Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Explore Minnesota Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cottage Grove CVB approves $2,000 Explore Minnesota grant with 1:1 city match
Summary
The board approved a motion to allow the Cottage Grove CVB to execute a $2,000 Explore Minnesota tourism grant, which requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match from the city and will be used to boost late-summer marketing.
The Cottage Grove Convention and Visitors Bureau on June 3 voted to authorize execution of a $2,000 Explore Minnesota tourism grant agreement, a competitive first-come, first-served program the CVB said was reopened for municipal destination-marketing organizations.
Phil, the CVB communications manager, told the board the city applied to the grant because funding was limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis; the CVB was awarded the full $2,000 and plans to use those dollars to amplify late-summer campaigns, including the food truck festival and the One Family festival.
“This grant has a 1 to 1 cash match,” Phil said, explaining the CVB intends to leverage budgeted marketing dollars as the city’s match to double marketing reach. He added the grant targets audiences such as “foodies” in the Twin Cities metro area for events like the food truck festival.
Director Kambata moved to authorize the CVB to execute the grant agreement with Explore Minnesota; Director Olsen seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. Chairman Justin Olson called for those in favor to say “aye,” and the board answered in the affirmative; the board recorded no opposition during the vote.
Board discussion noted the tight timeline for application and staff’s rationale for applying quickly to secure funds. Staff said they will proceed with matched marketing spend and report outcomes to the board.
