28 different tourism and travel organizations were awarded with grants at the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau’s annual “Toast to Tourism” event last night.
This was the first time in two years the event was held due to the pandemic. But it came back in roaring fashion, offering the winners a combined $100,000 in funding.
“We are pleased to be resuming the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau Member Grant Program” Tourism President Jack Cohen said. “The purpose of the grant program is to enhance the tourism experience, increase tourism visitation and overnight stays in Butler County.”
The bureau also awarded retired Judge Martin O’Brien with the Tourism Ambassador of the Year award for his work with Washington’s Trail.
“Washington’s Trail 1753 is a special story about the history of Butler County and our country,” Cohen said. “Marty always thinks about Butler County first. There is nothing better than someone that has that passion to move this project forward.”
The trail traces the then 21-year-old George Washington’s first diplomatic trip from Williamsburg, Virginia through Butler County to Fort LeBouef in northwest Pennsylvania.
2022 Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau Member Grant Program winners:
The Rodfathers of Butler
Butler Suite Thyme
Butler Downtown
Slippery Rock Developments – Partner: Slippery Rock University
Wagon Wheel Antiques
Zelienople Area Business Association
Family Bowlaway – Partner: Springhill Suites
Curio Cool
Git Fit Families, LLC – Partner: Bear Run Campground and Moraine Preservation Fund
Sweetwater Farms
Missing Links Brewery
Big Butler Parts a Rama
Butler Freeport Community Trail
CranberryTownship
Harmony Business Association – Partner: Historic Harmony/Harmony Museum
Butler Old Stone House Region AACA
The History Hobo – Partner: Butler County Historical Society
Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tours
GRT Ultra, Inc.
Butler AM Rotary – Partner: Springhill Suites
Moraine, McConnells Mill and Jennings Commission – Partner: Moraine State Park
Butler Farm Show, Inc.
Glade Run Lake Conservancy
SurfSUP Adventures – Partner: Krol Media Associates
Derailleur Bike Shop Cafe
Spring Street Studios
Pinehall at Eisler Farms
Suite Retreat B&B – Partner: All About Reclaimed