BOOST Tourism Grants Awarded by the City of Waynesboro
Waynesboro, VA– The City of Waynesboro invests annually in tourism-oriented business endeavors, events, and projects through their grant program, “Building Opportunities tO Support Tourism (BOOST).” City businesses and organizations were invited to apply for up to $3,000 to support eligible activities such as events, festivals and projects intended to entice visitation as well as the associated marketing, design and printing costs. Funds are accessible for new and existing tourism-related endeavors taking place within the City of Waynesboro between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.
“BOOST Grants are geared towards assisting with marketing for events that draw visitors to Waynesboro,” says Courtney Cranor, Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “In awarding these grants we are partnering with these events to strengthen their outreach. In turn they are working to pull more tourism spending to the area.” Tourism spending in Waynesboro now exceeds $35 million1.
A five person committee comprised of three City employees, one member of the Waynesboro Economic Development Authority and a representative from the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce met to review the nine applications received for the program. This year, five applicants were able to receive their full grant request amount. In turn these grant awardees will be strengthening Waynesboro as a tourist destination. The VA Fall Foliage Art Show, Riverfest, Wayne Theatre Alliance, Waynesboro at War, and the Shenandoah Valley Trout Unlimited will each receive funds from the grant.
# # #
1 2015 Figures, US Travel Association for domestic visitor spending (latest available)
