HONESDALE – Wayne County Commissioners and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) are proud to announce more than $220,000 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 Delaware Highlands Conservancy.
“Our nonprofit organizations and events keep driving visitation to Wayne County each and every year,” said Wayne County Chief Financial Officer Vicky Botjer. “We are fortunate to have these organizations and the ability to fund them for another year helping to drive tourism and support the local economy.”
Applications underwent review by the Wayne County Tourism Promotion Committee and the PMVB resulting in allocations including awards such as $4,430 for the Newfoundland Library in order to market its 2nd Annual Taste of the Poconos event in May and $20,000 for the Downtown Hawley Partnership in order to market seasonal events in the downtown.
“The Pocono Mountains communities and organizations continue to show first-class hospitality and provide events and entertain visitors and residents,” 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.”
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.
A list of grant awards follows.
2023 PMVB Tourism Grant Awards
Delaware Highlands Conservancy | $2,950.00 |
Equinunk Historical Society | $6,395.00 |
Wayne Pike Trails and Waterways Alliance | $15,000.00 |
Dorflinger Factory Museum | $4,500.00 |
Taste of the Poconos – Newfoundland Library | $4,430.00 |
Wayne County Arts Alliance (WCAA) | $9,000.21 |
Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary | $12,600.00 |
Farm Arts Collective | $4,500.00 |
Rotary Club of Honesdale | $12,537.00 |
Wayne County Historical Society | $12,300.00 |
Harmony Presents Foundation | $12,600.00 |
Women’s Club of Honesdale | $3,450.00 |
Wayne County Creative Arts Council (WCCAC) | $3,975.00 |
Downtown Hawley Partnership | $20,000.00 |
Greater Honesdale Partnership | $20,000.00 |
Chamber of the Northern Poconos | $11,320.00 |
Wally Wine Fest Wayne Library Alliance Roots & Rhythm NE Maple Producers Ritz Company Playhouse Fall Music Festival Lacawac Sanctuary GDS Fair Wayne County Fair | $5,000.00 $6,050.00 $7,125.00 $985.65 $10,000.00 $10,500.00 $8,882.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 |
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Total Approved Funding | $224,099.86 |