10 May $12,750 Tourism Grant Awarded for Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism presented a $12,750 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant to the Lincoln County Rodeo Association for the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo.
“The Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo has drawn travelers to central Wisconsin for more than 30 years,” said Secretary-designee, Anne Sayers. “This grant will help even more families discover this fun opportunity to enjoy Wisconsin’s spirited nature and make lasting memories.”
The Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo will take place June 10th-12th at Merrill Festival Grounds. The weekend-long event features one daily professional rodeo show, live music, a tractor-pull, food and shopping vendors and other family-friendly activities. Historically, this volunteer-run event brings more than 10,000 people to Merrill and the surrounding communities.
Vice President Bryan Moodie and Marketing Director Theresa Grund
The Lincoln County Rodeo Association plans to use the grant to expand its marketing radius to attract more spectators. Additionally, they plan to enhance their marketing mix with additional TV and radio, as well as targeting tactics with digital billboard and Geo-Fencing advertising.
“The continuous growth of our event contributes to added growth of the Merrill community and businesses” – Theresa Grund / Marketing
As a $17.3 billion industry in Wisconsin that supports more than 157,000 jobs, tourism is crucial to the state’s economic recovery and success. JEM grants are just one of the tools in the toolbox for the Department of Tourism to partner with organizations and nonprofits around the state who are using innovation and creativity to bring visitors and dollars to their community.
In fiscal year 2021, the Department funded 45 JEM projects, awarding $1,100,000 million statewide. JEM grant funds are available to nonprofit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s first-year advertising and marketing costs and provide support for second- and third-year projects with decreasing amounts for funding until projects become self-sustaining.
About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. Because we believe in the power of exploration and travel, we work to market the state as a premier travel destination. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. Learn more at industry.travelwisconsin.com.
Media Contact:
Theresa Grund, Marketing Director Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo
715-218-0712; theresa.grund1961@gmail.com
Amanda Weibel, Travel Wisconsin Communications Officer
(608) 577-7065; AWeibel@TravelWisconsin.com