Thanks to a new program initiated in late 2022, Destination Door County (DDC) was honored with a state award on Tuesday evening.
Destination Door County (DDC) received the innovation award at the Governor’s Dinner at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference in Lake Geneva.
The Innovation Award is presented to a business or community demonstrating outstanding initiative by implementing new strategies that positively impact their organization and destination.
DDC received this award for its groundbreaking Community Investment Fund, launched in 2023. This innovative initiative utilizes room tax dollars generated by overnight visitors to Door County to fund projects to enhance the quality of life for residents and workers while enriching the visitor experience. A dozen projects by local non-profits, agencies, and charities benefited from $575,251 in awarded grants.
"Our groundbreaking Community Investment Fund embodies our commitment to enhancing both resident livelihoods and visitor experiences, said Julie Gilbert, CEO and President of Destination Door County. "This accolade reflects the dedication and creativity of our team and our ongoing efforts to enhance the visitor experience while supporting the local community."
Chief Communications Officer Jon Jarosh shares details on how the Community Investment Fund was implemented in the past year.
Wisconsin’s tourism industry honors six Governor’s Tourism Awards recipients yearly at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
(photo courtesy of Yvonne Torres)
