • Christy Strickland of BScene Magazine received the Contactor of the Month honor for March and Cindy Smoak of SPORTyler received the Contactor of the Month honor for April.

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