BAYFIELD CHAMBER & VISITOR BUREAU AWARDED $29,711 TOURISM GRANT

The Bayfield Chamber has received a $29,711 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to promote 2010 fall travel. This promotion is expected to fund a high energy and visual campaign to attract fall travelers to the Bayfield - Madeline Island area. (At left: Wisconsin Department of Tourism Council Member Ruth Goetz congratulates Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau Executive Director Cari Obst).

Bayfield Chamber Executive Director Cari Obst states that the Chamber received the full amount requested from the Department of Tourism and will provide matching marketing funds in attracting visitors to the area during the fall shoulder season. In addition, the Chamber will be reviewing and updating market research data from the destination branding process it initiated in 2007.

"JEM Grant proposals submitted to the state must demonstrate significant local economic benefit through tourism promotion," adds Obst; "the Department and JEM Grant Committee members clearly felt that our proposal was well thought out and would create positive economic results for the Bayfield - Madeline Island area."

The Bayfield Fall Tourism Program received $29,711 to promote the colorful fall season and harvest activities occurring at local orchards in September and October. The marketing plan incorporates messages to Bayfield's targeted audience that distinguishes the Bayfield experience from other vacation destinations. In addition to connecting these target audiences with each other through a number of social networking tools, the Chamber will also be using traditional media such as print and radio advertising to promote the "Bayfield experience". Bayfield's new website, launched last year, will serve as a significant marketing tool as well. Obst continues, "With the additional funding through this grant, we are able to tap into new markets such as Milwaukee and the Fox Cities with a fully integrated marketing plan."

For more information about Bayfield and the Apostle Islands please visit www.bayfield.org, or call (800) 447-4094.