Lewisburg, WV – The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) granted $1500 in marketing funds to the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival.
Funds totaling over $15,000 were recently awarded to eleven Greenbrier County organizations for tourism marketing through the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Mini-Grant Program.
Twice annually, the CVB sets aside a portion of its budget to assist local organizations with their tourism marketing efforts. The applicant’s marketing plan must attract visitors outside of a 50-mile radius and include strategies that encourage an overnight stay. Groups, including two or more businesses, organizations and nonprofits operating in Greenbrier County may apply for funding.
With chocolate tastings, bake-offs, a 10K run and free music, kid’s activities and movies, the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival has over 5000 attendees with more than half traveling from outside the local area. In its ninth year, the festival doesn’t rest on its past success, new this year is chocolate face painting for kids and a free showing of “Chocolate” in addition to “Willy Wonka” at the Lewis Theatre. With CVB grant dollars supporting the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival’s ad placements, event coordinators are hopeful that the festival will continue to grow in popularity and participation.
Since July of 2002, the Greenbrier County CVB has reached a pinnacle in helping groups and organizations market their events. Since that time, the CVB has funded more than $350,000 in direct marketing grants to many of the county’s fairs, festivals and non-profit organizations.
Applications for the CVB’s mini grants are reviewed by the organization’s Grants and Research Committee twice each year, in January and July. Requests can be made up to $2000. The next deadline is July 6th, 2014.
Other recipients from the January application period include: Greenbrier Historical Society, Greenbrier Valley Bicycle Club, City of Lewisburg, Alderson Quilters and Crafters, Lewisburg Downtown Business Association, Main Street Ronceverte, Greenbrier Repertory Theatre Co., Carnegie Hall, Lewisburg Literary Group and WV Dandelion Festival.