Channel 10/11 was in Seward this morning filming a Pure Nebraska segment! We are very excited and proud for Seward to be highlighted this week. They'll be featuring the Silhouette of Lights, the Santa House and Winter Wonderland. Thank you 10/11 TV! And another big thank-you to everyone involved and supporting Christmas in Seward this year.
The Seward County Visitor's Committee has allocated available funds to go to local entities in the form of marketing grants to non-profit organizations, civic groups or associations. Funds may also be available to for-profit entities for a first time, new event demonstrating positive tourism potential, and will be allowed as a one-time-only grant. The grants are available on a competitive basis, with applicants demonstrating a need for lodging tax dollars for their project or event. The grants are not meant to be a part of an annual operating budget for any group, but rather to get a project started, or in the case of an existing event, to promote an addition to an event.
SCVC marketing grants can be used ONLY for advertising (radio, TV, web, newspaper, magazine, billboards), production of a promotional brochure or poster, postage to mail fliers or advertising, or attendance to a conference or convention that will market the county's tourism facilities. To qualify for this grant, 50% of the grant amount MUST be spent in advertising outside a 40 mile radius of the event. Lodging tax funds cannot be used for community development or improvement, or capital construction.
Any request for funding must be submitted on the official application. The deadlines for submitting applications has been updated and changed and will now be accepted quarterly: January 3, April 1, July 1 and October 1. The SCVC will review the applications at their February, May, August and November meetings to consider grant requests. Contact the Seward Chamber office for a copy of the application form and if any questions.
Plans for the 2016 Extravaganza! are moving quickly. Invitations were mailed and the planning committee is finalizing all of the details. Dinner will be catered by Chartwell's and, from what I hear, is always excellent. Red Path Gallery & Tasting Room will again provide the cash bar and music will be provided by Marble Music. Tuesday, January 19th, 5:30 p.m. at Harvest Hall. Thank you to the planning committee members - Renee Coufal, Angie Fuller, Vicky Hanseling, Jennifer Marr, Jill Purdue and Susan Singleton.
This is Christmas week and sending Christmas blessings and gratitude to everyone involved in the Seward Area Chamber of Commerce. I am grateful to be working with you, to have met many new people, and made new friends in the last 4 months. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you, your family, and your employees.
