Virginia’s Civil War sesquicentennial good for business

Manassas says that its 150th anniversary commemoration of the Civil War’s first major land battle, held on July 21-24, brought major economic benefits to the Northern Virginia city, the News & Messenger reports:

–An increase of 50-plus percent in re­tail sales taxes.

–A 31 percent increase in restaurant/meals taxes.

–A 13 percent in lodging in its historic district.

–And a significant hike in sampled businesses’ July sales over July 2010.

“We are very pleased with the positive economic impact to the city as well as the level of regional and national exposure that Manassas garnered,” Director of Community Development Elizabeth Via-Gossman said. “… We wanted to put Manassas on the map, and this event was a giant leap forward in making that happen.”

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