MEDIA CONTACT:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-266-0458; djohnson@travelwisconsin.com
MADISON, Wis. (August 17, 2011) – Tourism Deputy Secretary Dave Fantle presented $25,500 in grants from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to three local tourism organizations. Grants awarded to the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Algoma Chamber of Commerce are projected to stimulate nearly $1 million in traveler spending for the region.
“The grants awarded through the Tourism Department provide greater marketing resources so destinations throughout Wisconsin can grow their tourism economies,” said Deputy Secretary Fantle. “These programs have measurable results and a proven track-record in growing jobs, wages and tax revenues. These programs are playing a role in growing jobs in the tourism sector.”
Fantle delivered two Ready, Set, Go! grants in a presentation at the Cornerstone Community Ice Center. The Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau received a $7,500 grant to assist in their bid for the USA Hockey National Championships. Up to 48 Boys U16 Tier II hockey teams from around the country will compete in Green Bay for the USA Hockey National Champions title. Teams qualify by winning the State Championships in their respected age bracket. The event will take place March 28-April 1, 2012 at the Cornerstone Community Ice Center. Organizers project the sporting event will generate $900,000 in traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and retail from spectators, participating athletes and their families.
The Algoma Chamber of Commerce received the second Ready, Set, Go! grant, $2,500 to develop the “King of the Lake” Salmon Trail Fishing Tournament.” This new one-day, team boating event will be held September 20, 2011 at the Algoma Municipal Marina. Teams consist of a boat captain, first mate, and up to four anglers. Winners will be determined by “cooler weight” of six heaviest salmon, to be weighted at the end of the day. Chamber officials expect the new event to generate a return on investment of $35,500 in travel spending for the area.
A $15,500 JEM grant was delivered to the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau at the Outagamie Historical Museum. The tourism development grant will be used to further research and measure the success of the area’s brand position “Wisconsin’s Shopping Place” launched in 2004. Future advertising and campaign metrics will be developed based on the project’s research outcomes.
Nearly $1.2 million in JEM grants were awarded in fiscal year 2011 to 53 non-profit organizations around the state. Those projects are expected to generate $20 million in visitor spending. Ready, Set, Go sports marketing grants were awarded to 13 non-profit organizations and are expected to generate an additional $10 million for local economies.
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the State as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: http://www.travelwisconsin.com.
