TRAVEL NEWS BRIEFS

New Smithsonian Exhibit Opportunity 

Remember the Smithsonian exhibit "Barn Again!" that toured the state in 2003? Well, the Wisconsin Humanities Council (WHC) has another chance to bring a traveling exhibit to Wisconsin. "Between Fences" is scheduled to tour Wisconsin starting in September 2007. The Council will select six communities with populations of fewer than 10,000 people to host the exhibit for six weeks each. Museums, libraries and cultural centers are all encouraged to apply by March 15. For more information and application materials, contact Jessica Becker at the Wisconsin Humanities Council (608/262-0706 or jebecker2@facstaff.wisc.edu).

State Agency Offers Support and Grants to the Tourism Industry 

A combination of technical and financial assistance programs are available through the Department of Commerce to help tourism businesses with planning, site selection, initial capitalization, permitting, employee training, research and development, and expansion. Early Planning Grants, Economic Impact Loan Program, and Economic Diversification Loan Program are among the offerings. Use this link to review all of the available resources offered by Commerce. 

Second Edition of Popular Birding Guide Now Available 

The Mississippi River/Chippewa Rivers edition of The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail Guide is rolling off the presses this month to join its Lake Superior/Northwoods sibling. It's the second of five highway-based viewing guides, offering driving directions, maps, bird and wildlife descriptions, as well as contact phone numbers and Web sites for 67 birding hot spots for 13 counties that border either the Mississippi or Chippewa Rivers (or in the case of Pepin and Buffalo Counties, both rivers). The third edition, set for release in 2006, will highlight birding along Lake Michigan, followed in successive years by Central Sands Prairie and Southern Savanna Trails editions. About 100,000 copies were printed for distribution through the Department's regular channels including Welcome Centers, travelwisconsin.com and the 1-800 number.

First Ready Set Go! Grants Awarded 

There were three successful applicants in the first round of Ready, Set, Go! awards. Congratulations to the following: 

• Fox Cities Convention and Visitor Bureau received $13,000 for the North American Fast pitch World Series 

• Packer Country Visitor and Convention Bureau received $3,000 for the USA Wrestling Freestyle and Greco-Roman National Championships 

• Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitor Bureau received $15,000 for the 2006 World University Water Ski Championships

Hitch a Ride on the Sports Show Circuit 

The Department has expanded the list of travel, sports, RV, ski, bike and fishing shows on its roster this winter and spring. And you're invited to join us. Choose from among productive locations like Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Minneapolis, Cedar Rapids and others. Hand out publications and make your pitch to the thousands of travelers who attend these shows. The Department pays all show registration and booth rental costs. Partners put up $100 per day fee along with meals and lodging for any staff you send. Participation is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so inquire soon to ensure your choice of shows and dates. Contact David Spiegelberg at 262-279-6856. 

Upcoming Governor's Council on Tourism Meetings 

• Governor's Council Meeting: November 16 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Department of Financial Institutions meeting room at 345 W. Washington Ave., 5th Floor, Madison 

• Joint Effort Marketing Committee: November 17 at 2 p.m. Tourism Offices. 

• Marketing Committee: December 8 from 9 a.m. - Noon. Tourism Offices. Topic: Nature-Based Tourism. 

• Sports Marketing Committee: December 8 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Tourism Offices. 

• Meetings & Conventions Committee: December 16 from Noon - 2 p.m. Tourism Offices

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