County Negotiates First-Ever Long-Term Contract with Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau
June 14, 2012
Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive 608.267.8823 or cell, 608.843.8858
Agreement Strengthens Marketing of Region, Long-Term Vitality of
Alliant Energy Center
The county has reached a first-ever, long term tentative agreement with the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) that will strengthen marketing and economic development of the region and aid in the long-term vitality of the Alliant Energy Center (AEC), Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.
“The GMCVB is the perfect partner to achieve our goal of strengthening Dane County’s tourism economy,” said Parisi. “The county has so much to offer potential visitors as a destination for entertainment and business – this long term agreement will help showcase our strengths.”
The tentative agreement between the county and the GMCVB was negotiated on behalf of the county by the Parisi Administration and former AEC Director Bill DiCarlo. Once approved by the Dane County Board, the contract will be in place for three years and tap into the considerable marketing power the GMCVB can provide in the region and nationally.
The negotiated contract also places a priority on exploring business opportunities for the county’s Alliant Energy Center, a facility that contributes an estimated $88 million in direct economic impact to the region.
To help achieve this goal, the tentative agreement includes a first-time ever $50,000 per year event assistance fund that can be used, in consultation with AEC sales staff, to attract qualified new business customers for the Alliant Energy Center.
"We are thrilled to be entering into this unprecedented contract with Dane County. It underscores the strength of our long and collaborative partnership. says Deb Archer, President and CEO, GMCVB. "The GMCVB and MASC will continue to work diligently to promote our great region and appreciate the support and confidence of Dane County for our work."
Another $55,000 in the contract is specifically earmarked to attract sporting events and support the efforts of the Madison Area Sports Commission.
The contract was introduced for consideration by the Dane County Board on Thursday, June 7th. Approval of the agreement could occur as early as this summer. Once approved, the GMCVB will receive a total of $297,375 this year from the county.