[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6160293,"mediaKeyId","5450722-47da3929f3cb38f21de711bb92215c82","parentId",5450722,"title","Cruise visits and festival traffic prompt calls for better coordination; trolley delivery delayed","audioSeconds",304,"startMs",2139000,"endMs",2443000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450722-47da3929f3cb38f21de711bb92215c82&start=2139&end=2443","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450722-47da3929f3cb38f21de711bb92215c82/thumbnail_2139000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6160293/Jefferson-County/Indiana/Cruise-visits-and-festival-traffic-prompt-calls-for-better-coordination-trolley-delivery-delayed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160293-88e7cdbf3f1f0cc46a4f461889c724e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1776134586&Signature=FW9XgkJngQ7NDGByTyNRrf6zV-xiwV9R2-CHIb~Y43iaUxL8g7cP8YhFAuovdZZ4CDmZWD1amHjE5ZaIKkbc8L1s1vY~8nlSPre-HjySthSSzgOfgcg4gYtzYjHbvGbyK72fuTpietFxMFnSDiFN0Z1NtxlV7TZZKDs9thnMbmrIMIk1KJEFDzPAEWfltAWrN3OM2Mr~GIIGI5egxtVEB2ZU6aYBGBNHXC8ewVa4zOq7CHhuWyhQIHt-1fe2Qv49IApSYldChibkqvNwk5oh7QYAogt2UTj3H4JGOwFYGef6zEGlCtSbt~HUxsxEtWfXKFf~DOXooDX1NwIWyfSDqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jefferson County IN","date","2025-07-22T11:28:51Z","article","Local tourism operators reported operational strains at the July 21 Jefferson County Board of Tourism meeting tied to river cruise calls, festival road closures and trolley service delays. Tourism staff said American Cruise Lines will make frequent stops through August, bringing groups of roughly 100–150 passengers per vessel stop and generating orders of a few dozen visitors into town on many calls. Operators said conversion to paid excursions has increased revenues for historic sites that are included on paid tours.

Trolley and group-tour operations: staff reported that a second trolley’s manufacture has been delayed by supply-chain issues and is expected by mid-August. Staff said it is providing trolleys for cruise morning guided tours and that coaches operate an afternoon on/off loop. Tourism staff are supplying visitor guides for cruise vessels and maintain a QR-coded landing page tailored to cruise passengers.

Festival closures and communication: multiple tourism representatives raised concerns about Unbroken Circle (referred to at the meeting as “Unbroken Fest/Circle”) and other new festivals that block streets and compress parking, sometimes without clear prior coordination with tourism businesses. Tourism operators said closures affect access to sites such as Lanier Mansion and the Shrewsbury Windmill House; staff noted that road closures must be approved by the Board of Public Works and that applicants provide a site map or closure description as part of that city process.

Why it matters: operators say sudden or poorly communicated closures can reduce tour sales and visitor access to paid historic sites, representing a revenue and operational risk for merchants and attractions. Board members and alliance representatives proposed better coordination through the Jefferson County Tourism Alliance (JCTA), invitations to festival organizers to attend alliance meetings, and a potential end-of-year meeting of large festivals to talk logistics, combined purchasing and communication plans.

No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting. Staff offered to monitor Board of Public Works postings for approved closures and to copy tourism staff on closure notices; alliance members volunteered to pursue inviting festival organizers to future JCTA meetings. Staff also said they will continue work with American Cruise Lines on excursion content and with merchants on possible group-discount or incentive ideas, while acknowledging some merchants resist discounting for cruise groups.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Jefferson County Board of Tourism","oneSentenceSummary","Tourism operators told the Jefferson County Board of Tourism on July 21 that repeated cruise ship calls, a delayed second trolley, and unclear festival road-closure communications have disrupted tours and merchant access.","taxTitle","Jefferson County, Indiana","taxId",52164,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160297,"Tourism alliance unveils brand study: Madison seen as scenic, friendly; awareness lower with Gen Z",1114,599000,1713000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450722-47da3929f3cb38f21de711bb92215c82&start=599&end=1713","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450722-47da3929f3cb38f21de711bb92215c82/thumbnail_599000.jpg","/articles/6160297/Jefferson-County/Indiana/Tourism-alliance-unveils-brand-study-Madison-seen-as-scenic-friendly-awareness-lower-with-Gen-Z","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160297-1d50a947e2a3de5d225d277d4e6d2a1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776134586&Signature=ICv8eS61720DC6l-F2zY51jUxo97AsrBzzUZ~QQViQVpCXBVXvlglB8PYXWhqHFjSo7sCrRLR0nYhPbhTImqAYh30DOuHOPd5rVUoTFJ9BO9WTtt2NE2WButFwiskjNhe3SrXHG062mamUGfyf6cuIa-aTWOnbIJigKyO7wJvNj8CBmYI8s6dP1wRj53f83X3-w804Rk3HGYU0Wq33JGumFplBlb9r6G7hePm8aiZBqWZRXXA8n3fwaMPC8zHy-f1sd7L3spfZ0xODqi6R1ZEVF1BtUF3r~l6jSXZ1X9S~gxn6-HYHVheNE4k2rjmhs2JhxTRFKe0eyN7IFJRPVh8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jefferson County Tourism Alliance (JCTA) and tourism staff presented a brand image study to the Board of Tourism on July 21. Presenters said the research shows travelers familiar with Madison rate it highly — describing the community as scenic, friendly and a “weekend getaway” — while noting lower awareness among younger cohorts such as Gen Z and millennials.

Presenters described the study as a foundation for reshaping marketing strategy. Findings cited in the meeting included a large share of repeat visitors in a random sample (about two-thirds were repeat guests) and that many respondents first heard of Madison through family or friends. The research used two pools: a 1,500-person random sample and a 615-person sample drawn from VMI subscriber leads; the VMI pool skewed older while the random sample skewed younger.

Why it matters: the study gives staff and alliance partners data to refine target audiences, messaging and media buys. Presenters suggested emphasizing emotional storytelling around riverfront charm, historic assets and wellness tourism while exploring new outreach in nearby metropolitan markets where awareness lagged — notably Cincinnati in the study results.

Actions taken and next steps: staff reactivated the JCTA website to host the study and past research reports, and said partners can use those materials for grant writing and reporting. Staff described potential shifts in marketing channels, including a dedicated email from Visit Indiana with a large subscriber base, experimentation with seasonally updated digital guides, and continued use of targeted direct-mail and print pieces with adjusted timing.

Board and alliance members discussed next steps such as roundtable deep dives and partner workshops to convert the study’s findings into coordinated marketing and referral strategies. No formal policy change was voted on; staff asked partners to review materials on the JCTA site and suggested convening industry partners for follow-up sessions.","The Jefferson County Tourism Alliance and tourism staff presented a brand image study to the board on July 21, finding high favorability among people familiar with Madison but lower awareness among Gen Z and millennials.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160302,"Organizers report 125 preregistered runners and multi-state turnout at Juneteenth events funded by tourism grants",334,195000,529000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450722-47da3929f3cb38f21de711bb92215c82&start=195&end=529","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450722-47da3929f3cb38f21de711bb92215c82/thumbnail_195000.jpg","/articles/6160302/Jefferson-County/Indiana/Organizers-report-125-preregistered-runners-and-multi-state-turnout-at-Juneteenth-events-funded-by-tourism-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160302-300a140411324fd31126cc4f71ca4f32/orig.mp4?Expires=1776134586&Signature=MNJYwXtZuOMTaL~i9I6cIm2ibjBfdRgtHIEH-tK~zDz4rzX6x9T~I5X-MPUoOjqgNTa-OaPNNFLH2IxdV-62s-wj7jlVR86fQ1YIUr89Lq1WnptjTSsVRLnROM-pwGkoBQBy5F0HFyb-GKTqCMm40bihMMKkfSLEte2WrNGSmk0ON5ipPuYUxiGJdW~wxcy8BNZ-c3BO48H7bENc3MXO1QZnA3VImg9aZHkHs3GkoCSaXJo5-OxH8jCS2PMzKV-fxOxiL04XqZspHcYGNzX8x-LNl45N0w7ZgBYCW89peGJR2txtXDn6r3eWS8B0rHWgLRN754qKOmIzIcEuf4PIbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An event organizer updated the Jefferson County Board of Tourism on July 21 about Juneteenth weekend activities that used board-supported marketing funds. The organizer said the weekend included a preregistered 5K with 125 runners and walkers, 15 same-day registrants, eight children in youth events and 35 volunteers; attendees and participants were tracked from multiple states, including Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

The organizer said Sunday’s picnic on the Lanier Lawn used an educational “Juneteenth wheel” funded in part by the board’s grant support and that the weekend featured food trucks, vendors and live music. On Monday a book signing and discussion hosted by Analog Copying drew about 35 people.

Why it matters: the report provides evidence of regional draw and suggests grant-funded marketing contributed to higher attendance and improved on-site programming. The organizer described increased out-of-area awareness, including a journalist inquiry about municipal support for Juneteenth and attendees who traveled from other states.

Board members thanked the organizer for the debrief and said it was valuable to receive post-event results. No formal board action was taken during the update. The organizer left printed materials and small giveaway notepads for board members and offered to answer questions about event logistics and outcomes.

Details highlighted at the meeting included distribution of event shirts for participants, small awards for finishers, and a higher-than-expected social-media and advertising response that the organizer linked to enhanced marketing funding.","Organizers told the Jefferson County Board of Tourism that Juneteenth weekend activities drew participants from multiple states, with 125 preregistered runners/walkers, additional same-day registrants, 35 volunteers, and a book signing with 35 attendees; staff credited marketing dollars for stronger turnout.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160307,"Jefferson County Board of Tourism opens summer grant round; applications due Aug. 4",0,513000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450722-47da3929f3cb38f21de711bb92215c82&start=513&end=513","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450722-47da3929f3cb38f21de711bb92215c82/thumbnail_513000.jpg","/articles/6160307/Jefferson-County/Indiana/Jefferson-County-Board-of-Tourism-opens-summer-grant-round-applications-due-Aug-4","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160307-d9c8233a363637cec6cd73dec3153ff3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776134586&Signature=OZdWduYqe7gpYjguIH4h-BXPkZBAhCRUpGWQzkwdM1fyshSvTKSBoS1OuKCH8IaCJtwkJHo09s-bYA9HpsoRZpg4eAa7NnOEJwMokQ~3O1G24LOXkjH0opWpON7xN9btaP2RaJG2GVub0XuDIb~rPQfN1dXmD0o2yNnV4gyDq58aF7wkkMhq4Iux4W5r4fTGbvdLET3OzRcXQukYzt48Tea8RWn~3TV~p5RACTtpVdXq3Gs~QBk0XTESFaGtfQmztxXvE-79b0qGmLWG-kymdW4nQQANgvpzIqqpjddcExEBm2PNotiLMRZc6P-yBFk7~SKqs1FdHqAbEfi7kjKg0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jefferson County Board of Tourism told community groups on July 21 that its summer grant round is open with applications due by noon on Monday, Aug. 4. Applicants selected will present projects at a special board meeting on Aug. 18, and the board plans to award grants at its Aug. 25 regular meeting; the board said $100,000 has been allocated for this round.

Board staff emphasized the schedule and presentation requirement, saying applicants who submit by the deadline must be prepared to present their projects during the Aug. 18 special meeting. The board said presentations will be required for consideration.

Why it matters: the board’s grants fund local events and marketing partnerships; the schedule sets an accelerated timeline for project review and execution before the fall season. Community groups planning events, visitor experiences, or marketing projects that aim to use tourism funding must meet the Aug. 4 application deadline and be available for the Aug. 18 presentation.

At the meeting, staff said there were two applications on file so far and encouraged organizations to reach out for application links and support. Staff provided an email contact during the meeting for application assistance.

Discussion at the meeting also included a reminder that the grant review panel will use presentations to ask questions of applicants; no new criteria or changes to the review process were announced at the July 21 meeting. The board did not take a separate formal vote at that time to release the $100,000; the allocation was presented by staff as the available amount for the round.

The board closed the meeting after repeating the calendar reminders and confirming the three August dates. Community groups who plan to apply should confirm submission details with tourism staff ahead of the Aug. 4 deadline.","The Jefferson County Board of Tourism set deadlines for its summer grants cycle: applications due noon Aug. 4, applicant presentations at a special meeting Aug. 18, and awards to be made at the regular meeting Aug. 25; the board said about $100,000 is available for this round.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cruise visits and festival traffic prompt calls for better coordination; trolley delivery delayed

Tourism alliance unveils brand study: Madison seen as scenic, friendly; awareness lower with Gen Z

Organizers report 125 preregistered runners and multi-state turnout at Juneteenth events funded by tourism grants

Jefferson County Board of Tourism opens summer grant round; applications due Aug. 4