The LeBron James Impact in Ohio
Tonight as LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers enter Game Four of the 2015 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, James’ impact to the city is not only felt inside the court but out.
As Chicago Bulls player, Joakim Noah, would say, “What’s so good about Cleveland?” The answer, I guess, would be, LeBron James.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, since the return of the LeBron, employment in leisure and hospitality sectors has seen an increase of 9.9% between April 2014 and April 2015 (LeBron announced his return in July 2014). Also during game nights this season, bar and restaurant owners in downtown Cleveland reported a 30% to 200% increase in revenue. This might not solely be because of LeBron, or maybe it is.
The whole state of Ohio is also enjoying the impact of LeBron. In an article written by Gabriel Fisher, from QZ.com, she points out the statewide affect. “According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, sales tax revenue from spectator sports in Ohio between October and December of 2014, the first months of the NBA season, was up a full 30% from the year before. And sales tax revenue from bars and drinking establishments in Ohio in 2014 was up 13% from the year before.” So seems to me like more LeBron means more money for everyone! Yuppie! LeBron is not only the savoir of Cleveland basketball but also the economy in the whole state of Ohio! No wonder they had a huge rally for him when he returned.
Who knew one man can make such an impact for a city and a state. I swear, not even a law or political figure can make a difference in such a short amount of time. Maybe LeBron James should run for mayor or governor. Then again, I think he needs a college degree for that.
Anyways, even if you’re a LeBron fan or not, you can’t argue the affect that he has had on the city of Cleveland and the state of Ohio. For them, having LeBron is better than not. I guess that LeBron Nike commercial at the beginning of the season was not exaggerated after all…
