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TOURISM GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The deadline to apply for a tourism grant from the WCVA is fast approaching! Approximately $190,000 in funds will be available for tourism projects in Washington County. Two types of grants are available: small grants (for projects/programs from $1,000 to $5,000) and large grants (for projects/programs greater than $5,000). Don't miss out on this year's grant cycle!
Learn more and get details about the grant program and applications >>
SEATTLE TRAVEL SHOW RECAP
Staff from the WCVA attended the annual
Seattle Travel Show
, held over a weekend in January at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Attendees included travel agents, business and leisure travelers. Approximately 140 Washington County Visitor Guides were handed out by the WCVA staff members pictured above, Birgitte Simmons and Heather Anderson, who also answered attendees' questions. Staff aimed to encourage overnight visitors in Washington County. Show attendees also received Washington County golf tees and ball markers, as well as teas of the drinkable variety from Stash Tea.
The travel agent grand prize from WCVA was a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel at Bridgeport in a classic king jacuzzi suite; a tasting for two at SakeOne; a Nike Golf bag; and two bottles of Washington County wine.
The "Great Escape" prize for travelers/attendees was a one-night "Tour and Taste" Package at McMenamin's Grand Lodge in Forest Grove; disc golf discs to play on the Grand Lodge's course; a wine tour provided by Grape Escape for two people at Washington County Wineries; a Nike Golf tote bag and a bottle of local wine.
Thanks to the following for providing great giveaway items:
SakéOne, The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport,
McMenamins Grand Lodge, Tree to Tree Adventure Park,
Stash Tea and Grape Escape Tours!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: FOCUS ON SPORTS
Sporting events are one of Washington County's top generators of visitor revenue. In 2010, such events brought in ne
 arly $1.4 million to our county. How can your business benefit? Consider sports sponsorships, which serve as a distinct, creative way to increase brand awareness and loyalty, drive sales and gain media mileage. Consumers notice sponsors!
Learn more about current local sponsorship opportunities >>
ALL ABOARD! GET NOTICED DURING THIS YEAR'S WINE TRAIL WEEKEND
 The North Willamette Vintners Association
announced its plans for the third annual North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend, April 9-10, 2011. As a bonus to designated drivers, the association is putting together 100 Wine Trail Survival Kits, which will be filled with fun goodies. Last year, this event drew nearly 850 wine lovers, and with more than 21 wineries participating, this is a fantastic opportunity to get your product or service in front of Washington County's visitors.
If you have discounts, coupons, products or special promotions you'd like to donate, please contact Amber Templeton
amber.templeton@grandhotelbridgeport.com.
Wine Trail Weekend brochures and postcards are available at the WCVA office
if you'd like to drop by and pick up some for your business.
Read more about the Wine Trail Weekend >>
REGISTER FOR THE OREGON GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM
Each year, Oregon's hospitality and tourism industry gather together to share ideas and camaraderie at the annual Oregon Governor's Conference on Tourism
, presented by Travel Oregon. This year's conference will be held April 10-12 in Eugene, and promises a solid educational program for tourism-industry professionals.
Educational opportunities will be available in the following tracks: tourism development, consumer marketing, international/travel trade and leadership and strategy.
Check out the
reasons why you should attend. We hope to see you in Eugene!
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NEW WCVA STAKEHOLDERS GROUP ON FACEBOOK!
Join "Stakeholders of the WCVA," a private group page for WCVA Stakeholders to share ideas and to be among the first to hear about WCVA events, industry news and promotional opportunities!
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READ WCVA'S MARKETING PLANThe WCVA's Strategic Marketing Plan has just been released and outlines marketing directives from 2011 to 2013, with the overall marketing goal to "increase annually the number of visitors to Washington County, with an emphasis on overnight stays in the county." The full plan
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