PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2021

CVB Contact: Alana Cooper
Phone: 318.387.5691
E-mail: acooper@monroe-westmonroe.org

DISCOVER MONROE-WEST MONROE AWARDED HALF A MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANTS TO
COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Monroe-West Monroe, LA – Discover Monroe-West Monroe awarded half a million dollars in
grants to community partners at a press conference on Feb. 9. Community partners applied for Festival, Events & Marketing and Capital Improvement grants through Discover Monroe-West Monroe’s Tourism Development Program.

“On behalf of Discover Monroe-West Monroe today, we are investing $567,850 into
the tourism product of Ouachita Parish.” Alana Cooper, Discover Monroe-West
Monroe President/CEO said.

The Festival, Events, & Marketing grant amounts rewarded are as follows:

- Emy-Lou Biedenharn Foundation - $11,420.00
- Friends of Chennault Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana, LLC. - $16,930.00

The Capital Improvement grant amounts rewarded are as follows:
- Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo - $403,000.00
- City of Monroe - $61,500
- Kiroli Foundation – 75,000

“Discover Monroe West Monroe continues to invest in the tourism industry in Ouachita
Parish. We strive to support the experience visitors have at our local attractions through
investment in tourism industry products. We plan to continue this community investment
which allows for opportunities to bring more visitors to the area providing greater economic
impact. The return on the investment has been a great help to our economy.” Alana Cooper,
Discover Monroe-West Monroe President/CEO said.

For more information, contact Alana Cooper at 318.387.5691 or acooper@monroewestmonore.org

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Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel,
conventions, meetings, and sporting events creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org.