Published: March 10, 2009 03:16 pm      

HCCVB extends tourism scholarship deadline

Representatives of the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau (HCCVB) recently presented a check to the Hendricks County Community Foundation for the development of two $1,000 tourism scholarships for residents of Hendricks County.

“We are honored and pleased to begin this annual award for 2009 and we plan to work closely with individuals who are seeking tourism as their choice for a career,” said Emory Lencke, executive director of the HCCVB. “Tourism is the third largest employer in the state of Indiana and many individuals can and will benefit from our efforts here in Hendricks County.”

The first non-renewable scholarship is designated for a graduating senior from any Hendricks County high school who is a resident of the county and who will be attending an Indiana college or university, pursuing a degree in a tourism industry related field. The deadline for this application has been extended to March 20. Programs that will be considered as tourism include hospitality programs, hotel/lodging management, restaurant, food or beverage management, culinary training, event management, travel planning, motorsports, cultural development, sports tourism, and food production training.

The second scholarship will be awarded to an adult who is a resident of Hendricks County and is also pursing a degree in a tourism related field from an Indiana college or university in a category as identified above.

The high school scholarship applications are being handled through the Hendricks County Community Foundation and those interested in applying for the adult scholarship may do so through Hendricks College Network.

Lynne Fuller, president of the Tourism Commission and owner of F2, Inc. Tourism Consulting, will head the committee to award the scholarships. Other committee members include Debra Beasley, owner of Beasley’s Orchard, and Scott R. Smith, senior communications manager at O’Reilly Raceway Park and a governor appointee to the Indiana Tourism Council.

In order to jump start the fund to ensure future growth of the program, the HCCVB dedicated an initial $20,000 endowment to the HCCF. That endowment will continue to grow and reinvest for the future of tourism in the county. The HCCVB has also agreed to budget annual contributions to the fund to continue to allow for the development of tourism programs.

For more information on the high school scholarship, call Susan Rozzi with the HCCF at 718-1200 or visit the website at www.hendrickscountycf.org. For more information on the adult program, call Hendricks College Network at 745-9265 or visit the website at www.hendrickscollegenetwork.com.