[Vision2020] Back to the Big Sky

[B.C. Strand]

Nick Gear,

I was curious if you had taken a look at the full economic analysis 
performed by UI research economist Steve Peterson . Peterson was hired 
by UI to conduct an economic study of the university on the state 
economy. But his study broadened to look at the economics of UI athletic 
program (from what he has said, this was on his own initiative).

He will be the first to admit that he hasn't had enough time to perform 
a full analysis of  Idaho returning to the Big Sky as opposed to the 
WAC. However, his initial impressions were that UI academics would lose 
revenue out if we returned to the Big Sky. His economic modeling was 
pretty detailed looking at a full range of gate receipts, visitor 
income, etc... I was pretty impressed with the depth of his modeling (an 
area in which I have 20 years of experience).

If I was circulating a petition, it would be a request to expand 
Petersen's analysis - to allocate time and resources to truly analyze 
these scenarios in a timely fashion (as in ASAP). This is my letter to 
President White will request.

Bill Strand