The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce received a $4,000.00 grant from the
Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)’s Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program (MMLP)
for its “Explore the Shore” marketing.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce partnered with other local businesses to
supply matching funds for the project “Explore the Shore” marketing campaign encouraging
travel to the Eastern Shore of Virginia during the shoulder season. Driving tourism to the Eastern
Shore of Virginia in the shoulder season is crucial for sustaining economic activity during offpeak times. It helps businesses stay viable, creates employment opportunities, and contributes to a more stable and diversified local economy. Additionally, promoting shoulder-season tourism can reduce the strain on popular destinations during peak times, offering visitors a more relaxed experience while highlighting the area's attractions throughout the year.
Virginia Tourism Corporation awarded more than $757,000 to 131 marketing programs,
ultimately impacting 655 combined partners, and supporting more than 1,300 jobs across the
state to help increase off-season visitation to tourism businesses and destinations.
“I am thrilled the ESVA Chamber of Commerce was awarded the Micro Business Grant. The businesses and communities on the Eastern Shore of Virginia will greatly benefit from this grant, and we are very excited to see its impact” Robert Sabbatini, Executive Director, ESVA Chamber of Commerce
“We are overjoyed that the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce was awarded the MMLP grant, it’s especially meaningful as it recognizes and supports our efforts to promote tourism during the shoulder season, enhancing the sustainability and vitality of our community.” Anne Clark, Director of Marketing & Events, ESVA Chamber of Commerce
“The Micro Business Marketing Leverage Program is part of VTC’s strategy to grow year-round
visitation in Virginia and is designed to support small tourism businesses with marketing dollars
to drive out-of-state visitation during off-peak travel seasons. We are excited about this program
because we see it as a gateway for small businesses to engage with VTC’s marketing and
development ecosystem to grow their business and build on the Virginia is for Lovers branding,”
said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
The VTC Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program is designed to increase visitor spending in
the off-season by leveraging limited marketing dollars, stimulating new tourism marketing
through partnerships, and extending the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand. This is a program
focused on supporting tourism businesses with less than 20 full-time employees through
marketing partnerships. A minimum of five Virginia entities must partner to apply for the
microbusiness marketing grant. Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties,
convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination
marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other
tourism-related businesses.
About the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce serves as a vital catalyst for economic
growth and community development. By fostering collaboration among businesses, it creates
networking opportunities, encourages knowledge-sharing, and facilitates partnerships. The
Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce advocates for the interests of its members,
influencing local policies and promoting a favorable business environment. Through events,
training, and resources, it enhances members' professional development. Furthermore, the
Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce plays a pivotal role in promoting the local
region, attracting investments, and bolstering the overall economic vitality of the community it
serves. Learn more by visiting www.esvachamber.org.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world.
Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with
promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love
in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for
Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a
great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.