The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority will hold two mandatory workshops this month for any organization or event organizer applying for a tourism grant.

The meetings will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 10 and at 2 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the Bethea Welcome Center in Lake Junaluska. Organizations and event organizers are required to attend one of the two workshops if they want to be eligible for funding for the 2012-13 year. During the meeting, TDA leaders will review all the grant procedures and the rules as well as any changes that have been made since the previous year.

“That’s why we make it mandatory,” said Becky Harper, the tourism authority’s office manager.

There will also be time for questions and discussion during the meeting.

People who are unable to attend must call Lynn Collins, executive director of the tourism agency, at 828.452.0152 to make other arrangements.

Festivals and other tourism initiatives in Haywood County are eligible for a portion of the money collected from the county’s 4-percent tax on overnight lodging.

— By Caitlin Bowling