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 The Tourism Bureau offered versions of this type of grant for
years. “We have streamlined the process and defined what events
would qualify and what the money can and cannot be used for,” said
Jean Bruner-Jachino, chairman of the Tourism council. Bruner-Jachino
also said, “We did a pilot of this program last year and saw great
success with it.”
The events that would qualify for these grants can be anything from
the very large, like the Lincoln Balloon Festival which the previous
Bureau had a long history of supporting financially, or something
like a sports tournament just getting started that needs help
advertising to prospective teams. As long as the event organizers
can demonstrate the event itself will bring visitors to Logan County
and stay in our hotels first and foremost, but also to shop in our
stores, buy gas and eat in our restaurants are important factors the
Council will consider when evaluating applications.
 Applications that will be considered by the Bureau are those that
can demonstrate that the grant money will go toward advertising and
promotions to recruit visitors to come to the event. Money can be
spent on the creation and production of any marketing collateral
that will be distributed outside the Logan County area. Digital,
radio and television ads will also qualify. The Bureau is always
looking for other creative ways to market special events, so
applicants are encourage to think outside the box. Tourism Bureau
contracts with a company for billboard space and will extend the use
of this billboard to certain special events that meet a certain
threshold number of visitors.
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There are some events that may not qualify for actual grant
money, but there are other ways Tourism can help support and
grow these events. Through the special events over the last year
the Tourism Bureau collected names of individuals that are
interested in volunteering, creating a network of volunteers to
call upon if needed. Welcome bags are available to groups coming
into Logan County for various reasons. Tourism staff can also
help distribute press releases to media, coordinate social media
campaigns for events, and post information on the
Destinationlogancountyil.com website.
Organizers of events wishing to apply for a grant or tourism
assistance can contact the office at 217-732-8687 email
tour@destinationlogan countyil.com, or go to
www.destination logancountyil.com. Grant applications
are accepted year-round; however funds are limited. The Tourism
Bureau encourages groups to apply soon.
[Andi Hake, Logan County
Alliance/Logan County Tourism Bureau]
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