U of M Tourism Center invites proposals for Carlson Chair projects

June 28, 2005
http://www.extension.umn.edu/News

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center is accepting proposals for its annual Carlson Chair grant program through August 15, 2005.

Non-profit entities are eligible for Carlson Chair grants and are encouraged to indicate supplemental funding opportunities in proposals. To apply for a 2005 Carlson Chair grant, visit www.tourism.umn.edu on the web.

“Over the past five years, Carlson Chair grants have benefited the industry through both education and research,” says Ingrid E. Schneider, director of the Tourism Center. “For example, the Community Tourism Development Manual has guided communities through critical evaluation of their tourism potential. And a certificate in event management program has resulted in several hundred individuals participating in event management education,” she says.

“Communities create more meaningful and profitable events. This, in turn, results in more enjoyable visitor experiences.”

The Carlson Chair was established to support and strengthen tourism in Minnesota and respond to statewide and/or urgent industry needs. The chair was named for Curtis L. Carlson, who founded Carlson Companies and initiated a $250,000 endowment from the Carlson Foundation. Additional funding for the chair has come from donations and a permanent University of Minnesota fund match. Interest from the endowment is used to support Tourism Center activities.

Tourism is a $9.2 billion industry in Minnesota, including $1 billion paid annually in state and local taxes. Tourism and hospitality supports more than 230,000 state jobs.

“Carlson Chair grants have been matched with partner dollars to carry out tourism market research in nine communities across Minnesota,” says Henry Todd, vice president of Carlson Companies. For example, a 2004 grant resulted in business retention and expansion strategies that helped all Becker County resorts.

Todd is a former director of tourism for the State of Minnesota, and is a member of the Tourism Center advisory committee.

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center is a collaboration of the College of Natural Resources and the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Since 1986, the Tourism Center has been a source of education and research for Minnesota, the United States and many countries. The Tourism Center conducts research and provides education and outreach programs for the tourism industry, community groups and students.

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Web, regional directors, statewide list 06275schneider
Source: Ingrid Schneider (612) 624-4947, tourism@umn.edu
Editor: Jack Sperbeck (612) 625-1794, sperb001@umn.edu