04/07/2008

The Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau has awarded grants to members of the AMCVB to help grow their events and visitation. A total of $15,000 in grant money this year will be used to assist six very worthwhile programs.

The AMCVB Tourism Grant Program was created to enhance the tourism experience, increase tourism, visitation and overnight stays within Blair County. A portion of the AMCVB’s annual budget is appropriated for the grant program specifically established to support cultural, historical and recreational assets.

The programs awarded grants for 2008 include:

Allegheny Ridge Corporation - $3,000 (Creating and maintain an interactive website for heART of the Alleghenies which will be a unique driving experience along Route 22.)

Altoona Railroader’s Memorial Museum, - $1,000 (Further marketing of the Railroaders Memorial Museum)

Altoona Symphony Orchestra - $3,000 (Marketing of their 80th season including the Classical and POPS concerts)

Blair County Arts Foundation - $3,000 (Marketing of their 2008 Blair County Arts Festival)

Rails To Trails - $2,000 (Revision, printing and distribution of the Lower Trail brochure)

Williamsburg Farm Show - $3,000 (Development of a website to further grow and promote the Williamsburg Farm Show)

All awardees met the criteria of being a cultural, historical or recreational non-profit 501-c3 organization located within Blair County. Organizations that were successful in receiving a grant submitted an application along with information about the program the potential grant would fund including a media plan, attendance figures and a complete budget.

This is the third year for this grant program, and the largest award total to date. The AMCVB plans to continue the awards program in 2009. For more information, including how to apply, please contact Cheryl Ebersole at 814-943-4183 or email at cebersole@amcvb.com.