SouthCoast Health System has become the newest sponsor of the Cranberry Region Visitor Center.

Located on Interstate 195 just before exit 21 in Wareham, the Center's staff directs tourists to Wareham, Onset Village, and Cranberry Highway, and provides information about local attractions and businesses.

The Center is operated as part of the town's Community and Economic Development Authority, but sponsors provide the major funding for its operation, officials say. No local or state tax money is included in the Center's budget.

Sponsors include Rockland Trust, Eastern Bank, The A.D. Makepeace Company, A.J. Marks Jewelry, and Century 21 Bourne Landing.

More than 60 businesses pay a nominal advertising fee that helps fund the Visitor Center, according to officials.

Additionally, the town's Community Events Committee provides $1,000 to the Center in exchange for advertising local charity and community events, including Illumination Night, the Swan Festival, and the Cape Verdean Festival.

Wareham Crossing also provides $1,000 to the Center, as well as signage that welcomes visitors to the highway rest area.

More than 8,000 families have visited the Center since its April opening, and another 10,000 or more are expected during the months of August, September, and October.

Interested in promoting an event or advertising a business? Contact the Community and Economic Development Authority office in Town Hall or e-mail Bruce Hutchins, coordinator, at hutchinsbruce13@msn.com.

There is no charge for promoting free or nonprofit events.