State Tourism Secretary Jim Holperin today presented the Lake Geneva Golf Council, Geneva Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau with a $22,122 state tourism grant to help attract golfers to the area. The "Golf Around the Lake" promotion markets the area as a world-class golf destination. Sec. Holperin delivered the check on Wednesday while he was visiting the area.

The grant was awarded through the Department of Tourism's Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant program. The funds, matched by local promotional dollars, will help cover the cost of marketing the campaign through advertising and public relations.

"We are pleased to help the 'Golf Around the Lake' project," Sec. Holperin said. "Not only is golf a growing segment of travel, but 2004 is a big year for golf in Wisconsin. The national presence of the PGA Championship this summer presents us with a great opportunity to showcase the wide range of spectacular golf available throughout the state."

The "Golf Around the Lake" markets three different levels of spring golf packages that include a menu of rounds of golf and lodging at reduced rates. The sales promotion will target avid and novice golfer and their families in Chicago, Rockford, Quad Cities and Milwaukee. Organizers estimate the promotional campaign will result in $549,087 in additional revenue for local restaurants, hotels and golf courses. This is the second year "Golf Around the Lake" has received a JEM grant. Last year, the project garnered $161,137 in economic impact.

The JEM program is available to non-profit organizations for promotion of their Wisconsin tourism destinations, events or sales promotions. The state funds up to 75 percent of a project's first year advertising and marketing costs. The program also offers grant support during the second and third year of a new project, but in decreasing amounts each year in hopes that the project will become self-sufficient. To be funded, projects must be consistent with the statewide marketing plan strategy.

The JEM grant program helps non-profit tourism organizations attract visitors through unique events and promotions. The program awards $1.1 million each year to help market events and promotions across Wisconsin. JEM proposals are submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and are reviewed by the Department staff and the JEM Review Committee of the Governor's Council on Tourism. For more information on the JEM program, contact Abbie Hill at 608/261-6272, or visit http://agency.travelwisconsin.com.

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Media Contact: Lisa Marshall +1 608-267-3773 lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com