Governor Napolitano Announces $1.1 Million in Tourism Matching Grants

Media Contacts:
Tina Miller, Arizona Office of Tourism
602-364-3697 or 623-523-3589
tmiller@azot.gov

Kiva Couchon, Communications Manager
(602) 364-3724
kcouchon@azot.gov

Governor Napolitano Announces $1.1 Million in Tourism Matching Grants

PHOENIX (July 14, 2008) — Governor Janet Napolitano announced today that the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) is awarding $1.1 million in matching grants to tourism organizations and tribal entities across the state for fiscal year 2009.

AOT Director Margie A. Emmermann joined Governor Napolitano in recognizing the recipients of AOT’s Teamwork for Effective Arizona Marketing (TEAM) grants, a program that enables communities and organizations throughout Arizona to promote their tourism offerings. TEAM grants fund advertising, public relations campaigns, research, strategic planning and other tourism-related marketing.

The grants are awarded to communities, regional tourism partnerships, tribal entities and statewide associations that meet the program requirements and are able to match the requested funds. Fifty communities, including seven Native American organizations, will receive grant awards, which range from $899 to $87,437.

“Every county in Arizona benefits from the travel and tourism industry,” said Governor Napolitano. “The TEAM grants are a direct investment into our communities and contribute to the economic vitality of the entire state.”

Previously, all applicants were required to attend one of the TEAM workshops held statewide by AOT to gain eligibility. This year, a new program feature was introduced allowing the 2008 grant cycle applicants to become certified via an online exam without attending the workshop.

The workshops educate the participants on developing a marketing plan with measurable results and writing an effective grant application. AOT also encourages organizations to create regional partnerships, making them eligible for more TEAM grant funding.

Attached are the list of recipients and a map of awards by county for fiscal year 2009. For more information on TEAM and other grants, please visit the Grants section of www.azot.gov.

Created as an executive agency in 1975, the Arizona Office of Tourism is charged with enhancing the state economy and the quality of life for all Arizonans by expanding travel activity and increasing related revenues through tourism promotion and development. AOT works to serve the Grand Canyon State’s travel industry and related businesses, the traveling public, and the taxpayers of Arizona.

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