For more information contact:  

Valeria Davis, Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism, 608/266-2147 

Christine Brown, Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce, 715-453-5334

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOMAHAWK REGION AWARDED $34,200 TOURISM MARKETING GRANT

Joint Effort Marketing program funds will help promote fall golf getaways

ST. GERMAIN, Wis. (July 11, 2007) -- Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble today announced a $34,200 tourism marketing grant to the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce to help support the 'Play Wisconsin Northwoods Golf Trail This Fall" getaway promotion. The sales promotion runs from Aug. 15 to Oct. 15 to draw travelers to Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Woodruff, St.Germain, and Tomahawk.

The "Play Wisconsin Northwoods Golf Trail This Fall" promotion combines great golf and outstanding lodging opportunities within the 20-mile radius of the partner communities to attract fall travelers. The Department of Tourism's Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant will to help promote the packages and the area as a fall tourism destination and is expected to draw more than $176,000 in traveler spending to the region.

"Wisconsin has rightly earned a spot as one of the great golf states in the nation, and it's especially nice to know our friends in the Northwoods will now receive their share of travelers who enjoy golf thanks to this grant," said Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble. "With the autumn timing for this promotion, I might suggest travelers bring along their cameras as well as their clubs, so they may capture their great Wisconsin getaway."

The idea to pair autumn golf with the breathtaking beauty of the season as a backdrop for couple and small-group relaxation getaways was the brainchild of regional lodging owners and the Wisconsin Northwoods Golf Trail Organization, which includes eight courses.

"Fall is probably the most comfortable time of year to golf in the Northwoods," said Christine Brown of the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce. "There are so many great reasons to visit the Northwoods in the fall - fishing, boating, bicycling, hunting and relaxing. All of these options can be included in a traveler's fall vacation. But for many, it's just not vacation without a round of golf."

The JEM program assists non-profit tourism organizations by providing funds to help advertise events, sales promotions and destination marketing projects. In fiscal 2007, the program awarded $1.47 million to 59 projects. The state funds up to 75 percent of the project's first year of advertising and marketing costs. Additional support may be available for the second and third years of the project.

JEM proposals are submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and are reviewed by the Department staff and a JEM Review Committee. For more information on the JEM program, contact Abbie Hill at 608/261-6272, or visit http://agency.travelwisconsin.com. 

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