Tourism Board accepting grant applications through Jan. 22

I.M.P.A.C.T. Nevada Tour-ism is now accepting grant applications for 2008 tourism grants.

Applications are available at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center, 225 W. Austin, and must be turned in no later than 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 22.

"As the applications are turned in, I will schedule a time for their interview on Jan. 22," Glenda Crowder, tourism coordinator, said.

The interviews will be held during the tourism board's regularly scheduled public meeting in the City Council Chambers, located inside the city's public safety building at the corner of Ash and Austin, starting at 7 p.m., Jan. 22.

"Each applicant will be given 10 minutes for their interview," she said.

Crowder said that this year the grant criteria specified in the city ordinance establishing the city's 3-percent guest lodging tax will be strictly followed and each applicant will be expected to address each of five criteria in their written application, as well as during their interview.

The questions are:

* How will your proposed event attract people from more than a 50-mile radius of Nevada, which is a Missouri state tourism requirement?

* Is the event scheduled between October 2008 and February 2009 and will visitors stay overnight?

* If the grant is not for a specific event, how will this project enhance the community?

* How will you collect the survey cards required by the tourism committee?

* How will the funds be used to promote the event or project?

"They must address all five points or they will not be granted an interview," she said.

Applications can be delivered to the office or sent by e-mail to visitor@nevada-mo.com, Crowder said.

In the past, the matching tourism grants have been used to help pay for promoting activities like a Missouri state Eagles convention, murals, a National Baseball Congress World Series qualifying tournament, a sheep show and a sportsmen's exhibition.