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Life's So Good: The Summer Campaign 

Work on the 2006 Life's So Good summer campaign is now complete and shipped off to strategically selected television stations, magazines, newspapers and websites to be seen by millions of potential Wisconsin travelers. Additions to the summer campaign include never-before-seen TV footage filmed in Sheboygan and the Lac du Flambeau area plus outdoor advertising in Michigan. Debuting this summer is a unique promotion with Traffic.com. After drivers receive their customized Traffic.com "phone alert," they are given an option to call 800/432-TRIP for travel information.

While not necessarily new to the Department's campaign, there is an increased focus on promotion inside Wisconsin's borders in the form of TV ads in the Green Bay-Appleton market. The print campaign will project a story of camping, family travel, outdoor recreation, spas, golf, and events, among other activities.

But why read it here, when you can see it for yourself. See it online at http://agency.travelwisconsin.com or get a front row seat at the Conference Showcase on Tuesday to see it on the big screen.

"I'm Just a Bill… " 

Several pieces of legislation that have a direct or indirect effect on the tourism industry are circulating this session. Here is an update on their progress.

• Room Tax Bill (AB 298): This bill creates a definition of "tourism promotion and development," which is currently not defined in statute. AB 298 has passed the Senate and Assembly and awaits the Governor's signature.

• Attractions Signage (AB20): This bill allows attractions to be listed on blue highway signs that currently advertise food, gas, lodging and camping. An attraction must have a primary purpose of providing amusement, historical, cultural, or leisure activities to the public, regional significance, and adequate parking. It is currently waiting for the Governor's signature.

• Golf Wisconsin License Plates (AB 479): This bill would create a Golf Wisconsin license plate. Proceeds from the sale of the specialized plate would go to both the WPGA Junior Foundation and to the Department of Tourism for additional golf promotion. AB 479 has just left the Joint Committee on Finance and is awaiting action by the Senate.

• Film Incentives Bill (SB 563): Sen. Ted Kanavas and Rep. Curt Gielow introduced a bill that provides new tax incentives for the film, television, commercial and video game industry. The legislation aims to make Wisconsin a more attractive location for film production. SB 563 is currently in the Joint Committee on Finance awaiting action. The full Senate must then act on it as well as the Assembly.

The regular session of the Legislature ends on March 9, 2006, so prompt action on these bills is necessary if they will be enacted this session.

Life's So Good Mini-Grant "Three-Peat" 

Here at the Department, when something works well we want to keep it going. That's why we're bringing back the Life's So Good Mini-Grant program for a third time this spring.

Any nonprofit tourism marketing organization may apply for a grant of up to $1,000 to be used for a marketing or public relations effort that will raise awareness of the "Wisconsin: Life's So Good" slogan among state residents, preferably during See America Week, May 13-21, 2006. Projects must be original and creative, and therefore interesting to local media. Also, the grant cannot fund operating expenses, annual publications, advertising agency fees, etc.

Even if you received a grant in Spring 2005 or Fall/Winter 2005, you can still apply. Applications are due by April 7 and grants will be awarded by April 14. Click here for a short, easy-to-use grant application.

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