Calhoun County Visitors Bureau web upgrades to provide 'a more accessible experience' for all users
BATTLE CREEK — The Calhoun County Visitors Bureau is one of 10 Michigan destination marketing organizations receiving federal funding to make accessible website upgrades for the visually impaired.
The CCVB is receiving $17,000 in federal Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration funds for website development through the Accessible Traveler Grant initiative. The goal of the grant program is to allow Michigan’s destination marketing organizations to provide a more accessible experience to all users, increasing tourism and improving the development of Michigan’s economy.
Funding allotments were approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund earlier this month.
“We launched a new website design in November, one that’s about telling the stories of Calhoun County. If someone Googles ‘Battle Creek,’ we want to make sure there aren’t any barriers to finding those stories — along with events, restaurant recommendations, assistance with lodging and more," Annie Kelley, communications director for the CCVB, said. "This grant is going to be a huge help in making information about the county accessible to all visitors. We’re grateful to Travel Michigan for the help.”
The funds for the Accessible Traveler initiative are part of the $10.3 million State Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation grant, allocated to Michigan in 2021 for statewide travel and tourism marketing and advertising efforts to help the travel industry rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional recipients include Experience Grand Rapids, the Livingston County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the West Michigan Tourist Association.
“The MEDC and Travel Michigan are committed to ensuring that all are welcome in Pure Michigan,” Kelly Wolgamott, interim vice president of Travel Michigan, said in a news release. "We’re pleased to support our statewide travel partners as they proactively work to create a more diverse and inclusive industry and a more accessible environment through accessible website development and by becoming more welcoming to travelers of all abilities.”
Formed in 1979, the CCVB promotes Calhoun County regionally and nationally as a destination for business meetings, sporting events and tourism related activities. For more information, visit battlecreekvisitors.org.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Calhoun County Visitors Bureau to make website upgrades
