The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing has awarded $130,000 in matching grants to 19 private businesses and organizations through the Fund for Tourism Marketing Initiatives (FTMI) program.
FTMI matching grants are intended to help organizations and businesses build or expand events, marketing programs, advertising campaigns and public relations programs that hold significant potential for measurable increases of out-of-state travelers to Vermont. The funds will be awarded in the form of dollar-for-dollar matching grants in amounts up to $20,000 in 2008.
“Vermont’s hospitality industry continues to be one of the most important sectors of the state’s economy and one of its most consistent performers on a month-to-month basis,” said Governor Jim Douglas. “Supporting private sector marketing initiatives will benefit the local economy and continue to diversify the state’s tourism portfolio.”
The FTMI program, now in its second year, is comprised of $130,000 that was included in the Governor’s 2008 fiscal year budget request for the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and supported by the Legislature. VDTM received 54 applications that totaled $634,558 in requested funding. The applications were reviewed this fall by an independent panel that included members of the Travel and Recreation Council. Established by the Legislature, the Travel and Recreation Council consists of private sector individuals in the tourism industry and state government representatives that are appointed by the Governor.
“Dozens of outstanding proposals were submitted from all corners of the state, and the selection process was highly competitive,” said Department of Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Bruce Hyde. “The 19 grant recipients have clear, measurable plans on attracting out-of-state visitors, and we’re delighted to help them to promote Vermont.”
Fund for Tourism Marketing Initiatives Recipients
Asian Cultural Center of Vermont - $1,300
Based in Brattleboro, the center will expand their marketing of the 1st Annual Vermont Samurai Kaiju Film Festival, a festival celebrating Japanese film.
Bennington Museum - $5,000
The museum will expand marketing efforts of their Baseball Heritage Exhibits. The exhibits will feature rare baseball memorabilia from Babe Ruth to Joe DiMaggio.
Bryan Memorial Gallery - $5,000
The Jeffersonville-based gallery will be marketing the 5th Annual New England Plein Air Painters Exhibition. This is the first time Vermont has been chosen as the destination of this group of nationally recognized painters and the first time a Vermont gallery has been chosen host.
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival - $8,000
The festival will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2008 and organizers will greatly expand their out-of-state and regional marketing efforts with the help of this grant.
Champlain Valley Exposition - $10,000
With this grant, the Exposition will expand the marketing of three key events or series of events: Everything Equine Expo, All Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo, and Regional and National RV rallies.
Champlain Valley Festival, Inc. - $4,000
The grant will help fund the out-of-state promotional campaign for the 25th Annual Champlain Valley Folk Festival to be held at Kingsland Bay State Park in Ferrisburgh.
Downtown Rutland Partnership - $4,000
Organizers of the summer-long Friday Night Live series of downtown Rutland events will use the grant to attract more out-of-state visitors to the region.
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center - $12,000
The lake aquarium and science center will expand and increase marketing in Canada and U.S. eastern states.
Local Motion - $11,000
This Burlington-based cycling organization will use its grant to expand marketing efforts for promotion of bicycling in Franklin, Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Addison Counties.
The Montshire Museum of Science - $8,000
The museum, located in Norwich, will focus on a marketing plan to drive more New Hampshire visitors to the museum as well as to neighboring Vermont businesses and attractions.
RunVermont - $5,000
The Burlington-based organization will feature national print advertising for all of its events surrounding the Vermont City Marathon which is considered one of the top mid-size marathon events in the country.
Sandglass Center for Puppetry and Theater Research, Inc. - $5,000
The Sandglass Theater in Putney will use the grant to expand promotion of the Puppets in the Green Mountains International Festival to puppetry and theater enthusiasts at the national and international level.
Smuggler’s Notch Resort - $10,000
The resort and their partners will use the grant for project Operation “Smuggling Florida Residents” which targets the State of Florida for family destination vacation travel.
Valley Arts Foundation, Inc. - $7,000
This Mad River Valley-based organization will expand promotion of The Artful Lodger Program for the Vermont Festival of the Arts.
Vermont Gay Tourism Association - $1,500
Based in Waterbury, this organization will use their grant to help fund participation in the 2008 Gay Life Expo to promote all of Vermont to family, friends and members of the gay community.
Vermont Hand Crafters, Inc. - $10,000
This organization will use their grant to increase exposure for the annual VHC Fine Craft & Art Show to out-of-state fine craft & art connoisseurs.
Vermont Mountain Bike Association - $10,000
VMBA will use their grant to promote the 2008 Vermont Mountain Bike Summit and Festival Series. The Summit will take place at Stowe Mountain Resort while the festivals take place in both Stowe and Pittsfield.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra Association, Inc. - $4,000
The VSO will use their grant to promote lodging/concert packages in support of their statewide tour during fall foliage through Johnson, Randolph, Vergennes, and Manchester.
Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association - $9,200
This Rutland-based organization will use their grant to help fund regional out-of-state promotion of the 2008 Vermont Fine Furniture Festival & Design Competition to be held in Woodstock.
If you have questions please contact the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing at (802) 828-3516 or email
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