MEDIA CONTACT:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-266-0458; djohnson@travelwisconsin.com
Amy Meyer, Manitowoc County Historical Society
920-684-4445; amymchs@lakefield.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MANITOWOC COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECEIVES TOURISM MARKETING GRANT
Tractor Show and Thresheree expected to generate over $167,000 in visitor spending
MANITOWOC, Wis. (August 20, 2013) – Dust off your boots for the 15th annual Tractor Show and Thresheree, a recipient of a $4,000 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The Manitowoc County Historical Society is able to grow marketing efforts for this agricultural celebration with the help of the grant. The event, Sept. 7-8, is held at Pinecrest Historical Village and features a variety of agriculture-themed activities and demonstrations and is expected to generate an estimated economic impact of $167,956 from traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and stores.
“The Tractor Show and Thresheree is a fantastic event celebrating agricultural traditions and history,” said Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “In its 15th year, this marketing grant works to expand the promotional power for the event, which not only generates economic impact but introduces new travelers to the outstanding hospitality and diverse cultural experiences Manitowoc offers.”
The Tractor Show and Thresheree will be held at Pinecrest Historical Village, a 60-acre outdoor interpretive museum that features over 25 historical buildings relocated from throughout Manitowoc County. The village depicts rural village life from 1850-1900. Presented in partnership with the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club, the event features a variety of activities and demonstrations including a strongest farmhand competition, with activities like nail driving, water hauling, and lawn mowing, along with a junior competition. Other activities include plowing, trade and cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, family scavenger hunt, class lessons in the schoolhouse, and more. Grant funds will work to execute a marketing plan including print, radio, and outdoor advertising.
In fiscal 2013, the Department funded 56 Joint Effort Marketing projects, awarding a total of nearly $1.2 million dollars. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $36 million dollars. In 2012, the tourism economy in Wisconsin totaled an estimated $16.8 billion, a five percent increase over 2011.
“We are grateful for the support of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism as we work to celebrate our area’s rich agricultural heritage during our September Tractor Show”, said Amy Meyer, Executive Director of the Manitowoc County Historical Society.
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 provide support for second- and third-year projects with decreasing amounts for funding 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 for fun. By executing industry-leading marketing programs, providing reliable travel information and establishing strategic partnerships, we will play a significant role in delivering exceptional customer service and generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/.
