MOLINE, ILLINOIS (May 23, 2024) — Visit Quad Cities is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Regional Development Authority (RDA) as part of its Spring Grant Cycle. This funding will support organizational efforts to boost tourism, bring more events to the Quad Cities, and enhance economic development of the region.

The grant is part of RDA's allocation of $2,019,680 to 75 grantees, focusing on human services, arts, culture, education, and economic development. RDA’s mission is to strategically fund initiatives that create a vibrant, inclusive, and growing community, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the diverse communities within the Quad Cities region.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Regional Development Authority for this generous grant and investment,” said Joan Kranovich, Vice President of Business Growth and Director of Sports QC at Visit Quad Cities. “The support from RDA will significantly enhance our business development and event-acquisition efforts as our team continues to actively bid on, recruit, and host a diverse range of events. This initiative is not just about increasing tourism but also driving economic growth and creating a more vibrant community for residents, positioning the Quad Cities as a premier destination for meetings, group business, and sports events.”

Funds from the grant will be used for bid fees, facility rentals, equipment/transportation rentals, event sponsorships, and other event incentives. The grant does not support operational expenses for Visit Quad Cities as an organization but directly aligns with the mission of VQC and its efforts to compete against other destinations to secure business opportunities. Group business directly recruited by VQC drives a minimum economic impact of over $30 million annually.

To learn more about how Visit Quad Cities leads regional economic development through tourism, visit visitquadcities.com/about/stats-facts.

About Visit Quad Cities

Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the region's official destination-management and marketing organization (DMMO). Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine that drives economic opportunity through tourism, builds our authentic brand, tells and sells the Quad Cities story, and enhances Quad Citizens’ quality of life and place.

About Regional Development Authority

The Regional Development Authority (RDA) collaborates with organizations to create a vibrant, inclusive, and growing community. As the non-profit license-holder and Qualified Sponsoring Organization for the Rhythm City Casino, the RDA strategically funds initiatives that benefit Scott County and the Quad Cities region.

Support the River Cities' Reader

Get 12 Reader issues mailed monthly for $48/year.

Old School Subscription for Your Support

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Old School Subscribe now.



Help Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93!

 

"We're the River Cities' Reader, and we've kept the Quad Cities' only independently owned newspaper alive and free since 1993.

So please help the Reader keep going with your one-time, monthly, or annual support. With your financial support the Reader can continue providing uncensored, non-scripted, and independent journalism alongside the Quad Cities' area's most comprehensive cultural coverage." - Todd McGreevy, Publisher