Tourism Promotion Agency announces grants
The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency announced $155,300 in new tourism investments Tuesday in addition to the $454,275 in grants awarded earlier this year.
The additional grants will allow for additional 2026 investments in capital projects and marketing.
“The tourism industry continues to be a key contributor in Washington County’s economy,” said Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion Agency. “In fact, according to the most recent report from the
Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, the tourism economy is responsible for $719.5 million in direct visitor spending per year and supports over 5,500 jobs across the county. These new investments in our tourism assets and attractions will support additional economic growth, improve the visitor experience, and increase our quality of life – attracting more leisure and business visitors as well as residents to our county.”
During this cycle of funding, grants have been awarded to the following
organizations for capital improvements or marketing initiatives:
Always B Smiling – $25,000
Claysville Playgrounds Association, $20,000
Family Festivals Association, Inc. $20,000
Little A Town Arena, $10,000
Marianna Outdoorsmen Association, $4,800
National Duncan Glass Society, $12,700
National Pike Trail Council, $15,000
North Strabane Township Park, $10,000
Washington County Heritage Alliance, $2,800
Washington County Historical Society, $15,000
Washington Symphonic Orchestra, $10,000
West Alexander Agricultural Association, $10,000
In addition, the tourism board elected its 2026 executive committee members and announced the reappointment of board members.
For 2026, the board elected Jim Lyle as chairman; Jeffrey Jones, vice chairman; Jodi Noble, treasurer, and Anthony Mauro, secretary.
The agency board also reappointed members Clay Kilgore, Noble and Mauro to the board for additional four-year terms.