Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association Provides Film Commission $10,000 in Funding
The SYVHA’s commitment of funds is a vote of confidence in the positive economic impact generated by filming and comes in response to the recent County of Santa Barbara reduction in Film Commission funding. Bill Phelps, President of the SYVHA stated:
“The board of the Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association recognizes the value and importance of the Santa Barbara County Film Commission and the part it plays in marketing our area and capturing our share of the lucrative business of media production. While we had not originally budgeted for this request, we felt that it was important that we find a way to help fund and stand behind the Film Commission. I am pleased that the SYVHA was able to show our support with this $10,000 marketing contribution.”
SYVHA (www.syvha.com) was formed in 2010 and is comprised of 32 member hotels in the communities of Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Buellton and Ballard to administer funds collected by the Santa Ynez Valley Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) promoting overnight stays and economic vitality in the region.
In order to continue providing a high level of service in its mission of promotion and facilitation of media production in Santa Barbara County, the Film Commission has aggressively pursued additional funding sources outside government channels. To date, other commitments have come from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Solvang Chamber of Commerce. The Film Commission will continue fundraising activities to replace its budgetary shortfall.
The Santa Barbara County Film Commission works to promote Santa Barbara County as a production destination for the entire spectrum of media. Beyond promotional activities, the Commission also facilitates the needs of production companies including location, permitting and production services, and more to provide an optimal production experience.
For more information about the Santa Barbara County Film Commission, visit FilmSantaBarbara.com or contact Geoff Alexander at 805.966.9222, geoff@filmsantabarbara.com.