The Oregon Tourism Commission awarded $63,000 through its Matching Grants Program in September, and the North Santiam Chamber of Commerce, partnering with the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce had one of the 11 tourism development projects funded.
“We are pleased to see so many projects that focus on the expansion of new marketing efforts and investment in partnerships,” said Carole Astley, Industry Relations Manager at Travel Oregon. “These grant dollars will provide a starting point in the ever-evolving field of tourism and, through product development, will increase visibility among potential visitors.”
The Matching Grants Program selection committee, representing private and public sector organizations, selected this year’s grant finalists from a pool of 38 applicants.
The North Santiam Canyon Chamber of Commerce’s grant will fund the design, printing and distribution of a Santiam Canyon-wide brochure with a map of recreation, lodging and dining opportunities, plus other visitor attractions.
The 2010-11 Matching Grants Program cycle begins in June. Communities, visitor associations and tourism related organizations are invited to apply for funding.
