RALEIGH, -- The International Bluegrass Music Association's weeklong visit to Raleigh, coupled with local and surrounding events in downtown Raleigh, is the latest major boost to the area economy. Harvey Schmitt, president of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce says it is another example of things moving in the right direction for the center city.

"You got thousands staying at our hotels, eating in our restaurants sand taking advantage of other entertainment while they are here participating in the conference. I think the estimates the convention and visitors bureau have put down has been about  $10 million dollars worth of impact,” says Schmitt. “When downtown is full people who are here for other reasons filter out to other parts of the county to find hotels and restaurants.”

Boosters have said efforts to get IBMA and other events in different music styles have shown the foresight in the development of the new convention center, the Red Hat Amphitheater and, several years ago, the reopening of Fayetteville Street.