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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>City Council approved the awarding of $183,135 in ATAX grants to seven non-profit local organizations at its Oct. 12 Regular Meeting.</p>
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<p>Council accepted the recommendations of the Tourism Development Advisory Committee (TDAC), which considers applications annually.</p>
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<p>The grants are generated by the State Accommodations Tax (ATAX) revenue, and state law governs the distribution and use of the monies. A certain amount of these revenues is allocated for the grant process to non-profit groups focused on the promotion, marketing, and advertising of tourism. TDAC meets once a year to review, discuss and score applicant presentations for these grants.</p>
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<p>This year, $183,135 was budgeted for grants. TDAC committee members noted that a total of $235,732 was requested by eight organizations.</p>
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<p>The grantees and amounts:</p>
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<p>Greater Beaufort/Port Royal CVB/DMO for sales plan: $20,000</p>
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<p>Greater Beaufort/Port Royal CVB/DMO for destination marketing: $130,000</p>
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<p>Port Royal Sound Foundation for outdoor exhibits for Maritime Center: $3,750</p>
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<p>SC Lowcountry &amp; Resort Islands Tourism Commission for promotion of City of Beaufort and Lowcountry: $15,000</p>
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<p>Beaufort Sports Council for sports sales initiative: $12,731</p>
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<p>Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail for visitor rack cards: $654</p>
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<p>Historic Beaufort Foundation for Verdier House online marketing: $1,000</p>
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