Gov. Heineman Announces Recipients of New Tourism Marketing Grants

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman announced $125,000 in tourism marketing grants being awarded to 25 entities across the state. The 2008-09 grants will help promote a variety of attractions and events in Nebraska.

 “Nebraska has much to offer travelers and these grants support communities and travel groups in their efforts to attract them,” Gov. Heineman said. “Tourism is an important component of economic development, and I congratulate all of this year’s recipients on their efforts to promote tour and travel opportunities in communities across our state.”

 Funding for marketing grants comes from revenue generated by the state lodging tax. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) administers the program and awards funding in four categories: promotion of specific events, regional marketing, Internet marketing, and other marketing efforts.

 DED received 56 applications requesting more than $400,000 in grants.

 DED Director Richard Baier said, “These marketing grants help communities attract potential travelers. But they also help communities take pride in what they have to offer and make the best of otherwise untapped potential.”

 Groups receiving funding for promotion of local events include:

• The Ainsworth Area Chamber of Commerce receives $5,510 for the National Country Music Festival held each year in Ainsworth.
•  Antelope County Resource Center receives $2,217 for the Neligh Bread ‘n Jam Festival.
•  Kool-Aid Days and the Adams County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) will receive $5,000 for Kool-Aid Days in Hastings.
•  The Lincoln CVB
  receives $8,579 for the Market to Market Relay from Omaha to Lincoln.
•  Mid-Nebraska Community Center receives $5,652 for the Accordion Jamboree Festival held in Grand Island.
•  Nebraska Kennel Club will receive $6,052 for the 2008 Total Dog Experience in Omaha.
•  The Original Town Association receives $7,026 for the North Platte Rail Fest.
•  SchillingBridge Winery & Microbrewery in Pawnee City receives $2,845 to promote various events hosted at the winery.
•  The York Area Chamber of Commerce will receive $4,020 to help with the State Hand Cornhusking
  Contest in York.
•  The 17 Ranch Winery will receive $3,690 for the Blue Water Blues Festival in Lewellen.

Groups receiving grants promoting regional attractions and include:

•  The Lincoln Highway Scenic & Historic Byway receives $6,000 to promote the byway.
•  Metro Region receives $6,554 for the seven counties included in the Lincoln and Omaha metro areas to promote birding attractions and activities.
•  Shannon Trail Promoters will receive $4,380 to promote events and attractions in Cedar and Knox Counties.
•  South Platte United Chambers of Commerce receives $4,460 for Chicken Dance Trail promotion of wildlife habitats.
•  Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council receives $5,000 to promote activities in a 12-county area.
•  The Stuhr Museum and Grand Island/Hall County CVB will receive $2,895 to promote opportunities for travelers during the Christmas season.

•  The Cather Foundation receives $8,063 to promote Cather attractions in Red Cloud.
•  Dixon County CVB will receive $3,224 for promoting the county’s events and attractions.
•  Minden Chamber of Commerce receives $6,700 to help promote Kearney County.
•  NEBRASKAland Days will receive $3,645 to help promote the annual event.

• Adams County CVB receives $4,070 for the ‘Connections to the Past’ promotional campaign.
•  Cuthills Vineyards receives $4,310 to help promote its winery and vineyards, located near Pierce.
•  Hooker County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will receive $5,075 to promote tour and travel opportunities in the county.
•  Kearney Visitors Bureau receives $7,135 to help promote local attractions and travel-related businesses.
•  Sherman County Economic Development Board receives $2,899 to promote recreational activities at the Sherman Reservoir and other area attractions.