FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eric Menzer
Chair, York County Tourism Grant Committee
717-801-4481 or emenzer@yorkrevolution.com

Andrew Staub
Communications Specialist
York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
717-852-9675, ext. 103 or astaub@yorkpa.org

YORK, PA - Highlighting the ongoing demand to grow the local tourism industry, the York County Tourism Grant Committee received 26 applications for funding during a second round of consideration focused on smaller projects.

Applicants requested almost $224,000 in total funds during Round 2. Awards are capped at $10,000 each in this round, with state law requiring a 25 percent cash or in-kind match. Applications were due August 1, and the committee will announce funding determinations by October 12.

Still in its first year, the York County Tourism Grant Committee has already approved more than $1 million for projects that have the potential to boost visitation to York County.

Projects funded in Round 1 included a county-wide branding initiative, various marketing efforts, athletic facility improvements and compelling events such as last month's Smoke in the Grove BBQ Competition. Unlike Round 2, the first round of tourism grant awards included no funding ceiling.

"We're already seeing the tangible effects of this young grant program, and the committee is eager to see what transformative and dynamic ideas await among the Round 2 applications," said Eric Menzer, President of the York Revolution and Chairman of the York County Tourism Grant Committee. "We encourage those who haven't yet tapped into this exciting program to build our tourism industry to consider creative and especially collaborative ways they might leverage it for future projects."

The next application period for grant applications will open in early 2018, with awards announced by June. There is no dollar limit on applications in that round.

When timely opportunities arise, the Grant Committee will also entertain funding requests outside the normal deadlines. The timing of the opportunity must be such that it will not fit into either grant round, and it will be unavailable in the future if delayed.

Requirements and restrictions can be found at www.yorkpa.org. Questions about the application process may be directed to the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In addition to Menzer, the York County Tourism Grant Committee is comprised of State Representative Kate Klunk, York County Commissioner Susan Byrnes, York County Economic Alliance President and CEO Kevin Schreiber, RKL Partner and YCCVB Board Member Rob Berkebile, Springwood Hospitality CEO Dave Hogg and Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce Marketing and Public Relations Director Katy King.

The York County Convention & Visitors Bureau's Mission is to maximize tourism expenditures and their economic impact in York County, PA, through comprehensive tourism sales and marketing programs. The York County CVB's Vision is for a York County where tourism is recognized for the value of its economic impact and its role in raising the profile of York County as a sought-after destination. For more information on the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, call 1-888-858-9675 or visit www.yorkpa.org.

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