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Blowing Our Own Horn
Tourism grants to help market state attractions
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Business New Haven
3/3/2003
By: BNH
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The Connecticut Tourism Council has awarded 19 challenge grants worth some $244,700 to help non-profit organizations statewide promote tourism attractions and events.
According to Lawrence D. McHugh, president of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and chair of the tourism council's Challenge Grant Committee: "During these challenging economic times, it is more critical than ever to support local tourism initiatives that attract people to our state continue to grow Connecticut's $5 billion tourism industry.
"It's encouraging to see so much industry involvement in the overall effort," McHugh added, "and by leveraging that effort with challenge grants, we can help the industry maximize a $1.3 million investment in our state's economic future."
Since 1999 the tourism group has awarded more than $1.3 million in challenge grants, leveraging almost $10 million in tourism marketing projects, according to the group.
Challenge grant funds are awarded to programs that demonstrate potential for economic return and are consistent with the state's strategic plans and regional tourism goals.
McHugh says that challenges grants were critical to the successful growth of regional programs such as the annual Connecticut River Eagle Festival in Essex and the Connecticut Impressionist Art Trail, among others.
Grant dollars come solely from the Tourism Promotion Fund's dollar-a-day surcharge on rental cars and is matched or exceeded by funds from the private sector.
Area grant recipients for 2003 include:
- $16,500 to Amistad America to promote summer activities leading up to a two-day welcoming event for the Amistad's return to its home port of New Haven. Dollars are earmarked for Web site development, co-op advertising, publicity and direct mail.
- $12,000 to New Haven's International Festival of Arts & Ideas for a media marketing campaign to increase attendance of New Yorkers by 50 percent. Dollars will be spent on print advertising, rack brochures and promotional partnering with New York pedicabs.
- $15,000 to Bridgeport's Barnum Festival to help market a 30-day, Independence Day-type celebration culminating with "The Greatest Weekend on Earth" June 26-29. Grant money will augment existing marketing efforts plus a PR campaign including radio promos and distribution of materials on the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson ferry.
Other area grants recipients are to include $12,000 to the Meriden Daffodil Festival, and $12,500 each to the Seven Angels Theater and Railroad Museum of New England, both in Waterbury.
The Connecticut Tourism Council's 14 members are appointed by the governor and legislative leaders. They provide "guidance" to the Office of Tourism under the state's Department of Economic & Community Development.
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