HONESDALE – Wayne County Commissioners and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) are proud to announce more than $120,000 in funding for events and nonprofit organizations for the coming year thanks to the Tourism Project Disbursement Allocation Program. Applications for funding were submitted from a variety of integral partners in bringing visitors to the county including downtown partnerships in Hawley and Honesdale as well as nonprofits such as Harmony Presents Foundation and The Cooperage Project.
“These funds are important to organizations that have been on a shoestring budget these past couple years without traditional ways to fundraise due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Wayne County Chief Financial Officer Vicky Botjer. “Meanwhile, overnight stays in Wayne County have provided the necessary tax dollars to increase funding to these various events and organizations in 2022.”
Applications underwent review by the Wayne County Tourism Promotion Committee and the PMVB resulting in allocations of anywhere from $1,200 for the NEPA Audubon Society in order to market an open house weekend showcasing a wildlife display at the Wayne Conservation District to $21,000 for the Greater Honesdale Partnership in order to market seasonal events in the downtown.
“The Pocono Mountains communities and organizations have been resilient during these past years in spite of extraordinary circumstances,” stated Chris Barrett, President/CEO of the PMVB. “Tourism provides a significant chunk of the economic impact to Wayne County and our organization is thrilled to support the organizations and event planners who make the region such a special place to live, work and visit.”
While the initial application period has ended, Wayne County and the PMVB recognize some events may still be in the planning stages for 2022. Applications will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. That information can be found at this link: PoconoMountains.com/Wayne.
These disbursements provide marketing assistance to nonprofits and event promoters to assist in bringing visitors to Wayne County and the Pocono Mountains each year providing additional revenue for area businesses.
2022 PMVB Tourism Grant Awards
The Cooperage Project | Equinunk Historical Society | Wayne Pike Trails and Waterways Alliance | Dorflinger Factory Museum | SEEDS | Wayne County Arts Alliance (WCAA) | Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary | Farm Arts Collective | NEPA Audubon Society | Wayne County Historical Society | Harmony Presents Foundation | Women’s Club of Honesdale | Wayne County Creative Arts Council (WCCAC) | Downtown Hawley Partnership | Greater Honesdale Partnership | Chamber of the Northern Poconos | Wally Wine Fest | Total Approved Funding |
| $11,334.00 | $3,100.00 | $7,329.00 | $4,500.00 | $709.00 | $2,000.00 | $11,350.00 | $5,250.00 | $1,240.00 | $4,050.00 | $7,000.00 | $3,017.00 | $1,600.00 | $18,700.00 | $21,090.25 | $13,800.00 | $5,000.00 | $121,069.25 |
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