Flathead Business Watercooler

Commerce funds $500,000 in grants to support destination events

The Montana Department of Commerce is providing $500,000 in Recovery Destination Event Grants for established and new destination events.

Applications are open to registered non-profit 501(c) organizations, tribal governments, city governments, and county governments based in Montana. Eligible costs include:

Advertising and marketing costs to increase non-resident and resident attendance, such as traditional advertisement, digital marketing campaigns, social media post boosts, social media ads, e-communications, and geo-fencing.

Event infrastructure costs like portable restrooms, wash stations, and 25% of the rental costs for a permanent venue or facility where the recovery destination event will take place.

Signage expenses including production, construction, and installation costs of non-permanent signage directing attendees to the event, direct mailers, and banners announcing the recovery destination event.

Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis until all $500,000 of grant funding is awarded or until June 1, 2022; whichever occurs first. Learn more and apply for a Recovery Destination Event Grant at marketme.com.

Chamber luncheon includes economic update

The Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly membership meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 11 at Cedar Creek Lodge.

Christy Cummings Dawson, President/CEO of Montana West Economic Development, will give an economic development update. Space is limited and attendees must RSVP by Jan. 7 at www.columbiafallschamber.org.