MEDIA CONTACT:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-266-0458; djohnson@travelwisconsin.com
Phillip Mrozinski, Driftless Film Festival
608-341-7953; pjmrozinski@mac.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Second year event estimates a $85,900 economic impact
MINERAL POINT, Wis. (Oct. 11, 2012) – The Driftless Film Festival is boosting marketing efforts with the help of two Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grants totaling $29,416 over two years. Department of Tourism Regional Tourism Specialist Patrick Reinsma presented the check today. The festival, in its second year and taking place Nov. 1-4, showcases independent films in historic venues across Southwest Wisconsin. This year, the festival estimates an economic impact of $85,900 from traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and stores.
“The Driftless Film Festival brings a dynamic mix of films, along with their directors, actors, and crew, to the beautiful hills and communities of Southwest Wisconsin,” said Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “But this festival goes further and does a fantastic job of incorporating and showcasing all of the cultural opportunities in each of the participating communities. The whole area is poised to see a positive economic impact from traveler spending.”
Participating theaters and communities include The Mineral Point Opera House in Mineral Point, The Avalon Theater in Platteville, The Gard in Spring Green, and The City Auditorium in Richland Center. The first year of the festival received over 120 submissions, 67 of which were screened. Goals for this year’s festival include attracting over 300 overnight guests, 1,000 day-trip visitors and selling a totally of 3,000 film tickets.
Grant dollars funded print and radio advertising and website development. A comprehensive public relations plan will complement advertising efforts. Festival organizers are targeting those within a 3 hour drive of the area, including Northern Illinois, Milwaukee, Madison, Eastern Iowa, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Southeast Minnesota.
In fiscal 2012, the Department funded 50 Joint Effort Marketing projects, awarding a total of over $1.1 million dollars. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $29 million.
“We are very pleased to have the support of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism,” said Phil Mrozinski, Driftless Film Festival Executive Director. “With their help, we have been able to advertise in markets we thought unreachable. We are glad that the Arts are supported in Wisconsin and hope it will continue.”
JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The State can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s first year advertising and marketing costs and provides support for second and third year projects, but with decreasing amounts for funding each year until projects become self-sustaining. For information on the JEM Program and application materials, 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: www.travelwisconsin.com.
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