South Bend Tribune: Local tourism grants given
The Fischoff is a proud recipient of a recent grant from the South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau. Read the full text of the South Bend Tribune article.
South Bend Tribune, February 25, 2011
Local tourism grants given
12 awarded funding totaling nearly $75,000.
Tribune staff report
SOUTH BEND — Twelve area organizations or events have been awarded tourism grants totaling $74,920 to help them with their marketing efforts in 2011.
The Tourism Grant Program was established to fund the marketing efforts of events and organizations with tourism potential to the St. Joseph County area. The funds were allocated by the St. Joseph County Hotel-Motel Tax Board and administered by the South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Recipients of 2011 grants were: Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, $10,000; Studebaker National Museum, $10,000; Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, $9,000; South Bend Fire Department, River Rescue School, $7,500; Downtown South Bend, Inc., ArtBeat, $6,300; Center for History’s Women & Spirit Exhibit, $5,000; Bike for Hospice, $5,000; Bike the Bend, $5,000; Downtown South Bend, Inc., St. Paddy’s Day Celebration/Tent Party, $5,000; Indiana University South Bend, Governor’s Arts Awards, $5,000; South Bend Parks’ Ribs Fest, $5,000; and St. Joseph County Parks’ Sugar Camp Days, $2,120.
“Through the application process, these events and organizations demonstrated the ability to attract visitors to St. Joseph County,” said Rob DeCleene, executive director of the South Bend/Mishawaka CVB. “Not only do they add to the economic impact of our community through increased visitor spending, but they also build a positive image for our area.”
A total of 20 events and organizations submitted applications for the tourism grant. Hospitality, community and business leaders comprised the grant review committee.
According to a recent study, tourism is a $635 million industry in St. Joseph County contributing $31 million in local tax revenue. In 2009, four million people visited St. Joseph County.
