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

FREEDOM JAYCEES RECEIVE TOURISM GRANT FOR WISCONSIN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TRUCK AND TRACTOR PULL

Madison -- (August 10, 1998) – Gov. Tommy G. Thompson today announced the Freedom Jaycees will receive a $7,500 state tourism grant to help promote the Wisconsin State Championship Truck and Tractor Pull to be held August 28 and 29.

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 television advertising.

"We are pleased to partner with the Freedom Jaycees to promote the annual Wisconsin State Championship Truck and Tractor Pull," Gov. Tommy G. Thompson said. "We are confident this event will continue to appeal to a broad market of travelers and will generate increased tourism in Wisconsin."

The Wisconsin State Championship Truck and Tractor Pull, sanctioned through the National Tractor Pullers Association, draws competitors from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Illinois. The event also includes carnival rides, food and refreshment stands, music performances, raffle drawings, and a Packer Backer tent.

The JEM grant program helps non-profit tourism organizations attract visitors to their area through unique events and promotions. Since July 1, the program has allocated more than $76,695 to help promote seven events and promotions across Wisconsin.

The JEM program is available to non-profit tourism 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.