Lincoln, NE – Visit Eau Claire is happy to announce that it was recognized for outstanding innovation and creativity with the receipt of the 2014 Bruce Riley McDaniel Award for Bureau Innovation.  The award was presented at the Upper Midwest Convention & Visitors Bureau (UMCVB) Fall Conference, September 14-16 in Lincoln, NE for Nouveau Marketing, Visit Eau Claire’s full-service in-house marketing "agency" for local organizations that do not have the resources to pay for or contract with a full-time marketing manager or firm.

"Often we find that local citizens join non-profit boards because they are passionate about a cause or hobby.  Most of the time, boards aren’t "stacked" with marketing experts, and organizations lack the funds necessary to contract a professional marketing agency.  Recognizing this fact, and also considering our goal at Visit Eau Claire to establish high-quality "curriculum" for interns, Nouveau Marketing was launched." said Linda John, Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire.

The UMCVB Conference provides an opportunity for professional education, sharing of best practices, and networking for destination marketing organizations such as Visit Eau Claire.  The Bureau Innovation Award is presented annually in two categories; budgets of $350,000 and over, and budgets of less than $350,000.  Applicants need to demonstrate how their program or event is innovative, creative and sustainable, along with how it aligns with organizational goals and community partnerships.

Visit Eau Claire effectively markets the Eau Claire area as a destination for conventions, group tour, sporting events, and leisure markets, while also promoting regional economic growth, enhancing the area’s overall identity and image, selling fun, promoting fun, and most importantly – Having FUN!