FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WISCONSIN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S CENTER RECEIVES STATE TOURISM GRANT
Secy. Stephanie Klett presents Big Check to promote Milwaukee Natural Hair Care Expo
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (March 23, 2011) -- Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett presented a $12,960 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant to the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center to help promote the Milwaukee Natural Hair Care Expo to be held on June 26, 2011. The national event is expanding its roster of cities to add Milwaukee and is expected to draw 1,500 attendees resulting in a projected economic impact of $123,750 for the area.
“This is a family-friendly event that has already enjoyed solid success in Baltimore, Raleigh-Durham and Cleveland. We are pleased that this unique cultural event is now offered in Milwaukee,” Secretary Klett said. “A JEM grant will go a long way to help the Wisconsin African American Center’s boost attendance by raising the event’s profile through the power of marketing and promotion. In the end, Milwaukee stands to benefit from additional traveler spending in the downtown area.”
The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program funded 51 projects totaling $1.14 million in fiscal year 2010. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects exceeded $30 million.
The National Hair Care Expo features local and international speakers addressing health topics and natural hair care. A major highlight of the Milwaukee expo includes A Natural Hair and Fashion Show featuring fashion designers and salons from the Midwest. The natural hair and fashion show will be produced by Andre Ellis Theatre Company. Local and national businesses involved in the expo include Milwaukee’s own, Kosmik Kare Day Spa and DreadznHeadz of Baltimore, Maryland. African-American women and families can participate in a variety of hair care demonstrations, fashion, holistic health, and cultural workshops offered by expert instructors and educators.
The JEM grant will assist organizers to execute their advertising and promotion campaign in a large multi-state region that includes Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, St. Louis and Louisville. Day-trippers from Racine and Madison are also included in the target audience. Their multi-faceted marketing approach includes direct mail flyers distributed to Midwest salons and health centers, social media, public relations outreach, print and radio advertising.
JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Marshall, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-267-3773; lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com
http://milwaukeenaturalhaircareexpo.com
