bws #1

bws #1 01/08/09

Tourism Grant Orientation Meeting Set for Jan. 8

TOMS RIVER-- Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari has announced that an orientation meeting for the 2009 Matching Tourism Promotional Grants program will be held Thurs., Jan. 8 at 7 pm in Room 119 at County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Ave.

The popular program helps nonprofit organizations and government agencies promote tourism in Ocean County. The minimum match is $500 so the grantees must have a budget of at least $1000 dedicated to promoting tourism.

Freeholder Vicari said the funds could be used to publish and distribute calendars of events and publications, which promote a series of events or just one. They also can be used for print, radio and television advertising.

Vicari said, “We have a tremendous opportunity to increase awareness of our area as a tourism destination. Air travel is expensive and inconvenient. Tourism researchers advise us that vacationers will be looking for family destinations with diverse activities that they can reach by car…and we will meet those criteria for millions of people.”

“In addition, this program not only benefits the tourism economy, it helps dozens of organizations increase their fund-raising by attracting tourist dollars,” he said.

In 2008, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders award 61 grants ranging from the minimum $500 up to $1,450 depending on the amount of the request and the merits of the program. Bonus points are awarded to programs, which attract tourists mid-week and out-of-season.

Vicari said, “While it is not mandatory to attend the orientation to make a grant application, we recommend that applicants do so they can be briefed on new procedures and potential problem areas. A major innovation this year is having an application form able to be completed by computer, but hard copies still will be necessary due to the required certifications.”

Grant rules and applications can be obtained by calling 732-929-2000 or 1-800-722-0291, ext. 2000. The application is available by e-mail from prutkowski@co.ocean.nj.us.