For more information contact:  

Valeria Davis or Lisa Marshall, Wis. Dept. of Tourism 1-800-236-7529

Craig Farrell, West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce 262/338-2666

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEST BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDED $15,680 GRANT 

Joint Effort Marketing funds will help promote a new local event

WEST BEND, Wis. (June 17, 2008) -- Wisconsin Tourism Marketing and Communications Director Sarah Klavas today announced a $15,680 tourism marketing grant to the West Bend Chamber of Commerce to help promote a new local event. The West Bend Cache Bash, a geocaching festival to be held Aug. 15-17, is expected to bring more than $100,000 in traveler spending to the region.

“Communities like West Bend are on the cutting edge of travel trends and geocaching is one of those growing trends,” said Wisconsin Tourism Deputy Secretary Mark Richardson.” Along with the challenge of finding the caches, participants will get to explore the beautiful scenery and communities in the West Bend area. This is fun for contemporary explorers across the board from individuals to families.”

West Bend has become the “Geocaching Capital” of the Midwest with more than 400 caches in a 7-mile radius of the quiet community with 30,000 residents. The local chamber, the West Bend Parks Department and geocaching enthusiasts have partnered to create 50 new permanent caches, which will be launched at this year’s event. A broad array of mystery sites will lead hunters to beautiful natural areas, scenic landscapes, trails, important historic attractions and best businesses.

Fifty-two Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) projects totaling $1.13 million have been funded by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism in fiscal 2008. These 52 projects will generate about $18.7 million for their local communities.

JEM grants are awarded on a competitive basis and applicants may receive up to $40,000. Non-profit organizations must match the award with self-funding and in-kind service donations by organizations and event sponsors. This partnership enables the local community to launch a new event, boost attendance at an existing event, or design a sales promotion with incentives to encourage traveler spending.

The JEM program provides funds for destination marketing projects, sales promotions, and new, existing and one-time, one-of-a-kind events. The JEM program can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s first year advertising and marketing costs. The program may also provide second and third year support for some projects with decreasing amounts each year until the projects become self-sustaining.

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