Donald E. Williams, Jr.

Williams: State Grant to Help Promote Willimantic Will Help Local Businesses

Willimantic Renaissance, Inc. earns grant from Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism

Willimantic: Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) welcomes news that the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism has awarded Willimantic Renaissance, Inc. a Marketing Cooperative Grant. The $7,600 grant will help the organization promote Willimantic and attract tourists by participating in statewide on-line marketing initiatives.

“The tourism industry can help provide jobs and economic development not only to Willimantic, but the entire region,” said Senator Williams. “This is a smart investment in our local economy and I look forward to seeing the benefits to our small businesses.”

According to its Web site, Willimantic Renaissance, Inc is, “ . . . a grassroots organization consisting of diverse individuals and area organizations working to revitalize downtown Willimantic as a regional center.”

Jean deSmet, a member of Willimantic Renaissance, said, “We’re excited for the opportunity to promote Willimantic throughout New England as a tourist destination. This is great for economic development and will help our local businesses.”

The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism was created by the General Assembly in 2003 to bring together arts, historic preservation and tourism in the state. Its mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut’s cultural and tourism assets in order to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the state.

Connecticut’s Commission of Culture & Tourism says it is, “ . . . committed to supporting our cultural, artistic, historic preservation and tourism organizations so that they can achieve their goals and continue to add to Connecticut’s economic vitality and quality of life.”