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Garfield County Tourism Awards $110,000 to Local Nonprofits


Garfield County

PANGUITCH – Suzanne Catlett, vice president on the Escalante and Boulder Chamber’s Board of Trustees, received $3,000 from Garfield County Office of Tourism’s Events Funding program for the 2017 year. Catlett has been on the board for three years, and this year marks the second time Escalante and Boulder has received the funding. “As far as I am aware last year was the first time an event funding request was made from Escalante,” Catlett said. “It is exciting to be one of the pioneers.”

The Escalante and Boulder Chamber of Commerce is not the only nonprofit to receive funding from Garfield County. Thirty-three other nonprofits were awarded funding, totaling in $110,000, to go towards the marketing efforts or event costs.

“Community events serve as a valuable purpose for both residents and tourists,” Falyn Owens, director of Garfield County’s tourism office, said. “Not only do these events boost local businesses, but they also draw visitors throughout the year—not just during our peak season.”

The county granted 21 organizations a total of $60,000 through its Event Funding Program, which was $5,000 more than in 2016. Most of the organizations received the maximum amount of $3,000, which can be used for expenses or hard costs associated with the event.

In addition to the event funding, the county awarded another $50,000 to 12 different entities. The money will help to either expand the organizations’ out-of-area advertising campaigns or to pay for tourism-enhancement projects within the county. These funds also provide the opportunity for the nonprofits to focus on their marketable products, such as updating brochures, pamphlets and websites.

“For 2017, Escalante and Boulder’s grant was approved for the Moqui Motor Madness auto show. Funds will be used to help recruit more entries to top last year’s count of 37, reach new audiences and draw tourists in the area to stay overnight,” Catlett said. “With each new car entry, a new room is booked or an RV spot is reserved. At the city level, this increases the recently implemented Resort Tax that is received as new guests shop and eat their meals while they are in town.”

To receive funds, nonprofit groups must fill out an application and give an oral presentation. The organization has to demonstrate to Garfield County’s 12-member tourism council how its event will increase Transient Room Tax revenues, increase visitor stays and generate off-season activity for Garfield County.

The Event Funding Program utilizes income generated by the county’s Transient Room Tax, which is paid by visitors staying in area hotels, RV parks and campgrounds.

“The Garfield County Event Funding has helped make possible the Moqui Motor Madness car show, as well as, the Family Ranch Rendezvous, which debuted in November of 2016,” Catlett said. “The events proved to be a good fit for this community and tourism outreach, which will continue on thanks to the involvement of our county’s Office of Tourism.”

—Garfield County Office of Tourism

 

 

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