UTICA N.Y.- The Christopher D. Destito Tourism leadership award was presented Thursday night and it was given to a man who is best known to be the president of the Utica Comets.
The award was given to the Comets President and Owner Robert Esche.
Esche helped bring the Utica F-C to town, and also owns several restaurants including 72 Tavern at the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.
Since the Comets came to Utica in 2013, it has really helped boom tourism in Oneida County. With AHL Rivals Syracuse and Rochester just down the Thruway, as well as Binghamton not too far away, people from all over have come to Utica for games.
“Well I mean the Utica Comets had a significant impact on a few different things one there is a lot of athletes from all over the world that become Oneida County residents.” Esche said. “Our Sales Tax generation is anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 a game, and I think we have 173 current sellouts right now, which is also important so I think it creates a platform of civic pride which I think is second to none.” Esche added.
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente as well as New York State Assembly Woman Marianne Buttenschone were on hand to present Esche with the award.
