The Federal Way City Council this week awarded $13,500 to five not-for-profit organizations so they can increase their tourism activity this year. The grants are part of the City’s ongoing Tourism Enhancement Grant program (TEG), which is funded by the City’s lodging tax
revenues.

The goal of TEG is to continually increase the number of visitors and tourists to Federal Way.

Specifically, the City wants to increase overnight hotel stays, retail sales and other tourism induced economic activity. The program assists not-for-profits in hosting sports and/or cultural events in the city that otherwise might not occur without some assistance.

The following organizations were awarded TEG grants for their upcoming events:

• Sudden Impact Invitation Tournament Girls’ Fastpitch
• Centerstage “Ain’t Misbehavin’”
• Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club Women’s Amateur Golf Tournament
• Washington State USSSA Men’s Softball NW Championships
• Federal Way Symphony Holiday Concert

This was the first of two rounds of grants for 2010, with approximately $40,000 budgeted for the entire year. The next round will occur in the fall to award the remaining $26,500.

Applications are competitively judged on the quality of the event, organizers’ past performance, geographic draw of attendees, and overall economic impact potential. The applications are scored by a volunteer committee then the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

Recommendations then go to the Finance/Economic Development/Regional Affairs Committee for consideration before being sent to the full City Council.