STAR JOURNAL REPORT

The Oneida County Tourism Council (OCTC) was one of two Northwoods organizations to receiving marketing funds through the state’s Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant program. The OCTC was awarded $39,500 for year two of its development campaign with a new brand strategy that includes a new website, revamped social media presence and a marketing campaign aimed increase fall season travel and attract younger travelers. The grant will fund digital advertising in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Chicago and Dubuque. The goal is to bring 4,500 people to the area, generating an estimated $444,000 in visitor spending.

Tomahawk Region Chamber of Commerce is receiving $8,500 to continue its efforts to promote the region through a new website and social media. The chamber will also launch two sweepstakes that give contestants a chance to win overnight accommodations and Chamber Bucks to spend while in the area as a way of introducing Tomahawk as a winter and spring travel destination. The grant for the marketing campaign will target women from Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago and is expected to bring 7,500 people to the area and generate $760,000 in visitor spending.

According to the Department of Tourism, 56 JEM projects were funded, totaling more than $1.1 million in grants. In return, the department reports expenditures driven by the grants will exceed $74 million.