2015 Tourism Grants Awarded by Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation

CUMBERLAND VALLEY, PA (November 4, 2015) – In April 2015, Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) kicked off the seventh installment of the annual Tourism Grant Cycle. A portion of Cumberland Valley’s Lodging Tax Income is designated each year for grant funding to support Marketing Initiatives and Tourism Capital Improvement projects in Cumberland County.

Projects received full or partial funding based on merit. The half cash-match grant program was designed to support CAEDC’s core need of expanding capacity and reach in its destination marketing and branding initiatives. All awarded projects will either increase visitation to Cumberland Valley or enhance the visitor experience.

Marketing Initiatives and Tourism Capital Improvements are defined as projects that: Increase visitation and/or visitor experiences by improving or creating marketing materials including printed experiential brochures, professional photography and video, tourism product development or major event-related advertising in approved CAEDC target markets; Increase visitation and/or visitor experiences by improving wayfinding, non-public transportation, interior or streetscape appearances, event facility improvements or technology; or Enhance visitor experiences by increasing Historic Markers, interpretive signage, banner flags, trailhead information centers, information centers, outdoor and agricultural support.

2015 grant awards were announced this morning at the 6th Annual Cumberland Valley Tourism Conference held at Linwood Estates in Carlisle. The Grant Review Committee received 27 applications and awarded 16 projects. See a breakdown of the awarded grants below.

Army Heritage Center Foundation – $2,500 – Advertising dollars to promote Army Heritage Days.

Carlisle Sports Emporium – $3,700 – Professional photography, design and printing of an updated brochure for marketing distribution.

Conference Center at Shippensburg University – $2,716 – Production of 32 double sided pole flags in parking lot and production of one video tour to promote meeting space.

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson (Carlisle) – $750 – Creation of 8 “Farm Friday” receptions featuring foods from two local farmers.

Cumberland County Historical Society – $15,000 – Manufacturing and installation of Heritage Gateway gate in Pocket Park and informative signage.

Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Council – $10,000 – Creation of parking lot and resurfacing of the 1-mile trail at Allen Road.

East Pennsboro Township – $8,450 – Two entrance signs for Adams Ricci Park.

Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park – $21,730 – Construction of a 50 foot bridge over Mountain Creek, 1.72 miles of trail improvements, two trails signs, two bridge signs and 10,000 brochures with map.

Historical Society of East Pennsboro Township – $819 – Production of 18 signs to be placed at historical sites including the East Pennsboro Historical Society, Harrisburg Nail Works, Boyer House and more.

LeTort Regional Authority – $300 – Analyzation of trail usage based on sensor counts of visitors on the trail in Fall 2015.

New Cumberland Old Town Association Business & Professional Group – $1,200 – Creation of a two minute video promoting New Cumberland.

Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum Association – $795 – Directional sign for the museum.

TCO Fly Shop – $25,000 – Restoration upgrades of Yellow Breeches Outfitters to restore building in historically appropriate manner, including siding, flooring and roofing.

Uprise Events Live – $4,500 – Advertising for 2016 Uprise festival.

West Shore Symphony Orchestra – $1,500 – Purchase of mailing list and post card printing to distribute 2016 season information.

Whistlestop Bookshop – $500 – Four shark fin banners to welcome targeted visitors (War College Students, Dickinson Students, Central Penn Youth Ballet Students and First Friday visitors) to the store.

Since 2010, CAEDC has awarded over $360,000 in grants to fund over 60 projects representing heritage, cultural, agricultural and experiential tourism.

CAEDC is very pleased to be able to offer grants to these organizations that relate directly to our mission of increasing overnight stays and enhancing the visitor experience. CAEDC’s intent is to continue the grant program in 2016.

About CAEDC
CAEDC is Cumberland County’s authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life. Offices are located at 53 W. South Street, Carlisle PA. For more information, visit www.cumberlandbusiness.com and www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.