IN Canon-Mac Summer 2017 | Page 11

which will attract new attendees and hopefully additional sponsors . Tourism is a business and we are pleased to make these investments in our tourism assets .”
WASHINGTON COUNTY TO BENEFIT FROM $ 187,600 IN TOURISM INVESTMENTS
The Washington County Board of Commissioners announced $ 187,600 in new tourism investments at an event held at the LeMoyne House in the City of Washington .
According to Larry Maggi , Chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners , tourism is a major economic driver in the county .
“ Washington County ’ s economy is not only being driven by energy , financial services and advanced manufacturing , but by a strong tourism industry . In fact , tourism continues to be one of the largest industries in the county with more than $ 760 million in direct visitor spending and supporting nearly 6,000 jobs according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development ,” he said . “ These new investments in our tourism assets and attractions will support additional economic growth and increase our quality of life — attracting more leisure and business visitors as well as residents to our county .”
The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency also launched its new Washington County Attractions Guide featuring the county ’ s tourism attractions and events as well as maps , hotels and field trip offerings .
Jeff Kotula , President of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency , noted that the capital and marketing grants are investments in tourism ’ s future .
“ We believe it is the agency ’ s role to provide resources to increase marketing and advertising as well as invest in capital improvements for our tourism assets . Specifically in [ these ] marketing awards to such organizations as the Whiskey Rebellion Festival and World Series Tournaments , Inc .— which represents the DICK ’ s Sporting Goods PONY League World Series — we were very clear that these resources were not to be utilized for operations , but in a manner that will add new marketing components such as social media and customer specific advertising ,” he said . “ Through increased advertising and promotion , we want to boost the exposure of these events ,
TOWN HALL SOUTH ANNOUNCES 2017-18 SPEAKER SERIES
Town Hall South is a philanthropic organization dedicated to bringing nationally and internationally acclaimed lecturers to the South Hills .
Founded in 1969 as an outreach program of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St . Clair , Town Hall South continues to function as a self-sustaining entity under the gracious auspices of the church .
Annually , a portion of proceeds is awarded as grants to a wide variety of local organizations in the surrounding community . Featured speakers this season are : Marlee Matlin , Oct . 3 , 2017 Michael Sandel , Nov . 7 , 2017 Tom Gjelten , Dec . 5 , 2017 Theresa Payton , Feb . 6 , 2018 Fabien Cousteau , March 6 , 2018 For more information , go to townhallsouth . org . n
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