A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News May 13, 2006 - 52 reasons to love where you live -- Rapids Area By: Karin Mast, for the Daily Tribune WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- In recognition of travel and tourism's tremendous economic, social and cultural impact in the Wisconsin Rapids Area, the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will observe See America Week the week of May 13 to 21. This annual celebration is sponsored nationally by the Travel Industry Association of America. Travelers to Wood County spend more than $100 million each year, according to research from the state Department of Tourism. This supports more than 2,500 jobs and generates a payroll of more than $60 million annually. These travelers also generate more than $4 million in state and local taxes. Dollars spent by travelers produce a ripple effect, which is felt through every aspect of our community and beyond. The dollars spent by visitors have strengthened the area's economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses from gas stations to retail stores, and creating greater tax revenues to support our community. As a result, it's easy to see how tourism works for the Wisconsin Rapids area and why the industry's slogan is "Tourism Works for America." Let's not forget that tourism also helps support many of the businesses, attractions and recreational opportunities found in our own backyard. Tourism and community recently were tied together by a leadership group from the Heart of Wisconsin's Community Leadership Program. They've recently begun a campaign on why "Home is the Center" -- 52 Reasons to Love where you Live. The campaign focuses on the variety of activities available right here at home -- those same activities that our visitors love! Pick up a brochure at the Convention & Visitors Bureau office, 2507 Eighth St. S., or go online to www.52reasons.net for more information. And in the meantime, love where you live.
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