Madison…The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association presented Senator Ballweg with its inaugural Key to Hospitality Award for her successful efforts in the legislature to support Wisconsin tourism’s $25 billion industry.
“Not only is tourism the third largest industry in Wisconsin, but it is also one of the most important to the local economies and livelihoods of families across the 14th Senate District,” said Ballweg. “I am grateful to the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association for this recognition and for their trust in me to serve as a partner and advocate for Wisconsin tourism.”
Wisconsin is gaining a positive reputation as a host for large-scale national events, like the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay. To capitalize on this momentum, Senator Ballweg authored the bipartisan initiative, 2023 WI Act 169, to create the Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Fund. This fund gives grants to communities to assist in their efforts to attract highly sought after events to stimulate economic development.
Additionally, as a member of the Joint Committee on Finance, Senator Ballweg took the lead on the Department of Tourism’s budget, which received its largest funding increase since the department’s creation in 1996. In the 2023-25 budget, Senator Ballweg secured $45.5 million in tourism-related investments, including a boost of $22 million for the department’s marketing and advertising efforts.
Krissy Sigmund, Vice President of Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, introduced Senator Ballweg at the award ceremony and said, “Senator Joan Ballweg has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our industry, working tirelessly to ensure its growth and success. Her efforts have been instrumental in supporting Wisconsin’s hotels, lodging establishments and the broader tourism ecosystem.”
Senator Ballweg serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Tourism, as a member on the Joint Committee on Finance and sits on the Wisconsin Council on Tourism.
