CHILLICOTHE, OH – The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the return of the Promotional Assistance Grant Program in 2021. The Bureau’s Board of Directors and staff feel it is imperative that the program, which was suspended last year due to the pandemic, returns to assist Ross County attractions and event organizers with their promotional efforts. Many of these organizations were affected with extended closures for their 2020 seasons, the funding within this program will aid in their efforts to encourage visitors to their sites and activities this year.

The Promotional Assistance Program was designed to provide cooperative funding for organizations to use towards promotion of an attraction or event. This program allows the Bureau to participate in the community by assisting organizers in their promotional efforts to raise awareness of their activity which increases the potential for tourism visitations to Ross County. This program is open to both non-profit or for-profit attraction or special event with emphasis on increasing tourism by way of promotion. Additionally, the attraction or event must take place within Ross County to be eligible for consideration. Typically, this program is only available for attractions within their first five-years of existence, however due to the impact of the pandemic, this stipulation has been amended for the 2021 program cycle. The Bureau has increased the budget for the Promotional Assistance Program to $20,000 to accommodate more organizations.

Organizations that are interested in applying for assistance can obtain an application through the Bureau’s website and navigating to the Resource page, or in-person at the Bureau’s office at 230 N. Plaza Blvd. Completed applications, along with any required documentation, must be received by the Bureau no later than April 15, 2021 to be considered. The Board of Directors will review applications following the deadline to determine eligibility and award applications. Approved funding will be distributed to applicants in May. These funds must be utilized for the purpose in which they were granted by December 31, 2021. A Post-Event Survey must be completed by the applicant and returned to the Bureau within thirty days following the conclusion of the event or activity.

The mission of the Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau is the growth and prosperity of area economic development through tourism. The Bureau’s primary focus is to assist, attract and educate residents, travelers, and partners. It will function as an economic driver of the hospitality industry in general through promotion of extended or overnight visits to the areas of Chillicothe and Ross County, Ohio.