LINCOLN, NEB. (January 12, 2007)—Public and private tourism groups have until January 31 to apply for 2007-2008 Tourism Marketing Grants. The deadline was extended to accommodate all communities and regions impacted by the recent ice storm.

Grant awards will be announced in mid-March.

Tourism Marketing Grants are awarded in one of four categories: Promotion of an event; promotion of a region; Internet marketing; and general marketing. Grant amounts range from $2,000-$10,000.

Selected grantees are required to contribute a 25 percent match in funding as part of the marketing program criteria. 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.

Application guidelines can be downloaded from the Tourism Division’s website at: http://www.visitnebraska.org/pdfs/2007-2008_Marketing_Grant.pdf

If you have questions about the program, contact Todd Kirshenbaum at 402-471-3791, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Twyla Witt at 308-645-2702, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

People wanting to subscribe to NEB-TOUR list serve, which provides information specifically tailored to the needs of Nebraska’s travel and tourism industry, can email their request to Heather Sinsel-Hogue at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Todd Kirshenbaum at 402-471-3791, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ,

or Twyla Witt at 308-645-2702, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Individuals who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TDD, may contact the department through the Statewide Relay System by calling one of the following numbers:
711, (800) 833- 7352 (TDD), or (800) 833-0920 (voice).
The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505, or (402) 471-3111.