Also: Tourism Board Elects 2026 Officers and Reappointments of Board Members

Washington County, Pennsylvania, which is home to some of the country’s finest historical, entertainment and cultural attractions, continues to lead the Southwestern Pennsylvania region in both economic and tourism growth.

To demonstrate this growth and their commitment to economic development through tourism, the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency Board of Directors announced $155,300 in new tourism investments today. The tourism agency has already awarded $454,275 in grants in 2025, and the additional grants announced this morning will allow for additional 2026 investments in capital projects and marketing.

According to Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency, tourism is a major economic driver in the county.

“The tourism industry continues to be a key contributor to Washington County’s economy. In fact, according to the most recent report from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, the tourism economy is responsible for $719.5 million in direct visitor spending per year and supports over 5,500 jobs across the county. These new investments in our tourism assets and attractions will support additional economic growth, improve the visitor experience, and increase our quality of life — attracting more leisure and business visitors as well as residents to our county,” Kotula stated.

During this cycle of grant funding, tourism grants have been awarded to the following organizations for capital improvements or marketing initiatives:

Always B Smiling — $25,000

Claysville Playgrounds Association — $20,000

Family Festivals Association, Inc. — $20,000

Little A Town Arena — $10,000

Marianna Outdoorsmen Association — $4,800

National Duncan Glass Society — $12,700

National Pike Trail Council — $15,000

North Strabane Township Park — $10,000

Washington County Heritage Alliance — $2,800

Washington County Historical Society — $15,000

Washington Symphonic Orchestra — $10,000

West Alexander Agricultural Association — $10,000

“It is well established that tourism is a significant industry for Washington County, but it is also important to recognize that many of these grants provide support where it is most impactful — the local businesses, communities, and events that make Washington County a special place. This is where we like to concentrate our efforts, as many of these events would not be possible without the dedication of countless volunteers — our friends and neighbors — who give their time and energy to host these great events and welcome visitors to our county,” stated Kotula.

“Our gratitude goes out to these volunteers, because without their commitment, it would not be possible to have things like the PONY League World Series, Houston Pumpkin Festival, Washington County Agricultural Fair, West Alexander Fair, EQT Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival, Canonsburg’s Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest, Charleroi’s Little Great Race, and countless other local traditions. We are proud to support these events that contribute toward the betterment of our communities and economic development.”

In addition, the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency Board of Directors elected its 2026 Executive Committee members and announced the reappointment of board members.

For 2026, the board elected: Jim Lyle, Chairman; Jeffrey Jones, Vice Chairman, Jodi Noble, Treasurer; and Anthony Mauro, Secretary. The agency board also reappointed members Clay Kilgore, Jodi Noble, and Anthony Mauro to the board for additional four-year terms.

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