Because of its significant ROI, the economic clout of event marketing is an essential part of our strategy for optimizing tourism expenditures. We have developed longstanding relationships with many groups and organizations from outside the county whose members bring thousands of visitors and millions of dollars into York County each year.

For instance,

• Twice each year, the Train Collectors Association meets in York County, injecting $20 million into the local economy annually.

• Every spring, the National Street Rod Association conducts it National East event in York County, boosting the local economy by an estimated $7 million.• All summer long, softball players and their families converge on York County from all over the nation, generating millions of dollars in economic impact.

• The 2014 Can-Am Police-Fire Games will bring 2,000 first responders and their families for a week-long celebration of competition and camaraderie. They'll bring millions of dollars, too.

• And in 2015, the American Truck Historic Society will hold its national convention and Antique Truck Show here in York County, events that promise to boost the local economy by $3 million.

Due in large part to our event marketing strategy, York County generated over $885 million in tourism spending annually in 2012. That, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development, marked an increase of more than 4 percent over 2011 which was significantly higher than the regional increase of 3.2 percent. The region includes Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties, according to the state.

The York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, York County's Official Tourist Promotion Agency, is constantly investigating opportunities to promote York County as a great place to visit and explore. It's a purpose that benefits every single one of us.

For more information on the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau call 1-888-858-9675 or email Louise Heine, Destination Marketing Director.