By HOLLY GASKILL
New grant opportunities may soon be available to local businesses and organizations.
On Wednesday morning, the Wells County Convention and Visitors Commission discussed establishing a grant process to support local events.
The board reviewed a similar grant application from Visit Bloomington, which offers funds to support events that bring tourism to the area. This application requires businesses or organizations to describe how their event mutually benefits the entities. It also states that local tourism signage must be displayed at the event.
The board members universally supported offering similar funds but wanted to review the possible application specifications, requirements and budget. Several members organized a subcommittee to work alongside Audry Dudly, tourism coordinator, and agreed to present their ideas at the board’s August meeting.
If approved, the grants will become available through the county’s innkeepers tax, which was implemented earlier this year. Since its initial collection in February, the 5 percent tax has collected $31,586.69 from motels, hotels and Airbnbs.
Part of this tax collection will support a contract with Wells County Economic Development, and more specifically, a portion of Dudley’s salary. Because the board did not meet a quorum in June, this contract was officially approved on Wednesday. All board members were present for the meeting.
The board also continued its ongoing discussion regarding the county’s tourism needs and opportunities. Namely, the board discussed the creation of wayfinding and advertising signs.
Prior to the board’s creation, initial discussions about promoting county tourism heavily focused on creating wayfinding signs. Dudley noted that it’s not clear to people traveling when they are entering the county, let alone the identity, history or attractions offered within the area.
Board member Zane Herr, who owns Dash-90 Winery in Warren, said his business has regularly discussed how helpful wayfinding signs would be. Herr stated he’s had customers from throughout the state, Ohio and Michigan say they’ve learned about the winery from the tourism guide and website, visitwellscounty.org. However, Herr said the business has also had neighbors and local counties unaware of the winery or other county attractions.
Brandy Fiechter, board member and superintendent of the Bluffton Parks Department, stated an electronic billboard could be a worthwhile investment since other parties could rent space.
Additionally, County Council member Brandon Harnish noted he had hoped to integrate some county history into wayfinding signs. Harnish received permission from the county commissioners on Monday to privately pursue designing a county flag. He stated Wednesday he would also consider how to best tie in a traditional flag style with the Wells County tourism marketing materials.
Board member Scott Elzey noted the board may want to collaborate with the Historical Society for historical landmark signs. He also emphasized the conversation about wayfinding signs would be ongoing, as they should take time and consideration to establish long-lasting signs.
In closing, Dudley advised she would look into various options, and the item would be on their next agenda.
holly@news-banner.com
