As concerns over the coronavirus continue to grow, so too does its impact on the local economy.
Destination Ann Arbor, a local non-profit focused on promoting the tourism and hospitality industries in Washtenaw County, says it's too early to give a specific dollar amount, but they’re predicting it will not be a small number.
Its director of communications, Margaret Wyzlic, says they’ve already started advocating for assistance for local businesses.
“We’re in touch with state representatives and other elected officials to do what we can to influence that conversation and get our local visitor economy some help,” Wyzlic says.
Wyzlic estimates the two industries normally generate more than 1 billion dollars for the local economy and are responsible for thousands of jobs in Washtenaw County.
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— Taylor Pinson is a writer/reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him studio@wemu.org