MADISON, Wis. (May 18, 2009) -- Wisconsin communities across the state may see over $4.7 million in additional traveler spending as a result of the latest infusion of tourism marketing grants, Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble announced today. Five non-profit organizations will receive $134,000 in Destination Marketing grants to promote creative tour itineraries and meetings and conventions business in Wisconsin.
“Now more than ever in these challenging economic times, our grant program offers communities a finely tuned strategy to help drive traveler spending,” Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble said. “One of the hallmarks of this program is quick turnaround, with grant applications reviewed every few months and dollars awarded quickly so communities can start seeing an economic impact immediately.”
The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program has funded 39 projects, totaling $840,000 in Fiscal 2009. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects are expected to top $14 million.
Non-profit organizations compete to earn JEM grants, which reimburse qualified advertising expenses. Award recipients are determined by the originality of their applications, thorough financial and marketing planning, and most importantly, how they will bring new travel spending into Wisconsin. Tourism officials and a panel of industry experts review applications six times a year-in August, September, November, February, April and May.
Successful applicants must demonstrate how they will increase traveler spending, track and report their results. The JEM program can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s first year advertising and marketing costs. The program also may provide second and third-year support for some projects with decreasing amounts each year until the projects become self-sustaining.
The five organizations awarded JEM grants include:
- $16,568 to the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau to promote their meeting and conventions facilities to religious organizations.
- $38,550 to Vilas County Tourism to advertise the Vilas County Gangster Tour.
- $29,493 to the Walworth County Visitor’s Bureau to promote their agricultural and cultural attractions.
- $35,903 to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and the Wisconsin Arts Environment Consortium for marketing their itineraries of Wisconsin’s free outdoor artist environments with unique places to snack, sleep, or shop.
- $13,541 to the Waukesha & Pewaukee Convention &Visitors Bureau to promote their meeting and convention facilities.
For more information on the Department of Tourism’s Joint Effort Marketing grant program visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com or contact Abbie Hill, JEM Coordinator at 608/261-6272.
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