Nebraska Tourism Commission announces Community Impact Grant awardees
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Heather Hogue, 402-471-3774
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nebraska Tourism Commission announces Community Impact Grant awardees
LINCOLN, NEB. (March 30, 2015)— The Nebraska Tourism Commission is pleased to announce the awardees of the Community Impact Grant program totaling $103,865 for tourism promotional groups to secure national caliber events, increasing national exposure through promotional efforts.
The Nebraska Legislature appropriated $500,000 for the program to the Nebraska Tourism Commission over fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. A variety of entities have been awarded funds in the previous grant cycles including North Platte’s NEBRASKAland Days, Omaha Sports Commission’s NORCECA Continental Volleyball Championships, Fullerton’s Communities of Distinction National Broadcasting Event, the Omaha Equestrian Foundation for promotion of Olympic caliber competition and riding events, the Nebraska Sports Council for the promotion of the 2015 State Games of America, Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation to market Ak-Sar-ben’s 2014 River City Rodeo and Stock Show, Kearney Visitors Bureau/Ian Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary to promote the 2015 Crane Watch spectacle, and Keith County Area Development to promote the performance of the world renowned Super Retriever Series Dock Dogs at the 2015 Lake Ogallala Outdoor Expo.
The Commission’s grant programs are very competitive and involve a selection committee of professional grant reviewers from both the private and public sectors, as well as private citizens. All the applications selected for funding under this program focus on one common goal, which is to gain national exposure for the state.
“We are pleased to provide this opportunity to Nebraska communities in assisting them to compete for events that bring national attention and visitors to Nebraska. This would not be possible without the support of the Nebraska Legislature and we look forward to enhancing this program in the future,” said Tourism Commission Director Kathy McKillip.
Grant recipients include:
• Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau: $16,365 to promote Old West Balloon Fest…Re-Inflated, re-inventing a beloved regional event and drawing exposure for Scotts Bluff National Monument and Western Nebraska
• Omaha Sports Commission: $50,000 to enhance marketing of the Final Round of the 2015 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Grand Prix – an International Volleyball Federation event
• Omaha Storm Chasers: $37,500 to broadcast Werner Park’s 2015 Triple-A All Star Game on MLB Network – held in Nebraska for the first time in the state’s history
The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to www.VisitNebraska.com.
Order your free travel guide today at www.VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on Twitter, on Pinterest and on YouTube.
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