tourism federation of wisconsin

Wisconsin tourism industry's unified voice in government relations

TFW cooperatively seeks to improve Wisconsin's tourism industry through supportive legislation and policies.

TFW Legislative Successes

Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions

Destinations Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells VCB

Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association

Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Create Wisconsin

Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin

National Federation of Independent Business-Wisconsin

Outdoor Advertising Assoc. of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association

Wisconsin Fuel & Retail Association

- Increasing Wisconsin tourism promotional funding..

- Passing and maintaining a law mandating the Wisconsin UW System and K-12 schools begin classes after September 1st unless granted a waiver from the Department of Public Instruction.

- Passing room tax reform laws which dedicate room tax for tourism promotion and development.

July 2021 - Governor Evers signed the 2021-23 state budget that maintained funding for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's marketing budget.

November 2023 - TFW takes positions on two bills being considered this legislative session.

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The Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions (AWTA) members represent the best of what Wisconsin has to offer.

Formed in 1986, AWTA has grown to become a major voice in promoting Wisconsin’s tourism economy. AWTA provides members with various governmental affairs services ensuring members’ voices are heard.

All of our members subscribe to an honor code that includes:

• Courtesy and Cleanliness
• Fair Admission and Ethical Operation
• Quality Exhibits or Entertainment

AWTA Successes

Tourism funding.

The annual budget for state tourism promotion has grown considerably since AWTA was formed in 1986. Every two years, we work with the Department of Tourism and the Legislature to advocate for the importance of tourism marketing dollars. With reliable studies showing an 8 to 1 return on investment, we continue to push for increased state support in tourism promotion funding.

School Start Date

AWTA led efforts to change state law which requires all K-12 public schools to begin no earlier than September 1. This ensures that our members have both customers and staff during the last two weeks of August—peak tourism weeks.

AWTA has worked relentlessly to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Wisconsin tourism. We have advocated for financial relief package legislation, worked with state agencies to implement reopening safety plans, and promoted the tourism industry in the media.

Liability/Tort Reform

AWTA members are leaders in defeating legislation that would have held businesses accountable for 100% of damages even when those businesses were found to be only 1% at fault. We continue to advocate for liability protections in the COVID-19 era.

A Voice for Small Business

AWTA is a voice for our members on all issues impacting the viability and profitability of small businesses, such as minimum wage, workers compensation, unemployment compensation, etc.

Tourism Federation of Wisconsin (TFW)

TFW is an organization of like-minded associations that lobby at state and federal levels on behalf of tourism. AWTA is a found member as well.

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Latest News

Wi assoc. of cvbs becomes destinations wisconsin.

Manitowoc – (November 7, 2019) The Wisconsin Association of Convention Visitors Bureaus (WACVB) today announced that it will now be doing business as “Destinations Wisconsin.”  The organization has 38 members that work together to drive destination economic impact, job creation and enhanced quality of life through tourism. 

“ Destinations Wisconsin better reflects our evolving membership, said Executive Director Julia Hertel.  “Whether they are a convention and visitors bureau, chamber of commerce or similar tourism entity, our members continue to drive economic impact in their communities through tourism marketing.  But beyond that, they are playing a more collaborative role to ensure their destinations’ success through job creation, community sustainability and quality of life.”

Destinations Wisconsin was formed in 1993 and strengthens and supports Wisconsin destination marketing and management organizations by providing educational, marketing and advocacy opportunities.    Destinations Wisconsin also partners with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to promote the state as a meetings and convention destination and sporting events destination through the Meet in Wisconsin and Sports Wisconsin campaigns.  The organization hosts the annual Wisconsin Fall Tourism Conference, serves as a member of the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin (the state tourism industry’s advocacy coalition), and is a member of Destinations International.

“As destinations around the world are making strides to encompass visitors and residents together in their promotional efforts, we applaud Destinations Wisconsin on behalf of the state’s destination organizations for adopting a name that identifies the greater community of Wisconsin as a place people want to live, work, visit and invest – a place that is a destination for visitor and residents alike,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International.

Destinations Wisconsin’s website address is now www.destinationswisconsin.com , however it will redirect users of its former address, www.escapetowisconsin.com , to the redesigned site.  The website will continue to be serve as a portal to member destination websites and social media channels, and allow for the ordering of member destination visitors guides and escapetwisconsin.com bumper stickers.  The redesigned website will also feature more information about the work of Destinations Wisconsin.

Board members of Destinations Wisconsin are: Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau, Visit Beloit, Visit Brookfield, Door County Visitors Bureau, Visit Eau Claire, Destination Lake Winnebago Region, Fox Cities CVB, Greater Green Bay CVB, Janesville Area CVB, Visit Kenosha, Explore La Crosse, Visit Lake Geneva, Destination Madison, Manitowoc Area VCB, Marshfield Area CVB, Visit Milwaukee, Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce, Oshkosh CVB, Real Racine, Visit Sheboygan, Stevens Point Area CVB, Visit Washington County, Waukesha & Pewaukee CVB, Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB, Wisconsin Dells VCB, and Wisconsin Rapids Area CVB.  Associate members are: Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce, Hayward Lakes VCB, Elkhart Lake Tourism Commission, Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce, Middleton Tourism Commission, Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce, Greater Tomah Area CVB, Waupaca Area CVB, Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce and Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce.

Date: 11/07/2019

The Badger Herald

• State of Wisconsin

Wisconsin tourism industry experiences highest growth since 2019

Tourism spending in Wisconsin is on the rise, despite decreased spending nationally, according to a press release from Gov. Evers.

The tourism industry saw its first monthly year-over-year increase since before the pandemic in 2019 this past September, according to Evers.

Wisconsin beat out many of its regional competitors in tourism spending. The press release said Wisconsin was one of 13 states to showcase growth in tourism spending during Sept. 2021, in comparison to Sept. 2019. Other Midwestern states like Illinois and Minnesota reported up to 21% drops in tourism spending.

“The tourism industry is an essential part of our state and our economy,” Evers said in the press release.  “We’ve put more than $200 million in federal recovery funds toward helping our tourism and hospitality industries get through this pandemic and bounce back, and I’m proud of our work to help support our economic recovery.”

Wisconsin Supreme Court rules to limit changes for redistricting maps in victory for Republicans

The Wisconsin State Journal said some events like Summerfest in Milwaukee and Art Fair in the Square were moved to September, boosting tourism figures. Badger football games were also major pulls for tourists.

An article from Spectrum News showcased another indicator of increased tourism. According to the article, air travel in and out of Wisconsin is reaching pre-pandemic levels.

In search for new UW System president, Board of Regents hires controversial firm

Although this past September saw exceptional growth in the tourism industry, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism still expects 2021 to be a slower year than 2019, the Associated Press said.

Administrator of the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin Sarah Hartel said in 2019, sports tourism increased for things like youth tournaments, and good weather and new facilities across the state contributed to this success.

Hartel said urban tourism was more negatively affected by the pandemic than tourism in more remote areas.

Government spending played a big part in keeping the tourism industry afloat amid the pandemic, Hartel said.

“There have been several programs that have been a big help – the Restaurant Recovery Act, the Payroll Protection programs, as well as Governor Evers’s administration dedicating over $200 million throughout the pandemic for the tourism industry,” Hartel said.

• badger football
• govenor evers
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• sarah hartel
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GOVERNOR'S TOURISM AWARDS

T he Governor’s Tourism Awards recognize individuals and businesses in the travel and tourism industry who turn BIG DREAMS into exceptional results and leave a lasting impact on Wisconsin tourism. Presented at the Governor's Dinner & Awards Celebration, the awards highlight and celebrate all the success of the past year.

The awards are supported by the Wisconsin Tourism Council and nominations can come from industry peers or yourself. Help celebrate Wisconsin tourism and submit nominations for impactful people, projects, events, destinations, and promotions that make our industry exceptional. Award categories and submission details are listed below.  

2023 nominations are now closed.  Award recipients will be announced on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.  

Award Categories

Arts, Culture & Heritage Award

Presented to a business or destination that showcases the arts, culture, or heritage for the enhancement of the tourism experience and economic well-being of a community.

Tourism diversity, equity, accessibility, & inclusion award, identifies a business or destination that has demonstrated leadership in raising awareness or facilitating change to build a more inclusive and welcoming environment for visitors. , tourism innovation award, this award recognizes a business or community that has implemented a new strategy that has positively impacted their organization and/or destination through an innovative approach in technology, sustainability, adaptivity and/or the implementation of best practices. .

Legacy Award

Awarded to an individual who has shown a long-lasting and permanent contribution to the industry.  Nominees should have 25 years or more of distinguished services to the tourism industry, including at least 15 years in Wisconsin. 

Rising Star Award

Recognizes individuals who are new to the industry who have shown leadership, commitment, and passion for Wisconsin tourism. Nominees should have five or fewer years in the industry.

Service Excellence Award

Recipient is a business or individual that has achieved significant success and growth by providing exceptional service to customers, as well as a strong, charitable involvement in the community.

2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Rising Star Award (Tied): Amy Albright, Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau  Lauren Sackett, Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce 

Innovation Award:   WI River Trail Organization

Tourism Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, & Inclusion Award:  Unique Unites, Visit Milwaukee

Arts, Culture, & Heritage Award (Tied):  Create Waunakee Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower

Service Excellence Award:  Racine Zoo

Legacy Award:  Sherry Quamme, MI River Parkway Commission/WI Great River Road 

Submit an award nomination

Please review the following criteria carefully before completing your nomination: 

• Nominations should be submitted electronically using the link below.  
• An individual or organization may only submit one nomination per category.
• Multiple submissions for a single nominee will be reviewed and ranked as one nomination. 
• Should a Governor’s Tourism Awards Committee Member be nominated, that member may not participate in the discussion of, or submit a vote on, the award in the category in which they were nominated. 
• Current Department of Tourism staff may not be nominated nor make nominations for the awards.
• All nominations must be received by the end of the day Tuesday, January 31, 2023 to be eligible for consideration.

Submission Process

Nomination forms - step one , 1. choose the applicable nomination category from a starred box below and click on download to access an            award nomination form. forms are in a word document format.  2. complete the award nomination form and save it as a word document. , submission portal - step two  .

1. Click on the submission portal link below to complete a registration form.

2. After you have completed a registration form, upload your completed nomination form from Step One. 

3. After you have completed the registration form AND uploaded your nomination form, you are ready to submit. 

If the submission portal isn't accepting your nomination, please email your Word document to Heidi Schultz at [email protected].

NOMINATION FORM FOR:

Innovation Award

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, & Inclusion Award

SubMission deadline is 

January 31, 2023.

Please contact Heidi Schultz at (608) 261-6272 or [email protected] with any questions regarding the nomination process. Any website issues/questions can be directed to Dawn Zanoni at [email protected].

Past Award Recipients

Award for Arts, Culture, & Heritage:   Wormfarm Institute's Farm Art D'Tour

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, & Inclusion Award:  Rep Forward and Chief Diversity Officer Tammy Belton-Davis of Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Legacy Award:   Dan Small, CEO Host of Outdoor Wisconsin TV & DSO Radio

Rising Star Award:   Claire Koenig, Communications Director of VISIT Milwaukee

Service Excellence Award:   Employee Meal Program, Geronimo Hospitality Group

Stewardship Award:   Mammoth Hike Challenge, Ice Age Trail Alliance

Rising Star Award:   Cameryn Kwaterski, Executive Director of Visit Rome

Stewardship Award:   Village of Egg Harbor

Award for Arts, Culture, & Heritage:   Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel

Service Excellence Award:   Heart of Canal Street, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Legacy Award:   Deb Archer President and CEO of Destination Madison

Rising Star Award:   Cambria Mueller, Door County Visitor Bureau

Stewardship Award:   Frog Bay Tribal National Park 

Award for Arts, Culture, & Heritage:   Peninsula School of Art

Service Excellence Award:   Lars Johnson, Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant

Legacy Award:   Trisha Pugal, CEO/President of WH&L

Rising Star Award:   Amy Gabay, Explore La Crosse

Stewardship Award:    Cave of the Mounds

Award for Arts, Culture, & Heritage:   Taliesin Preservation

Service Excellence Award:   Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation

Legacy Award:   Kathy Kopp, Platteville Regional Chamber of Commerce

Rising Star:  Scott Liegl, Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB

Stewardship:  Joe Klimczak, Cave of the Mounds

Arts, Culture & Heritage:  Brenda DeVita, American Players Theatre

Service Excellence:  Joe Khairallah, Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Legacy:  Gary Knowles, Knowles Communications

Rising Star:  Tim Hyma, Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce

Stewardship:  Meuer Farm, Chilton

Arts, Culture & Heritage:  Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Service Excellence:  James Bolen, Cable Area Chamber of Commerce

Legacy:  Allen Schroeder, Pendarvis Stonefield Historic Site and First Capitol Historic Site; Charles Wilkenhauser, Milwaukee County Zoo

Rising Star:  Brittany Berens, Superior/Douglas County Area Chamber & CVB

Stewardship:  Little Lake Wissota Stewardship Project

Arts, Culture & Heritage:  Racine Art Museum

Service Excellence:  Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB

Legacy:  Dave Clements, La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Rising Star:  Michelle Voight, Washburn County Tourism Association

Stewardship:  Pinehurst Inn

Arts, Culture & Heritage:  Peninsula Players Theatre

Service Excellence:  Monona Terrace Convention Center

Legacy:  Lola Roeh, General Manager, The Osthoff Resort

Rising Star:  Kari Dawson, Real Racine

Stewardship:  Town of Platteville, Wisconsin (accepted by Kathy Kopp, Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce)

Arts, Culture & Heritage:  Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua (accepted by Terry Matier, Executive Director)

Service Excellence:  Greg Vreeland, Northwest Wisconsin Mobile Travel Information Center

Legacy:  Steve Marcus, The Marcus Corporation

Rising Star:  Brenda Krainik, Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau

Stewardship:  City of Middleton

Arts, Culture & Heritage:  American Folklore Theater

Service Excellence:  Lake Geneva Cruise Line

Legacy:  William “Bill” Otto, Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Rising Star:  Jean Galasinki, Trempealeau County Tourism Council, Trempealeau Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi River Parkway Commission

Stewardship:  Town of Bayfield, Wisconsin (accepted by Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau)

Service Excellence:  Mike Goodrich, Potawatomi Bingo Casino

Legacy:  Ed Lump, Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Tourism Federation of Wisconsin; Dick Klopcic, Fireside Theatre

2010  - First Year

Rising Star:  Theresa Nemetz, Milwaukee Food Tours

Stewardship:  Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center

Service Excellence:  Scott Krause, Heidel House Resort & Spa

Legacy:  Ruth Goetz

50 Wisconsin Tourism and Recreation Stats (Infographic)

Wisconsin is a tourism and recreation powerhouse. Read on for 50 must-know Wisconsin tourism and recreation statistics, including a helpful infographic at the end of the post.

Wisconsin Tourism Statistics

Tourism to wisconsin had a $20.9b total economic impact in 2021..

Source: Wisconsin Department of Tourism

There were 102.3M visitor trips to Wisconsin in 2021.

The total economic impact of tourism to wisconsin was $20.9b in 2021..

Source: The Wisconsin Visitor Industry by Tourism Economics

Tourism to Wisconsin generated 169,700 jobs in 2021.

Visitors to wisconsin spent $12.9b in 2021., overnight visitors to wisconsin spent $8.6b in 2021., day visitors to wisconsin spent $4.3b in 2021., visitors to wisconsin spent $3.5b on lodging in 2021., visitors to wisconsin spent $3.4b on food and beverage in 2021., visitors to wisconsin spent $2.6b on retail in 2021., visitors to wisconsin spent 1.7b on transportation in 2021., visitors to wisconsin spent $1.6b on recreation and entertainment in 2021., day visitors spent an average of $70 per person in 2021., overnight visitors spent an average of $213 per person in 2021., the average visitor to wisconsin spent $126 in 2021., the 3rd quarter has the highest level of visitor spending in wisconsin, at nearly $4.5b., tourism to wisconsin generated $1.4b in state and local taxes., tourism to wisconsin supports 169k full-time and part-time jobs., eaa airventure in osk kosh contributes $170m in economic benefit..

Source: UW Osh Kosh Today

The State of Wisconsin budgets $781K/year to promote tourism.

Source: Wisconsin Tourism Federation

Milwaukee County has the highest level of direct visitor spending at over $1.3B in 2021.

Sauk county has the second highest level of direct visitor spending at $960m in 2021., dane county has the third highest level of direct visitor spending at $783m in 2021., waukesha county has the fourth highest level of direct visitor spending at nearly $574m in 2021., brown county has the fifth highest level of direct visitor spending at $476m., walworth county has the sixth highest level of direct visitor spending at nearly $438m in 2021., door county has the seventh highest level of direct visitor spending at $304m in 2021., wisconsin recreation statistics, 20 million people visit wisconsin state parks each year..

Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Outdoor Recreation contributes $7.8B to the gross domestic product of Wisconsin. This is a 2.3% share of the state’s GDP.

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce

Outdoor recreation supports over 87K jobs, a 3.0% share of all jobs in the State of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin ranks 5th in the us for the share of all jobs in outdoor recreation-related manufacturing..

Source: Headwaters Economics

Outdoor recreation contributes $4.2B in worker compensation, a 2.1% share of compensation in Wisconsin.

95% of wisconsin residents participate in outdoor recreation., motorcycling/atvin added over $990m to wisconsin’s gross domestic product in 2020. this is the highest amount of any state in the united states of america., boating and fishing added over $720m to the gross domestic product of the state of wisconsin in 2020., bicycling added over $308m to the gross domestic product of the state of wisconsin in 2020. this is second in the nation., rving added over $299m to the gross domestic product in the state of wisconsin in 2020., hunting, shooting, and trapping added over $171m to the gross domestic product in the state of wisconsin in 2020., equestrian activities added over $129m to the gross domestic product in the state of wisconsin in 2020., climbing, hiking, and tent camping added over $107m to the gross domestic product in the state of wisconsin in 2020., snow activities added over $51m to the gross domestic product in the state of wisconsin in 2020., recreational flying added over $14m to the gross domestic product in the state of wisconsin in 2020., 2,359,000 people participated in wildlife watching in wisconsin in 2011, for a $1.4m economic impact..

Source: Wildlife Watching in the U.S.: the Economic Impacts on National and State Economies in 2011.

The National Parks Service administers 4 areas in the State of Wisconsin: the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail, and the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Source: National Park Service

657K people visited areas and properties administered by the National Park Service in Wisconsin in 2021.

Areas and properties administered by the national park service in wisconsin contributed $99.3m in economic output in 2021., 2,519 sites in wisconsin are listed on the national register of historic places., wisconsin has 43 national historic landmarks., wisconsin has 18 national natural landmarks, wisconsin has 2 world heritage sites..

Headwaters Economics

Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce

Wildlife Watching in the U.S.: the Economic Impacts on National and State Economies in 2011

Wisconsin Tourism Federation

UW Osh Kosh Today

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The Wisconsin Visitor Industry by Tourism Economics

National Park Service

Mark Stoneman

Door County Attractions

Door County Dining

Door County Lodging

Door County Destinations

• Best Hotels in Door County
• Best Things To Do in Door County
• Best Door County Boat Tours
• Best Door County Kayak Tours
• Best Restaurants in Door County
• Door County Cherry Picking
• Door County Cherry Blossoms
• Door County State Parks
• Cave Point County Park
• Door County Beaches
• Door County Supper Clubs
• Door County Fish Boils
• Door Couny Lighthouses
• Cana Island Lighthouse
• Door County Events

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Gov. Evers, WEDC: Request the release of $10 million designed to promote Wisconsin as a premiere host for large-scale events

• May 20, 2024

Home » Press Releases » Gov. Evers, WEDC: Request the release of $10 million designed to promote Wisconsin as a premiere host for large-scale events

MADISON — As Gov. Evers is doing a statewide tour highlighting National Travel and Tourism Week and Wisconsin’s tourism jobs and economy, the governor and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today requested the release of $10 million in already-approved funding for the Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Fund aimed at promoting Wisconsin as a premiere host and major destination for large-scale events. The Evers Administration today submitted a formal s. 13.10 request to the Republican-controlled Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) to release the $10 million investment, which was created and funded in the 2023-25 biennial budget.

This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week follows a  record-breaking year  for Wisconsin tourism in 2022. According to 2022 economic impact data, the tourism industry generated $23.7 billion in total economic impact, surpassing the previous record year of $22.2 billion set in 2019. 2023 economic impact data for the state is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Wisconsin’s tourism industry is a huge part of our state’s success—creating over $20 billion in economic impact and supporting over 100,000 jobs statewide each year,” said Gov. Evers. “From the Ice Age Trail officially being designated a national park and the NFL draft coming to Wisconsin in 2025 to the new Amtrak Borealis Train connecting St. Paul to Chicago straight through central Wisconsin, we’re doing big things here in the Badger State. We want to continue growing our tourism industry and investing in one of our state’s largest economic engines by promoting Wisconsin as a major destination for some of our country’s largest events.”

To support Wisconsin’s recent success in recruiting and hosting large-scale events like the 2025 NFL draft, in his 2023-25 biennial budget, Gov. Evers proposed creating and funding a $30 million opportunity and attraction fund, a measure that has significant benefits for local and regional businesses and workers, Main Streets, and the statewide economy. The final budget, as enacted by Gov. Evers, created the Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Fund, setting aside $10 million for the fund to be administered by WEDC in the JFC supplemental appropriation. 

The 2023-25 biennial budget, signed by Gov. Evers, invested approximately $34 million over the biennium to raise Wisconsin’s profile across the country as a premier business, cultural, and recreational destination. This is the largest increase in marketing and advertising funds for the Department of Tourism, and with this investment, the department will be able to run a competitive marketing campaign and keep pace with neighboring states. Of these funds, $3 million over the biennium will be used for grants to  Discover Green Bay  and  Visit Milwaukee  to help capture the attention of the thousands of people who are attending the 2025 NFL draft and 2024 Republican National Convention and show all the wonderful entertainment opportunities Wisconsin has to offer. 

In March, Gov. Evers  signed  2023 Wisconsin Act 169, which specifies the requirements related to the funding set aside in the 2023-25 budget for the purposes of funding the Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Fund program created under WEDC. The Evers Administration today is requesting the committee release the $10 million to establish the fund to assist communities with the costs of major events, such as the upcoming NFL Draft in Green Bay. Once the funds are released, WEDC’s Board of Directors, in consultation with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, will enact program guidelines outlining the requirements in the statute and providing potential applicants with information on eligibility. 

Since 2020, Gov. Evers has directed targeted investments totaling more than $1 billion of Wisconsin’s federal pandemic relief funds in economic resilience, and more than $200 million of that total was invested in the travel and tourism, hotels and lodging, and entertainment industries alone.

Additionally, last November, Gov. Evers  announced  $36.6 million in grants for building projects across the state in Janesville, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Door County that were previously rejected by members of the Wisconsin State Legislature in the 2023-25 Capital Budget process. The governor’s investment is projected to support over 400 jobs and nearly $68 million in economic activity. The effort, funded using American Rescue Plan Act funds, will ensure the projects can move forward and build upon Gov. Evers’ and the Evers Administration’s strategic investments that will have long-term impacts on the state’s tourism industry, workforce, and economy.

A copy of the s. 13.10 request submitted by WEDC to JFC is available  here .

Last week, Gov. Evers sued the Wisconsin State Legislature over its refusal to release a critical investment aimed at improving K-12 student literacy, one of many investments intended to respond to pressing challenges facing Wisconsin. Additional information on Gov. Evers’ countersuit and Republican’s refusal to release nearly $200 million in already-approved funding to fight PFAS, improve kids’ literacy, and respond to hospital closures in Western Wisconsin is available  here .

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Why Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay called up an unknown amateur player for a friendly

Once again, Marcelo Bielsa is making headlines.

The former manager of Leeds United , Argentina , Chile and many others is now in charge of Uruguay ’s national team, and is attempting to transform them from a rugged, veteran-led side, to a quick-punching, ball-dominant one. In doing so, he has steered Uruguay beyond the era of Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani, two elite goalscorers who have defined their country at international level for nearly 20 years.

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This, unsurprisingly, has made him a controversial figure in the small South American country. Sectors of the Uruguayan press have deemed his succession plan as locuras or “madness” – appropriate for the man nicknamed El Loco or “the Madman.”

But in one recent case, Bielsa’s reputation has preceded him needlessly.

Last week, Uruguayan journalist Alex Martín Rostán reported that Walter Dominguez, a 24-year-old amateur striker in Uruguay’s lower leagues, would be a surprise call-up to the senior national team for an upcoming friendly match against Costa Rica . Domínguez is a prolific center-forward for Juventud de Soriano, a semi-professional team located in Soriano, roughly 250 kilometers from the nation’s capital Montevideo.

Bielsa has been seen at stadiums throughout Uruguay as he scouts players, often from some of the first division’s less prominent sides. But to call up an unknown player from the amateur game seemed strange, even for the unconventional Argentine manager.

When reached for comment, a Uruguay Football Federation spokesperson told The Athletic that reports regarding Domínguez were “disinformation”. The spokesperson added that a “half-truth” is being spread, which the spokesperson categorized as “dangerous”.

Bielsa will not travel to Costa Rica for that friendly at the end of this month, nor will any of his assistants. The squad will be managed by a coach from within the federation, who has not yet been chosen. Bielsa will not select the players, according to the federation spokesperson, who added that a squad is being assembled for this match only. Domínguez’s inclusion, the spokesperson said, has not even been confirmed.

It would have been a great story: Bielsa, the mercurial genius, scouring the most remote pitches in Uruguay in search of the country’s next great striker. But in truth, the player’s story is interesting enough on its own.

Domínguez has dominated the Copa Nacional de Selecciones, a nationwide amateur tournament founded in 1951. Juventud de Soriano won the competition last week, beating Paysandú 5-1 on aggregate in a two-legged final for the club’s first title in 11 years. In the second leg, Domínguez scored once and provided two assists in a commanding 3-0 win.

“All I do is play game to game,” said Domínguez. “I didn’t know that I had scored so many goals. I’m very happy about it. Happy for my teammates.”

Over 19 matches, the right-footed Domínguez has scored an eye-popping 38 goals for Juventud. He had previously scored 13 goals in 14 matches for amateur side Fray Bentos Football Club. Overall, Domínguez has tallied an impressive 57 goals in 39 Copa Nacional matches. On Saturday, Rostán asked Domínguez if he had received a call from the national team.

“Yes, they called me,” Domínguez said. “I’m very happy about it, honestly. I didn’t expect the call-up. It was a surprise, but I’m very happy.”

Domínguez is not an imposing center-forward, but he is a hero in Soriano and finishes with authority, clearly with an insatiable appetite for the game. He works relentlessly on the pitch like a prototypical Uruguayan footballer.

The friendly at Costa Rica will be played on May 31. It’s a date that falls outside of the FIFA international windows, and because of that, Uruguay will only feature players from its domestic competitions.

Additionally, the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League and the Europa League , will have fixtures just days before the friendly. Peñarol and Nacional, Uruguay’s two biggest clubs, along with Montevideo-based Liverpool FC play in the Copa Libertadores on May 28, while Danubio and Racing Club de Montevideo will be in Copa Sudamericana action two days later. Those potential conflicts will open the door for players from other clubs, including Uruguay’s lower leagues, to earn call-ups.

Uruguay’s amateur league is also hardly pub-football level. The Organización del Fútbol del Interior (OFI, by its Spanish acronym) is a not-for-profit organization that governs the Uruguayan game’s amateur levels, comprising over 60 regional leagues and more than 30 semi-professional teams in regions across the nation other than Montevideo.

Teams such as Juventud have passionate supporters who fill their modest stadiums every weekend.

In January, former Uruguay international striker Sebastián Abreu, 47, signed for Lavalleja, the amateur side in Minas, where he was born. Abreu appeared for Uruguay 70 times, played in two World Cups, won a Copa América in 2011 and has played for 32 professional clubs — a Guinness world record.

Lavalleja, Abreu said, was the team he dreamed of playing for as a child. “This was my reward after the path I took as a professional,” Abreu said.

Domínguez, meanwhile, is currently training with first-division side Centro Atlético Fénix to stay fit. He has never played in Uruguay’s top flight. He is more likely to go from viral sensation back to the obscurity of amateur football.

Since taking over the Uruguay job last year, Bielsa has given a handful of under-the-radar center-forwards the chance to compete with Liverpool’s Darwin Nuñez as Uruguay’s top No 9, before promptly discarding the debutants.

Last July, S.C. Braga’s Rodrigo Zalazar, 24, scored twice on his Uruguay debut, a 4-1 win over Central American minnows Nicaragua. He hasn’t been called up since. Granada’s Matías Arezo, 21, and Red Bull Bragantino’s Thiago Borbas , 22, top-flight players in Spain and Brazil respectively, featured in Uruguay’s first two friendlies under Bielsa. They’ve also since been forgotten.

Maximiliano Gómez, a center-forward for Cádiz in Spain’s domestic elite, La Liga , was Nuñez’s understudy for Uruguay’s first two CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers last September. He hasn’t played for his country since.

While Domínguez’s improbable journey is a great story, the truth is that Bielsa remains undecided about who will play striker for Uruguay, other than Nuñez. After the auditions of several players, Federico Viñas , 25, who plays for Club León in Mexico, appears to be the favorite.

Domínguez, though, is on the verge of fulfilling his own dream.

No matter what happens with the game against Costa Rica, he will have a story to tell his grandchildren — even if he’s forgotten by Bielsa.

(Top photo: Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images)

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Felipe Cardenas is a staff writer for The Athletic who covers MLS and international soccer. Follow Felipe on Twitter @ FelipeCar