Area companies get boost from Virginia Tourism Corporation to attract visitors

Governments spend money in many ways and for many reasons. Albemarle County, for instance, has been increasing the amount of resources it puts toward economic development in order to diversify the revenue base.

Tourism is big business in Virginia with visitors bringing in $36.2 billion in direct spending according to a recent report. Albemarle and Charlottesville topped $1 billion for the first time ever that year.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation has grant programs intended to help people learn about what’s happening in other parts of the Commonwealth. On October 14, state officials announced the release of $205,300 through the Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program.

“The Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program helps our tourism partners maximize their marketing investments and attract visitors year-round,” an information request quotes Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery.

“By increasing off-season visitation, we’re helping businesses extend their tourism seasons and generate additional economic activity throughout the year,” Chenery added.

A total of 46 applicants will receive funding which will be matched with an additional $273,130 in other money. That includes several in this region though it is worth noting these grants were made while Albemarle and Charlottesville were still in the Central Virginia region. This march they joined with other area counties to be in the new Virginia Piedmont region as I reported at the time.

• Front Porch Cville has been awarded $5,000 for their Front Porch Winter Concert Season. They’ll provide a $5,000 match. Browse some of the offerings here!
• An entity called C-ville Bites LLC will get $5,000 to support a campaign called “Taste C-Ville Local” which is intended “to attract out-of-town visitors through authentic food tours, cooking classes, and private culinary experiences that encourage overnight stays and increased visitor spending.” They have a recent blog post worth reading. They’ll match $7,250.
• The Market at Grelen in Orange County will receive $5,000 for a program called “Stay Longer | Explore More.” There is a $8,151.60 match.
• Southern Revere Cellars of Louisa will receive $5,000 for a program called “Farm to Glass Virginia: Taste Where It Begins.” They’ll make a $5,095 match.
• The Vision Restaurant Group LLC of Orange County, doing business as Country Cookin Depot, has been awarded $5,000 for a program called Sunday Drives Start Here.
• Love Ridge Mountain Lodging received $5,000 for a program called “Always Something to do in the Blue Ridge.” They’ll match $6,900.

Do you have experience or interest in any of these? What about other places across Virginia? Take a look at the full list here.

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