Montana Communities to Receive Commerce Funds Totaling $80,000 for Tourism Related Events

Nine Montana communities have been selected to receive a total of $80,000 in grant funding from the Travel Montana’s Special Events Grant Program (SEGP), through the Montana Department of Commerce.

The Montana communities of Anaconda, Billings, Drummond, Glasgow, Helena, Livingston, Polson, Stevensville and Troy will use the SEGP funds to assist in the marketing and promotion of tourism-related events. The events were selected for the grant awards through a review and scoring process conducted by Travel Montana and members of the Governor-appointed Tourism Advisory Council.

"Montanans are proud of their communities and what they are able to accomplish collectively," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "These grants will help enhance events that showcase our charming towns and authentic visitor experiences. Montana is a place like no other and this authenticity is what draws many of Montana’s 10 million visitors each year."

"Special events can be a great benefit to local economies," said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. "During these events visitors bring new dollars to our main streets, dine on local cuisine and stay at our welcoming lodging establishments. They build long-lasting memories of their Montana vacation and then share these stories with friends and family, all eager to get their own piece of Big Sky Country."

Communities Receiving 2009 SEGP Awards:

$10,727: Anaconda, Copper Village Museum and Arts Center – Art in Washoe Park

$16,000: Billings, Corporation for the Northern Rockies – Northern Rockies Sustainable Living Expo

$4,573: Drummond, American Legion Gold Star Post 125 – Senior Pro Rodeo and Loggers Days

$3,200: Glasgow, Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture – Bonnie City Blues and Brews Festival

$20,000: Helena, Northwest Rendezvous Group – Western Rendezvous of Art

$3,500: Livingston, City of Livingston – Summerfest

$7,000: Polson, Polson Business Community – Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival

$10,000: Stevensville, Stevensville Main Street Association – North West Honey Fest

$5,000: Troy, Troy Fine Arts Council – Kootenai River Bluegrass Festival

The SEGP was developed in 2002 to assist communities with economic development through the creation and/or enhancement of new annual, on-going events. Grant funds are available for event marketing and promotion outside a 100-mile radius of the event. To date, the SEGP program has provided $492,500 in grant funding to 70 events in numerous Montana communities.

The deadline for the next round of grant applications will be announced in mid-October 2009. For information, contact Travel Montana, 406-841-2870.

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Marissa P. Kozel

Communications Director, Director’s Office

Montana Department of Commerce

406-841-2772 (o)

406-465-7208 (c)

[email protected]