For more information, contact Sarah Klavas, 608/266-3750

For immediate release

EAU CLAIRE CITY CENTER CORPORATION RECEIVES TOURISM GRANT

Madison -- (June 18, 1998) – Gov. Tommy G. Thompson today announced the Eau Claire City Center Corporation will receive a $7,440 state tourism grant to help promote the International Fall Festival to be held September 19 and 20, 1998.

The grant was awarded through the Department of Tourism’s Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant program. The funds, matched by local promotional dollars, will be used for newspaper, magazine, radio, and television advertising.

"We are pleased to partner with the Eau Claire City Center Corporation to promote the International Fall Festival," Gov. Tommy G. Thompson said. "This event is perfect for the Eau Claire area and we are confident it will appeal to a broad market of travelers and will generate increased travel within and into Wisconsin."

The International Fall Festival will feature the Parade of Nations, ethnic craft and food vendors, children's triathlon, farmer's market, juried art exhibit, night street dance, international films and Wisconsinland party complete with brats, beer and large screen televisions broadcasting the Packer and Badger games. The two-day event will be staged on downtown streets and will include participants from an array of cultures including South America, Australia, Scandinavia, and Asia.

The JEM program is available to non-profit organizations involved in tourism promotion. The state funds up to 75 percent of a project's first year advertising and marketing costs, but no more than 50 percent of the project's total budget. The program also offers grant support during the second and third year of a new project, but at lower levels each year in hopes that the project will become self-sufficient. To be funded, projects must complement or supplement the state's overall tourism marketing plan.

JEM proposals are submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and are reviewed by Department staff and the JEM Review Committee of the Governor’s Council on Tourism. For more information on the JEM program, contact Sarah Klavas at 608/266-3750.