A non-profit organization in Newton that raises money for events in the community has found success in getting grants from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Newton Economic Development Specialist Craig Armstrong is with Newton Community Events Incorporated. That organization was the driving force behind the $437,000 Sports Tourism Marketing Program Grant announced Friday for the NTT IndyCar Race Weekend, and another $50,000 grant for the NASCAR Cup Series Weekend at Iowa Speedway. Armstrong says over two years, Newton Community Events Incorporated has landed over a million dollars total in one-to-one matching grants for every event they submitted an application for.

“In other words, there was about a $2-million dollar economic impact on marketing to bring people here to Newton. That’s the purpose behind this. Let’s assist these events in finding new and existing fans to come to these great events.”

 Armstrong wrote both grants in collaboration with representatives of each racing series, and he says the Iowa Economic Development Board approved both grants unanimously. Both awards will be matched by funds from NTT IndyCar and NASCAR. According to Armstrong, there is a reason the NASCAR grant award is significantly lower.

“Fairly confident they are going to sell out again. As a matter of fact, my understating is now is a good time to get your ticket.”

If you don’t purchase a ticket soon, Armstrong says you may not get one. Newton Economic Development Specialist Craig Armstrong talks more about the grant funding on today’s Let’s Talk Newton.