Grant aims to increase advertising and boost visibility for annual cooking event on Madeline Island.

MADELINE ISLAND, Wis. (Jan. 26, 2016) – The Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce is spicing up marketing efforts for the annual Chequamegon Chef’s Exhibition with help from a Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Now in its 26th year, the Chef’s Exhibition brings together local chefs and restaurants for a day-long event on Madeline Island. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, June 16 and features restaurants and bakeries from Bayfield, Ashland and Douglas counties. Funds from the $650 JEM Grant will go towards print and radio advertising.

“Madeline Island and the surrounding areas are home to immense culinary talents, and we’re proud to support an event that provides travelers an opportunity to experience it,” said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “It’s a great start to our summer tourism season and we can’t wait to see what these chefs bring to the table this year.”

In fiscal 2015, the Department funded 59 Joint Effort Marketing projects, awarding a total of more than $1.1 million. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $31 million. In 2014, the tourism economy in Wisconsin totaled $18.5 billion, a more than five percent increase from 2013. Business sales in Ashland County reached nearly $51 million in 2014, supporting 570 jobs and more than $4 million in state and local taxes.

The Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce anticipates the Chef’s Exhibition will draw more than 500 visitors this year, creating an estimated visitor expenditure of nearly $33,000. The organization hopes the Apostle Island In-Line skate event, another popular local event taking place the same weekend, will assist in drawing even more visitors to the Chef’s Exhibition.

“The Chef Exhibition represents the opening and signature event in a 4-day celebration of the Summer Solstice on Madeline Island,” said Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce Director Max Paap. “In its 26th season, this event continues to get bigger and better and takes advantage of other events during this weekend; the grant will enable us to continue to grow both the event and the weekend.”

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the State as the Midwest’s premier travel destination for fun by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: www.travelwisconsin.com.

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[PHOTO CREDIT: The Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce receives a JEM Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism for the annual Chequamegon Chef’s Exhibition.]

Media Contact:

Max Paap – Director
715-747-2801
vacation@madelineisland.com

Samantha Follis – Marketing and Social Media
madelineislandchambereditor@gmail.com