Gov. Heineman Announces 2006-7 Tourism Marketing Grants

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman announced grant funding totaling more than $126,000 for 28 public and private tourism groups across the state. Grants can be used to promote specific events and increase awareness of attractions across the state.

“Nebraska has so many events and attractions for travelers to enjoy, and these grants will help to create greater awareness of all that there is to see and do here in our great state,” Gov. Heineman said.

Groups selected to receive a grant are required to contribute a 25 percent match in funding as part of the criteria for the marketing program. Funding comes from revenue generated by state lodging tax, and the program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Travel and Tourism Division. A total of 85 applications were submitted as part of this year’s grant process.

Christian Hornbaker, director of the Nebraska Tourism Division, said, “These marketing grants are important in helping communities reach potential travelers. A broader marketing effort means more visitors, which translates into more tourism dollars being spent in a community. Tourism is an important opportunity for not only economic development, but also for increasing community pride. We are very pleased to play a role in helping create greater pride in Nebraska’s communities.”

Groups receiving FY 2006-07 funding for event marketing include:

Chase County Tourism Committee for Harchelroad Motors, Inc. of Imperial will receive $4,580 to promote the Third Annual Chase County Corvette Classic.

Great Platte River Road Memorial Foundation of Kearney will receive $5,000 to promote the 150th anniversary celebration of handcart pioneers.

Herrick Farms, Inc. & the Divots Conference Center in Norfolk will use $3,500 to promote the Divots Concert series.

Loup River Scenic Byway Committee & the Ord/Loup Basin RC&D Council will receive $2,000 to support Nebraska’s Junk Jaunt rack card project.

The Downtown Norfolk Association will receive $3,500 to help promote the Northeast Nebraska Ethnic Festival.

Mentzer Oil Company of North Platte will use $3,000 to promote the Nebraska Bluegrass Festival being held at the Lancaster Events Center in Lincoln.

Platte County Convention & Visitors Bureau will receive $4,500 promotion of the Columbus Sesquicentennial celebration.

Stuhr Museum Foundation of Grand Island will use $4,000 to promote the Christmas Past & Present exhibit at the Stuhr Museum.

Groups receiving FY 2006-07 funding for the promotion of regional attractions and other marketing activities include:

Village of Brady will receive $4,800 to develop tourism rack card and web advertising.

Five Rivers RC&D for Heritage Highway 136 Byway of Red Cloud will use $3,000 for Heritage Highway marketing.

City of Hastings Parks & Recreation Department will use $6,000 as part of a cooperative effort with Aquacourt Family Aquatics Center and the Hastings Museum to promote “Wet and Wild in Hastings.”

Hunt & Fish Nebraska, Division of Hunt and Fish, Inc., will receive $5,000 for sport show marketing.

Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha will receive $7,500 to help develop a new web presence.

Lincoln County Tourism Advisory Committee of North Platte will receive $4,800 to help increase trade show attendance by developing brochures and magazine ads.

Nebraska Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVB) will use $8,000 to support efforts to attract conventions and meetings to the state.

Nebraska Partnership for All-Bird Conservation will receive $5,000 to help initiate Phase II of the Nebraska Birding Trails Project.

Nemaha County & the City of Peru will use $3,460 to promote Nemaha County Outdoors.

North Central Development Center of Ainsworth will receive $3,670 to sponsor K-BAR Area Red Carpet Service Training in the tri-county area.

Northeast Nebraska Travel Council of South Sioux City will receive $8,000 for marketing activities.

Northeast RC&D Council of Bloomfield will receive $4,500 to promote Shannon Trail.

Route 6 Nebraska Art Car Tour Promotion & Adams County will receive $4,930 for promotion of activities in an 18-county area.

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway of Broken Bow & Thedford County will use $4,200 for increased marketing of the area.

Sarpy County Tourism will use $3,000 to promote Tiny Town Village in Gretna.

South Platte United Chamber of Commerce will receive $2,000 for website promotion.

Trailside Museum of Natural History in Fort Robinson will use $7,000 to promote the Crawford Mammoth Project in partnership with the town of Crawford and the University of Nebraska.

Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition will receive $3,375 for development of a western Nebraska themed website.

Western Trails Scenic & Historic Byway of Ogallala will receive $4,500 to promote the Highway 26/92 Biker Bash.

Wilber Area Chamber of Commerce will receive $3,250 for brochure development.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Aaron Sanderford, Gov’s Office, 402-471-1967
Ashley Cradduck, Gov’s Office, 402-471-1970
Mary Ethel Emanuel, Tourism, 402-471-3797