Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – The Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau has awarded a $100,000 grant to the French Lick Resort to support its continued efforts in conference development and convention attraction. The funding is part of the 2025 OCCVB grant cycle, which includes $340,000 in available grants and sponsorships funding aimed at strengthening tourism and driving regional economic impact in the Indiana Uplands.
Executive Director Joe Lannan took the helm of the OCCVB less than one year ago with a clear charge from the board of directors: elevate the visibility of the region and enhance the mission of the bureau through strategic investments, bold partnerships and expanded capacity for tourism stakeholders. This major grant is one of several new tools being deployed to achieve that vision.
“With my background in group tourism and site selection in mid and large markets, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes for destinations to land major events and conventions,” said Lannan. “This grant gives us the firepower to not only attract high-impact groups but also deliver the experience and hospitality they expect from a top-tier destination.”
The 2025 grant program also includes Tourism Impact Grants, Marketing Match Grants and Event Sponsorships, all available now through the CVB’s online portal at occvb.smapply.org.
Eligible applicants include local nonprofits, venues, municipalities and tourism-facing organizations.
While these grants are primarily designed to support Orange County-based initiatives, the OCCVB also encourages applications from eligible regional entities that can demonstrate a measurable impact on tourism in Orange County. These may include collaborative events, group travel initiatives, or marketing campaigns that drive overnight stays and visitation to the area.
Tourism is one of the most powerful economic development engines for Orange County, fueling small businesses, job creation and community pride. Through these investments, OCCVB aims to not only attract visitors but also enhance the overall guest experience while improving the quality-of-place for local residents.
Looking ahead, OCCVB has also announced plans for expanded investment in 2026, which will include:
● Over $582,000 in available grants, scholarships, and cooperative funding, and
● An additional $250,000 dedicated to special projects including wayfinding signage, influencer promotion strategy, and marketing support for organizations across Orange County.
The French Lick Resort plans to use this year’s grant for hospitality incentives, marketing and outreach to attract new business and group bookings.
OCCVB Brand Strategy Manager, Makenzie VanHoy said about the funding, “Our brand is built on authenticity and timeless experiences. This investment helps our partners deliver both in ways that bring visitors back again and again.”
“We’re not just investing in events, we’re investing in the people, places, and partnerships that define Orange County,” noted OCCVB Community Impact Manager Elizabeth Henderson.
For more information about available grants or to apply, visit occvb.smapply.org or contact the OCCVB team at 812-936-3418.
About the Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau
The OCCVB’s marketing and grantmaking efforts are funded through a 4% innkeepers tax, collected from overnight stays at hotels, bed & breakfasts, and online marketplace facilitators (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) across Orange County. These funds are reinvested directly into programs and initiatives that support economic growth, enhance community assets, and increase regional tourism visibility.
The OCCVB promotes tourism and economic vitality in Orange County, Indiana, by supporting strategic marketing, destination development, and local partnerships. Through targeted grantmaking and capacity-building, the bureau aims to create a thriving visitor economy and a vibrant, inclusive community experience for all. Explore more at VFLWB.com