Back to list November 16, 2023 CAEDC Launches Destination Sales Grant, Aiming to Increase Overnight Stays and Visitation in Cumberland County Mechanicsburg, Pa – The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) through its destination marketing arm, the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, is announcing a new Destination Sales Grant, opening November 15, 2023. The Destination Sales Grant’s purpose is to attract quality events to the region that increase overnight travel in Cumberland County. Applicants can apply for things like bid fees, marketing, advertising, shuttle rentals and facility rentals, including conference rooms, sports fields, and outdoor space. Applicants can request between $10,000-$100,000, with at least a $0.50 match for each dollar awarded. CAEDC’s recent investments in attracting events include the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships, happening this weekend at Big Spring School District and the PIAA Fall Festival, which includes PIAA Championships for soccer, volleyball, field hockey and football held at Cumberland Valley High School. “The PIAA Fall festival offers an opportunity for teams and communities to converge to one central location, fostering an Olympic-style atmosphere which creates a memorable experience for all participants. We are extremely pleased with Cumberland Valley HS and the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau as the hosts of the PIAA Fall Festival and look forward to continuing our partnership” said Jennifer Grassel, Assistant Executive Director at the PIAA. CAEDC is also working with the Big 33 Football Classic to move it’s showcase game, along with annual events to Cumberland Valley High School and the surrounding area beginning in 2024. “Our team is actively looking for new opportunities to grow visitation to our destination and overnight stays to our lodging properties by attracting new events, which we hope to host for years to come. Overnight stays don’t just impact our lodging properties, they increase dollars spent on dining and shopping in our region, and support our local economy” said CAEDC’s Director of Destination Marketing, Kristen Rowe. Click here to find the Grant Guidelines. Interested applicants should contact Patrick Bourque, CAEDC’s Destination Sale Manager at Patrick@VisitCumberlandValley.com. 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.
