(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman announced grant funding totaling more than $129,000 to more than 30 groups across the state to help promote some of Nebraska’s events and attractions.

“These grants play a key role in helping promote the many attractions, local events that help draw visitors to communities across our great state,” Gov. Heineman said. “Nebraska has so much to offer for visitors of all ages and this program is an excellent way to help communities share information about all there is to see and do in Nebraska.”

Tourism marketing grants range from $2,000 to $10,000 and require a 25 percent funding match from local partners. Funding comes from revenue generated by the state lodging tax. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) received 85 requests for funding as part of the FY 2007-08 grant program.

DED Director Richard Baier said, “Tourism development and promotion is an important aspect of economic development. We are very pleased to help promote the creativity and diversity that exists in Nebraska. This program has not only proven extremely useful in helping get the word out, but offers a great return on the investment being made.”

Groups receiving funding to promote a specific event or attraction include:

The Ainsworth Area Chamber of Commerce will use a grant totaling $4,000 to promote this year’s Sandhills National Day of the Cowboy Celebration in Nebraska.

Bluebirds Across Nebraska of Kearney will use $3,750 to help promote next year’s conference.

The Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney will use $6,000 to promote its ‘Spirit 2008’ activities.

Nebraska Czechs will receive $4,000 to help promote the Wilber Czech Festival.

Panhandle RC&D, Inc. of Crawford will use $2,160 in promoting an intertribal gathering.

The Petersburg Community Club will use $2,600 to market the annual Punkin Chunkin event.

The PlainSong Folk Festival of Roca and Lincoln will use $2,500 to promote this year’s festival.

The city of Valentine will use $5,000 to promote Stoney’s Hawg Stop coming up this summer.

Groups receiving funding for regional promotion activities include:

Deer Creek Sodbuster, Inc. of eastern and central Nebraska will use $6,000 in marketing its 25th anniversary activities.

Keith County Chamber of Ogallala will use $5,000 to distribute a brochure of regional attractions.

The Loess Hills RC&D of northeast Nebraska will use $5,000 in marketing the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway.

The Northeast Nebraska RC&D Council will use $5,000 to promote the next year’s Shannon Trail Contest.

The Ord Area Chamber of Commerce will receive $5,000 to promote its travel guide for the Calamus and scenic Loup River Valley area.

The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Association of central and western Nebraska will receive $5,000 in marketing its 2007 tourism activities.

The Seward Area Chamber of Commerce will receive $2,120 to promote its local ‘Ride the Ridge Road’ event.

Groups receiving funding for internet marketing activities include:

Cambridge Economic Development will use $8,200 to update its Web site.

Feather River Vineyard LLC of North Platte will receive $2,000 to develop a Web site.

The Great Platte River Road Memorial Foundation of Kearney will use $6,200 to redesign its Web site.

The Hastings/Adams County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will receive $5,200 to help in updating Web site.

The Kearney Area Community Foundation will use $3,100 for web project involving the Fort Kearny Shooting Sports Association.

The Thomas County Visitor’s Committee will receive $6,000 for Web site development.

Groups receiving funding for other marketing activities include:

The Beatrice Friends of Homestead receives $3,900 for marketing its ‘Introducing the Homestead Heritage Center’ campaign.

The Cather Foundation of Red Cloud will receive $3,000 to promote upcoming events.

The Cherry County Visitor Promotion Board will use $3,000 to market upcoming events.

The Great Escape of Scottsbluff receives $4,000 to promote events and attractions in the area.

The Hall County CVB will use $5,000 to promote events and attractions in the area.

Mid States Ranch Horses, LLC of Tekamah receives $3,000 to promote its Cowgirl Camp.

The Nebraska Association of Bed & Breakfasts will use $2,000 for an awareness campaign.

The Nebraska Humanities Council will receive $2,000 to promote the ‘Between Fences’ exhibit.

The Nebraska Outfitters & Guides Association of western Nebraska will receive $5,000 for promoting the National Sportsman Shows agenda.

The Omaha CVB will receive $5,000 to help promote its Experience Omaha Pass Card.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Todd Kirshenbaum, Tourism, 800-228-4307

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.