MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Finley, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-261-8203; mfinley@travelwisconsin.com
Andy Albarado, Director at Rusk County Development
715-532-2257; aalbarado@ruskcountywi.us
LADYSMITH, Wis. (August 26, 2011) – Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett presented a $17,850 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant to Wild Rivers and Glacial Lakes. This Year-Two Destination Marketing grant provides funds to further harness the economic potential of the unique rivers and lakes of Rusk and Chippewa County areas.
“Wild Rivers and Glacial Lakes are two significant natural resources to this beautiful part of the Northwoods,” Secretary Klett said. “By collaborating to brand and promote this shared asset of paddling and outdoor recreation, Rusk and Chippewa Counties both stand to benefit by reaching a larger market, attracting new travelers to the area and growing the tourism economy for the entire region.”
With this opportunity, tourism officials in Rusk and Chippewa counties hope to expand awareness of the Flambeau, Chippewa, Thornapple, Jump and Yellow Rivers and the area’s glacial lakes. The focus of their marketing efforts will remain geared towards canoe and kayak paddlers, river anglers, primitive and traditional campers, birdwatchers and other wildlife enthusiasts.
Inspired by Roger Brooks’ presentation at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism in March, Rusk County has joined efforts with neighboring Chippewa County to supplement their economic plan. The partnership allows both counties to stretch marketing dollars to expand tourism opportunities and promote shared attractions. Based on their first year campaign, Rusk County anticipates an economic impact of $132,000, hopeful that this added revenue will help restructure the economic development of the county, as well as boost the economy of neighboring Chippewa County.
Grant funds will focus on an array of advertising including: development of a new paddling website (http://www.paddlenorthwestwi.com) and social media marketing. A revised waterproof map, suitable for navigation, now includes glacial lakes in the area in addition to the better-known rivers.
In fiscal 2011, the Department funded 53 Joint Effort Marketing projects, awarding a total of nearly $1.2 million dollars. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $20 million.
In addition, Rusk County Tourism recently received a $4458 Tourism Information Center (TIC) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Destination Marketing funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of at least three municipalities or communities. Two options are available for Destination Marketing grants. A development option allows the applicant to use a vendor of their choice to provide project deliverables. A second option allows an organization to use their own strategic planning research to conduct marketing campaigns. For information on all of the Department of Tourism grant programs, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.
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.
