Tooele County agency approves $15,000 grant for out-of-county advertising

The Tooele County Council meeting on May 6, 2025, focused on grant funding requests aimed at promoting out-of-county advertising and tourism initiatives. Several organizations presented their applications, with discussions highlighting the effectiveness of their marketing strategies and visitor tracking.

The Stansbury Service Agency requested $15,000, which the council unanimously recommended. Their application included a detailed marketing plan that demonstrated strong out-of-county visitor tracking, leading to the full grant amount being awarded. Council members expressed satisfaction with the agency's performance in attracting visitors from outside the county.

Upper Echelon Cycle, LLC, based in Wendover, sought $5,000 but was recommended for only $2,000. The council noted that while their out-of-county tracking was excellent, the funding would specifically support website and social media campaigns, excluding payments for professional athletes or influencers. This organization received 42% of their requested grant.

The council also discussed an application from the Utah Pioneers, which was deemed ineligible for funding due to its request for capital improvements rather than marketing initiatives. Additionally, the City of Wendover submitted a request for $30,675, but the application lacked necessary details and was more of a demand for tax funding than a formal request.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing tourism through targeted advertising efforts, with a focus on accountability and effective tracking of visitor engagement.