Governor Ralph Northam announced that the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce (LCCC) received $10,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Marketing Leverage Grant Fund program. In total, VTC awarded more than $965,000 for 44 tourism marketing projects across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism.

LCCC received a $10,000 grant for its “Love Louisa” Campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to bring visitors to the county to participate in marquee events throughout the year to increase revenues from food & beverage, retail and lodging.  Our partners are two major attractions in Louisa County, the Louisa Arts Center and the Louisa County Historical Society, with support from Louisa Parks, Rec and Tourism. LCCC partnered with the Louisa Arts Center and the Louisa Historical Society to supply $10,000 in matching funds for the project.

"We are excited to partner with the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce to support the Love Louisa campaign. With the funding from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Louisa County will continue to expand our ability to share the wonderful events, attractions and resources that make Louisa a wonderful place to visit. There’s a lot to Love in Louisa and we hope to share it with others." James A. Smith Jr., Director, Louisa County Parks, Recreation & Tourism

The VTC Marketing Leverage Program is designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars, stimulating new tourism marketing through partnerships, and extending the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand. A minimum of three Virginia entities must partner financially to apply for a grant. Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other tourism-related businesses. In total, VTC awards approximately $1.7 million annually - matched and leveraged on average 3:1 by partner dollars.

“As we celebrate 50 years of Virginia is for Lovers in 2019, it is so encouraging to see such tremendous partnership, initiative, and growth within the tourism industry,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Tourism partners from across the Commonwealth have come together to create important new development projects and programs that will attract more travelers and increase visitor spending. These grant funds help destinations improve our communities, create jobs for our citizens, and make Virginia an even more attractive place for visitors and businesses alike.”

In 2018, tourism in Virginia generated $26 billion in revenue, supported more than 234,000 jobs and provided $1.8 billion in state and local taxes.

About Louisa County Chamber of Commerce 

The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce promotes business, strengthens economic and community development, and serves as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in the Louisa community and region. For more information about LCCC, please visit www.louisachamber.org.

About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency charged with marketing the Commonwealth as a premier travel and film destination. Last year, visitors to Virginia spent $26 billion, which supported 234,000 work opportunities and contributed $1.8 billion in state and local taxes. In 2019, Virginia is for Lovers celebrates its 50th anniversary. To learn more, visit virginia.org/50YearsOfLove