MT Communities Awarded Funds for Tourism Related Events
Thursday, December 15, 2011 1:15:29 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, December 15, 2011
CONTACT:
Sarah Lawlor
Montana Office of Tourism
Montana Department of Commerce
406-841-2893
Marissa Kozel
Communications Director
Montana Department of Commerce
406-841-2772
Montana Communities to Receive Commerce Funds Totaling $100,000 for Tourism Related Events
(HELENA) – Eight events in six Montana communities have been selected to receive a total of $100,000 in grant funding from the Montana Office of Tourism’s Special Events Grant Program (SEGP), through the Montana Department of Commerce.
The Montana communities of Big Sky, Great Falls, Helena, Hobson, Kalispell and West Yellowstone will use the SEGP funds to assist in the marketing and promotion of tourism-related events. Commerce Director Dore Schwinden approved the SEGP grant funding for the eight Montana events following recommendations from Department of Commerce staff, Tourism Advisory Council members and representatives of Montana’s public and private businesses.
“The breadth and diversity of events represented by this year’s grant recipients exemplify the distinctive experiences Montana provides to our visitors and residents alike,” said Schwinden.
Communities Receiving 2012 SEGP Awards:
Big Sky: Big Sky PBR - $12,201
Sponsor: Big Sky Community Corporation
Great Falls: The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the CM Russell Museum - $19,350
Sponsor: Trigg-CM Russell Foundation
Helena: 52nd Annual Last Chance Stampede & Fair - $12,500
Sponsor: Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds
Helena: Montana Wild West Fest - $10,125
Sponsor: Montana Living History Program
Hobson: Montana Bale Trail - $9,663
Sponsor: Friends of the Hobson Library
Kalispell: Montana Dragon Boat Festival - $23,000
Sponsor: Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Kalispell: Big Sky Classic - $5,350
Sponsor: Montana Reining Horse Association
West Yellowstone: Kids’ N’ Snow - $7,811
Sponsor: West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce
“By delivering these unique opportunities to our travelers, Montana is able to enhance the economic benefits realized through tourism. Visitors stay longer, spend more and distribute resources throughout our communities enabling Montana’s businesses to capture some of the $2 billion spent annually by our 10 million visitors,” said Schwinden.
The SEGP was developed in 2002 to assist communities with economic development through the creation and/or enhancement of annual, on-going events. Grant funds are available for event marketing and promotion outside a 100-mile radius of the event. To date, the SEGP program has provided $757,500 in grant funding to 89 events in numerous Montana communities.
The deadline for the next round of grant applications will be announced in June 2012. For information, contact the Montana Office of Tourism, 406-841-2870.
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