News

Tourism Grant Awarded for Quad-County ATV/UTV Trails

February 21, 2022

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism presented a $39,550 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant for Quad-County ATV/UTV Trail Adventures in Oconto, Marinette, Forest, and Florence County. 

"Outdoor recreation is a vital part of our tourism economy in Wisconsin," said Secretary-designee Anne Sayers. "Wisconsin's natural beauty and thrilling trails make for the perfect ATV/UTV destination. When ATV/UTV riders choose Wisconsin, they purchase equipment, lodging, dining, and invest dollars in our local communities. This is exactly the kind of smart investment JEM grants are perfect for."
 
This JEM Grant will fund a marketing plan aimed at driving new ATV/UTV enthusiasts to hit the trails in Oconto, Marinette, Forest, and Florence Counties. This quad-county area offers one of the best concentrations of well-groomed and signed trail networks. The campaign will include radio, print, television, and billboard advertising, as well as a microsite containing information on the trails, including travel itineraries and trail guides.
 
"The Oconto County Economic Development Corporation is happy to be teaming up with our neighbors to get ATV/UTV riders deep into the Northwoods of Wisconsin this spring," said Tourism Director Samantha Boucher, Oconto County Economic Development Corporation.
 
As a $17.3 billion industry in Wisconsin that supports more than 157,000 jobs, tourism is crucial to the state's economic recovery and success. JEM grants are just one of the tools in the toolbox for the Department of Tourism to partner with organizations and nonprofits around the state who are using innovation and creativity to bring visitors and dollars to their community.
 
In the fiscal year 2021, the Department funded 45 JEM projects, awarding $1,130,000 million statewide. JEM grant funds are available to nonprofit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project's first-year advertising and marketing costs and provide support for second-and third-year projects with decreasing amounts for funding until projects become self-sustaining.
 
About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. Because we believe in the power of exploration and travel, we work to market the state as a premier travel destination. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. Learn more at travelwisconsin.com/industry.