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TOURISM AWARDS $229,847 IN JOINT EFFORT MARKETING GRANTS

Grants support local economies by driving traveler spending

MADISON, Wis. (April 10, 2008) – Ten non-profit organizations have been awarded $229,847 in Wisconsin Department of Tourism Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grants to increase attendance at events and traveler spending in their area.

"I'm so impressed by the originality and creativity of our industry partners in growing the tourism economy, from the top to the bottom of this state," said Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble. "With each list of recipients, we're reminded that Wisconsin is a marvelous state in which to vacation, live and work. That sentiment, coupled with a strong return on investment, is why this Joint Effort Marketing grant program reaps the continued support of Governor Doyle as well."

The events and recipients awarded JEM grants include:

• Neville Public Museum, $33,000 to host the multi-faceted ‘Art and the Animal’ juried wildlife art show, Aug. 30 - Nov. 2

• Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce, $30,000 for the second year of the Big Pig Gig Barbecue Contest and Festival, Sept. 19-21

• Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, $9,760 to promote spring fishing season, April 15 - June 15

• Kenosha Public Museum, $21,417 to promote the opening event of its new Civil War Museum, June 14-15

• Boscobel Chamber of Commerce, $1,882 to promote a new juried art show along Saunders Creek, June 14-15

• Cardinal Youth Softball Inc., $21,175 to promote the Women’s National Pro Fast-Pitch Championships in Kimberly, Aug. 23-28

• Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, $33,000 to improve promotion of the Blue Angel Airshow, Sept. 13-14

• Elkhart Lake Tourism Commission, $18,613 to promote the second year of the Lake Street Artfest, Sept. 27-28

• National Railroad Museum, $31,000 to promote the Grand Opening of its permanent tribute to Pullman Porters, July 18-20

JEM grants are awarded on a competitive basis and applicants may receive up to $39,550. Non-profit organizations must match the award with self-funding and in-kind service donations by organizations and event sponsors. This partnership enables the local community to launch a new event, boost attendance at an existing event, or design a sales promotion with incentives to encourage traveler spending.

The JEM program provides funds for destination marketing projects, sales promotions, and new, existing and one-time, one-of-a-kind events. The JEM program can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s first year advertising and marketing costs. The program may also provide second and third year support for some projects with decreasing amounts each year until the projects become self-sustaining.

So far in fiscal 2008, the program Joint Effort Marketing has awarded $939,312 to 40 projects. As a result, the projected visitor spending is estimated at $13,848,311.

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