Michigan voters remain steadfast in support of post-Labor Day school start

Once again, Michigan voters have overwhelmingly spoken in favor of starting the school year after the Labor Day holiday, according to a statewide survey of 1,075 likely 2016 voters conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications August 8-10, 2015.

The survey of Michigan voters found that nearly three-fourths support the law requiring all public school districts to start after Labor Day. Support remains strong at 64% even when Labor Day falls late in the calendar year as is the case this year. The poll also found that August was the most favorite month for Michigan family vacations, by a seven point margin over July.

"Michiganders overwhelmingly want to keep all of their summer vacation, especially in the month of August," said Dave Clouse, chairman of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association (MLTA) and general manager of the Quality Inn Forward Conference Center in West Branch. "A post Labor Day School start means more time to make family memories that last a lifetime."

Support for the post-Labor Day school start crosses all age, race, gender, political, and geographic segments. "Michigan voters continue to embrace starting school after Labor Day," said Steve Yencich, President and CEO of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association. "Summer is by far our industry's biggest season and July and August are the most predictably warm months. Voter opinion and plain old common sense tell us starting school after Labor Day is as good for Michigan families as it is for our state's economic future." said Yencich.

In addition to valuable family time, a later school start grows tourism, Michigan's third largest industry. In 2014, tourism generated $19.5 billion in economic activity, 214,000 jobs and over $1 billion in state tax revenue. The vast majority of these impacts are generated during the summer, especially in July and August.

CLICK HERE for actual survey results and cross tabs.

Formed in 1905, MLTA represents markets and educates lodging property and tourism business owners around the state.

Award-Winning Michigan Authors M. Christine Byron & Thomas Wilson Release Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes

Since the early 1900s, tourism organizations and destinations have been promoting the scenic 116-mile, three-county M-22 highway for its year-round natural resources, quaint coastal towns and unparalleled vistas. The latest title from award-winning Michigan authors M. Christine Byron and Thomas Wilson, published by Vintage Views Press, is an impressive collection of the advertisements, brochures, postcards, maps and travel memorabilia used to market this treasured trail—many items of which are from the couple’s extensive personal collection.

The 248 page, hardcover coffee table book, Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes, will be publicly released on Wednesday, June 17. A presentation will begin at 7pm at the Grand Rapids Public Library main downtown branch. A Northern Michigan Book Launch is planned on Sunday, June 21 (1-3pm) at the Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor.

Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes follows a trail of vacationers and travelers along one of Michigan’s most scenic roads as it winds through northern Manistee County, along the western side of Benzie County and outlines the Leelanau Peninsula.

Vintage postcards, photographs, maps and advertisements illustrate a time when M-22 first beckoned motorists to come north to the land of beautiful beaches and sand dunes, lakes and rivers, forests and woodlands, farms and orchards. Featured are quaint towns and villages, old hotels and resorts, and attractions along the road.

Through the pages of Vintage Views Along Scenic M22, you’ll stop at lighthouses and lifesaving stations, take a trip in a dunesmobile, fish for Mackinaw trout and shop for souvenirs. You’ll also visit state parks and learn how Sleeping Bear Dunes became a National Lakeshore in the 1970s.

Christine and Tom share a love of Michigan and a fascination with its history, especially the development and growth of Michigan tourism. Their collection of antique postcards and tourist and travel ephemera has inspired a total of five books: Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes (2015); Vintage Views Along the West Michigan Pike (2011); Vintage Views of the Mackinac Straits Region (2007); Vintage Views of the Charlevoix – Petoskey Region (2005); and Vintage Views of Leelanau County (2002).

Three of these titles have won Michigan Notable Book awards from the Library of Michigan; the West Michigan Pike also won a 2012 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.

Christine and Tom are active in many heritage and travel related causes and initiatives, including consulting and contributing artifacts for exhibits with the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing; contributing to the History Detectives program at the Grand Rapids Public Library; and this summer’s historical recognition of Pulitzer Prize winning author Carl Sandburg, who vacationed in the southwest Michigan community of Harbert, in an area known as Harbor Country.

Tom also operates Vintage Views Prints, which specializes in Michigan and Great Lakes travel prints adapted from travel guides, maps and brochures, dating from the 1800s to the 1960s.

Christine retired from her position as the Local Historical Collections librarian for the Grand Rapids Public Library in 2012; Tom is retired from Sears Roebuck and Company and serves on the board of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission. Christine and Tom are members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, Historical Society of Michigan, Leelanau Historical Society, West Michigan Postcard Club and Society for Commercial Archaeology.

The couple lives in a 1912 Arts & Crafts bungalow in East Grand Rapids and they love spending as much time as possible touring Michigan’s scenic roads or vacationing at their cottage on Glen Lake on the Leelanau Peninsula. They are regular contributors to Michigan BLUE Magazine, penning a column called “Vintage Views” which highlights historic travel destinations around the Great Lakes State.


Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes
ISBN: 978-0-9962173-0-9 Michigan History ($40).


UPCOMING EVENTS
Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes

Wednesday, June 17 (7pm)
Book Launch – Grand Rapids Public Library (Main Downtown Branch)

Sunday, June 21 (1-3pm)
Northern Michigan Book Launch – Cottage Book Shop, Glen Arbor

Thursday, July 2 (1-4pm)
Leelanau Books, Leland

Thursday, July 16 (TBA)
Northport Historical Society

Saturday, July 18 (11am-1pm)
Leelanau Historical Museum, Leland

Thursday, July 30 (TBA)
Lansing Historical Society @ East Lansing Public Library

Friday, July 24 (2-4pm)
Happy Owl Bookshop, Manistee

Saturday, July 25 (1-3)
Black River Books, South Haven

Friday, July 31 (4-6pm)
Horizon Books, Traverse City

Sunday, August 2 (TBA)
Old Settlers Picnic Area, Burdickville

Saturday, August 8 (10am-4pm)
Port Oneida Days, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Leelanau Peninsula)

Friday, August 21 (7pm)
Empire Area Heritage Group, Empire Town Hall

Thursday, Sept. 10 (4pm)
Benzie Area Historical Society @ The Mills Community House, Benzonia

**To book a program in your community, please contact Dianna Stampfler, publicist, at Dianna@PromoteMichigan.com.

The Homestead Welcomes Rick Rhynard – Senior Manager of Property Management

Rich Rhynard has been hired as The Homestead’s Senior Manager of Property Management, a result of the reorganization of the resort’s management structure designed to place ever-increasing emphasis on service quality and guest satisfaction. Rick previously served as a Senior Manager at the resort, from 2008 to 2011.

“I am really looking forward to this new role at The Homestead. It feels great to be ‘back home’ again here,” says Rick. “The challenge and excitement of learning a new part of the property, working with a great team, and getting to serve and know our owners and guest here are just several of the reasons that brought me back. I hope to continually improve the enjoyment of our owners and guest as they enjoy their time here at The Homestead.”

As Senior Manager of Property Management, Rick will be responsible for grounds, utilities, snowmaking/lifts and mechanics. We also provide some property management services to some of the associations on property and really hope under his direction that we can expand that segment of our business.

“We are very fortunate to have Rick return to The Homestead and oversee our Property Management operation,” says Adriene Kokowicz, Vice President of Resort Operations. “His experience is valuable as we continue to grow this segment of our business with an objective of providing top quality service and facilities to our guests and owners.”

After leaving The Homestead in 2011, Rick went on to serve as a Sales Manager at The Hilton Downtown in Fort Wayne, IN and also worked in pharmaceutical and medical sales. He has been a Board Member and Secretary for The Inn Association, is a member of the Fort Wayne Rotary Club and Ritz Carlton Customer Service Training. Rick earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Huntington University in Indiana.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

M22 / Sleeping Bear Dunes Foodie Tour Featured on Award-Winning Michigan.org

You’re invited to “Savor the Flavors” along the M22 and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as part of a new 3-county “Foodie Tour” featured on Michigan.org – the award-winning website of Travel Michigan and its Pure Michigan brand. The self-guided route was crafted by Promote Michigan, with assistance from the Visitor Bureaus in Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau counties.

These three counties have been actively promoting the M22 corridor for several years, as a prime four-season touring route. This new foodie trail features 11 of the area’s top agricultural and culinary destinations, based on guidelines established by the Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Travel Michigan. The properties on the M22-Sleeping Bear Dunes Foodie Tour include:

• Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar, Manistee
• Douglas Valley Organic Vineyards, Manistee
• Pierport Farms, Onekama
• Elberta Farmers Market, Elberta
• Coho, Frankfort
• Stormcloud Brewing, Frankfort
• Hill Top Soda Shoppe, Benzonia
• Nonna’s Ristorante at The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor
• Carlson’s Fishery, Leland
• Martha’s Leelanau Table, Suttons Bay
• Leelanau Cheese, Suttons Bay

Known for rolling through lush countrysides and along freshwater shorelines, the M22-Sleeping Bear Dunes area also boasts more than 30 restaurants and charter boat operators that participate in the award-winning “Catch & Cook” program – where a day of fishing turns into a gourmet meal featuring your own fresh catch.

Countless other agricultural and culinary destinations can be found throughout the region, including farm markets, wineries, cideries, meaderies, distilleries, farm-to-table eateries and lodging properties offering unique packages and activities.

To learn more about the M22 area, visit M22ColorTour.com. The site also includes links to the individual county pages.

Manistee County Visitors Bureau Launches Mobile App To Guide Tourists and Locals to Area’s Top Sites and Attractions

The Manistee County Visitors Bureau has launched a comprehensive new travel tool to guide visitors and locals to the area’s vast recreational, historical and natural attractions. Developed VisitApps, with content development by RIGHTside design in Manistee, this innovative mobile app offers turn-by-turn directions to more than 500 outdoor recreation sites, lodging properties, shopping destinations, restaurants and historic sites, as well as a list of area events.

“This resource will bring the Manistee County region into the new age of travel and tourism. It is one of only a handful of mobile applications in the State of Michigan that are this comprehensive and available for free to anyone with a smartphone or tablet device,” says Brandon Jensen, owner/creative director at RIGHTside design. “This has been an amazing project to be a part of and I commend the Visitors Bureau and its partners for creating such a valuable resource for locals and visitors alike.”

The Manistee County mobile app is available in Apple and Android platforms, and can be downloaded directly by using these links:

• Apple
• Android

“This will quickly turn into your most valuable four-season digital resource when visiting the Manistee County region,” says Kathryn Kenny, Executive Director of the Manistee County Visitors Bureau. “Along with the M-22 and U-Pick Farm tours, the mobile app provides launching directions and float times for the Manistee and Pine Rivers, as well as staging areas for the snowmobile trailheads.”

The app also provides quick access answers to popular questions including how to find the Little Mac Suspension Bridge, Gravity Hill, Nordhouse Dunes and the North Pier Lighthouse, among other unique destinations.

“No matter what you’re looking for, or the time of year, it’s ALL there at your fingertips,” Kenny says.

Local business owners are also praising the app, as it provides information for those looking to visit, work or live in the Manistee area.

“If you’re looking to rent one of our distinctive vacation homes or condos, just click on the ‘More’ section at the bottom of the screen and then on ‘Lodging’ to access the CENTURY 21 Vacation Rentals’ interactive website. We can help you find a place to stay awhile … or forever!” says Owner/Broker Suzanne Riley. “You can also learn about our historic 1873 building/office (113 Maple Street) by clicking on ‘Tours’ and ‘Historic Buildings Tour.’”

Located along 25 miles of sugar-sand Lake Michigan beaches, Manistee is a Pure Michigan destination nestled in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. The scenic M-22 highway begins here, at the intersection of US-31, as it heads north 116.6 miles through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The Manistee County Visitors Bureau is an official travel and tourism organization, incorporated in 1997, as a non-profit agency, to promote Manistee County. Its mission is to promote Manistee County as a travel destination, to increase overnight visits and be the lead organization focusing on building the local tourism economy.

Promote Michigan Celebrates 10th Anniversary

On August 19, 2004, Dianna Stampfler left the security of her job of more than seven years to strike out on her own with PROMOTE MICHIGAN. Now, 10 years later, the one-person consulting company is going stronger than ever and racking up alliances with some of the state’s most esteemed associations, businesses and destinations – specializing in Michigan’s niche markets of culinary- and agri-tourism.

“My first client, signed two weeks to the day that I launched the business, was the Traverse Tall Ship Company,” Stampfler says. “I’m proud to say that they’re still with me. Captain Dave McGinnis was the first to believe in what I had to offer and he’s been supporting me ever since!”

Another project early on was a three-month stint with Travel Michigan, a position Stampfler says endorsed her on a statewide level and helped her get a solid foothold to move the business forward.

“I remember getting a phone call from Dave Lorenz at Travel Michigan within days after I announced Promote Michigan, asking if I was able to take on a short-term assignment,” Stampfler recalls. “During those three months, I was introduced to many statewide industry leaders and also strengthened existing relationships. Plus, having Travel Michigan in my portfolio gave me a level of credibility that I still respect and appreciate.”

Currently, Promote Michigan’s largest clients are the Michigan Brewers Guild (along with several individual breweries), ShowSpan (working specifically on the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival; Michigan International Auto Show and Grand Rapids Boat Show), The Homestead – America’s Freshwater Resort, Porterhouse Productions and, most recently, Hudsonville Ice Cream. Stampfler is also executive director of the Kent County Lodging Association and the newly formed Michigan Craft Distillers Association.

“There are so many other businesses, communities and organizations that have trusted me with their PR needs over the years,” Stampfler says. “Sometimes it’s a small project like a news release and other times, it’s a year-long marketing and promotions campaign. I think in the past 10 years, I’ve worked with well over 50 different entities in some way or another thanks to the word-of-mouth endorsements and referrals from past and present clients.”

Networking and relationship building are the foundation of Promote Michigan. “It’s about being out and about, talking with people, hearing and sharing their stories and finding ways to integrate yourself into their promotional plans with an unwavering level of passion and excitement,” says Stampfler. “I wake up every day thankful that I get to do what I love, with colleagues who have become friends. And I get paid for it! I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.”

In May, Stampfler was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Downtown Market – Grand Rapids and is a long-standing member of the Ferris State University Hospitality Advisory Board. She is also active with the Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance (on both a state and regional level), Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Michigan Agri-Tourism Association, Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association, Michigan Maple Syrup Association, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Kent Harvest Trails, Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan and West Michigan Tourist Association – the organization she worked at for more than seven years to hone her tourism promotional skills. She also served nine years on the Allegan County Tourist Council, including three years as its chair and served briefly with the West Michigan Film Video Alliance.

In addition to her promotional and media relations services, Stampfler is also a freelance writer and broadcaster. She is a regular contributor to Michigan BLUE Magazine and Grand Rapids Family Magazine. Her articles have also appeared in Michigan HOME & Lifestyle, West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide and Pure Michigan Travel Guide. She hosts a daily 90-second travel program on WAKV AM980; is a monthly guest with “Tourist Talk” on WGVU Public Radio in Grand Rapids, with Shelley Irwin; and is a regular guest on various radio and television programs around Michigan.

Stampfler holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Western Michigan University and in 2013, she became a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA). The mother of two adult children, she recently moved from her hometown of Plainwell to Traverse City – fulfilling yet another long-time dream.

Michigan Maple Weekends Celebrate Sweet Agricultural Heritage

The Michigan Maple Syrup Association is planning three weekends of celebrations focused on the state’s oldest agricultural activity during the 2nd Annual Michigan Maple Weekend. Overall, more than 25 sugar makers are participating in the festivities; a list is available here.

Due to the state’s diverse weather and geographical elements, events are first held in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula (south of US10), March 15-16, followed by events in the upper half of the Lower Peninsula (north of US10), March 22-23 and throughout the Upper Peninsula, March 29-30.

“The weekend provides the people of Michigan and surrounding states a chance to see how our oldest crop is produced,” says Joe Woods, event coordinator. “For many people it is a chance for them to experience firsthand where their food comes from and the work and expense that goes into bringing a crop to market. For the producer it is a chance to meet new customers, educate consumers and display the workings of a sugar bush. Together this brings awareness of the maple syrup industry to the public.”

The family-friendly events held around the state are a great time for people to get out and get a firsthand look at how maple sap is collected, boiled down and turned into sweet maple syrup and other maple treats. Many of the farms will offer tours of their operation including tree tapping demonstrations, samples of their products, recipes for the use of maple syrup and local maple syrup products available to purchase.

Visitors to a local farm will have a chance to meet the farmers and their families that produce maple syrup and to get outside and enjoy Michigan’s early spring weather. Attendees are reminded to wear boots as mud and snow will still be abundant at this time of the year.

Michigan Maple Syrup Facts:
• Michigan ranks 5th in maple syrup production in the United States.
• Average maple syrup production in Michigan is about 90,000 gallons per year.
• Economic contributions of the pure maple syrup industry to Michigan are nearly $2.5 million annually.
• Maple syrup is a Michigan tourist benefit. It is a "thing" to buy.
• Maple syrup, as an agricultural commodity, benefits Michigan farm markets.
• There are an estimated 500 commercial maple syrup producers in Michigan with some 2,000 additional hobby or home use producers.
• Michigan law requires that processor of maple syrup must be licensed.
• The production of pure maple syrup is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the United States.
• Maple syrup is one of the few agricultural crops in which demand exceeds supply.
• Only about 1 percent of Michigan’s maple forest resource is used in maple syrup production.
• In an average year, each tap-hole will produce about 10 gallons of maple sap, enough for about a quart of pure Michigan maple syrup.
• Maple sap is a slightly sweet, colorless liquid.
• It takes approximately 40 gallons of maple sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.
• A gallon of standard maple syrup weighs 11 pounds and has a sugar content of 66 percent.
• Maple syrup is the first farm crop to be harvested in Michigan each year.
• Maple syrup is not the recipient of any crop support or subsidy programs.
• A maple tree needs to be about 40 years old and have a diameter of 10 inches before tapping is recommended.
• The maple season in Michigan starts in February in the southern counties and runs well into April in the Upper Peninsula.
• Warm sunny days and freezing nights determine the length of the maple season.
• The budding of maple trees makes the maple syrup taste bitter. Thus, production ceases.
• Freezing and thawing temperatures create pressure and force the sap out of the tree.
• A very rapid rise in temperature (25 to 45 degrees) will enhance the sap flow.
• While the sugaring season may last 6 to 10 weeks, but during this period, the heavy sap may run only 10-20 days.
• Average sugar concentration of maple sap is about 2.5 percent.
• Maple sap is boiled to remove the water and concentrate the sugars in a process called evaporation.
• In a conventional evaporator one cord of hard wood is required for every 25 gallons of syrup produced.
• Tubing collection systems with vacuum can increase average sap yields approximately 50 percent.
• Maple sap becomes maple syrup when boiled to 219 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7 degrees above the boiling point of water.
• Pure Michigan maple syrup has 50 calories per tablespoon and is fat-free. It has no additives, no added coloring and no preservatives.
• Maple syrup has many minerals per tablespoon: 20 milligrams of calcium, 2 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.2 milligrams of iron, 2 milligrams of sodium, 35 milligrams of potassium.
• Maple syrup is classified as one of nature's most healthful foods.
• Michigan has a Maple Syrup Week held in March of each year.
• March 22 is Michigan Maple Syrup Day at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling and Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Upper Peninsula.
• Michigan is noted for having two maple syrup festivals – the 74th Annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, April 25-27 and the 56th Annual Shepard Maple Sugar Festival, April 24-27. Several Michigan State Parks also offer maple sugaring activities during the spring months.

Information about the farms participating in the Michigan Maple Weekend can be found on the Michigan Maple Syrup Association web site www.Mi-MapleSyrup.com (Michigan Maple Syrup Association Facebook) or by contacting members of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association. Information can also be found at Michigan Welcome Centers.

Founded in 1962, the Michigan Maple Syrup Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of maple sugaring in Michigan and the promotion of Michigan pure maple products. If you have more than just a passing interest in the science, industry, commerce, or enjoyment of maple products anywhere in the world, please consider becoming a member of our organization.

Kent County Lodging Assoc Announces 2014 Board

(KCLA Executive Board (l-r) Jenifer Cutter, Secretary; Brian Behler, President; Nick Fischioni, Vice President; Suzanne Nichols, Treasurer)

The Kent County Lodging Association (KCLA) voted in its 2014 Executive Board of Directors at its annual meeting on January 16 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

The executive board includes:

• Brian Behler, Assistant General Manager for the JW Marriott, was elected to his sixth one-year term as President after previously two years as the organization’s Vice President and one year as its Secretary.
• Nick Fischioni, General Manager of the Hyatt Hotel, was elected to his first term as Vice President.
• Jenifer Cutter, General Manager at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, was elected to her first term as Secretary;
• Suzanne Nichols, Assistant General Manager at the Hyatt Hotel, was elected to her second term Treasurer.

Committee chairs, which make up the extended Board of Directors, include:

• Nick Fischioni, Hyatt Hotel – Membership Committee (Interim)
• Dan Hunt, SpringHill Suites North – Events Committee
• Renae Hesselink Nichols – Green Team Committee
• Ryan Slusarzyk, Amway Hotel Corp – Charity Relations Committee
• Megan Hill, SpringHill Suites North & Travis Mix, Susan G Komen – Experience Pink Committee
• Mike Donnelley, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel – Student Relations Committee
• Dianna Stampfler, Promote Michigan & KCLA – Scholarship Committee
• Emily Capron, Experience Grand Rapids – WAVE Awards Committee
• Rick Winn, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel – Communications/Political Committee

KCLA meets at 3pm on the third Thursday of each month at select venues throughout Kent County, including member hotels, restaurants and attractions. Two special events are open to the public, including a golf outing to be held on Wednesday, June 25 at the Stonewater Country Club, in conjunction with the Hospitality Department at GVSU and benefitting scholarship programs; and the WAVE Awards Recognition Ceremony held during the Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival on Thursday, November 20.

Re-established in the summer of 2005, KCLA is a non-profit, membership based organization made up of lodging properties and other hospitality businesses which service and compliment this industry. The organization meets monthly at hotels and destination properties throughout Kent County and also hosts educational training seminars, social activities and fundraisers for its hospitality scholarship fund.

KCLA serves to promote practical and fair cooperation with local, state and the United States governmental agencies on behalf of the Association members. It also works to advance and promote the fair exchange of information necessary in the public interest, or for the welfare of the lodging business as well as practical public relations in the interest of the lodging business; and encourages the spirit of friendly cooperation and the exchange of business among the members of the Association thus enabling the lodging businesses in the Kent County Area to better serve the public.

www.KentCountyLodging.org

The Homestead Recognizes Merranda Hutchens & Logan Sanders as 2012 “Associates of the Year”

The Homestead – America’s Freshwater Resort – has announced two (2) winners of its esteemed 2012 “Associate of the Year” Award – including Logan Sanders, Reservation Manager and Merranda Hutchens – Laundry Manager.

Logan has worked at The Homestead since June, 2011. Born and raised in Midland, he graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (majoring in Resort Management and minoring in Recreation & Leisure Management). In his spare time, Logan enjoys fishing, snowboarding, golfing, hiking and camping.

Merranda has worked at The Homestead since December, 2010. A native of New Lothrop (near Flint), she fell in love with the Leelanau area and moved to Maple City three years ago. The mother of three children (boys ages 5 and 13 and a girl, aged 12), she spends her free time hiking local trails and hitting the beaches with her kids.

In addition to the acclaim that the title “Associate of the Year” holds, Logan and Merranda each received a trip to any vacation destination of their choice within the United States, including airline tickets for two and $500 in spending money.

“We’ve been awarding the associate of the year for almost 20 years and this is the first time there has been an actual tie and has been awarded to two associates,” says Jamie Jewell, Vice President Sales & Marketing. ”All of us are proud of the outstanding work, commitment and dedication shown by these to associates. They are great examples for us all.”

With approximately 200 summer and 75 winter employees, The Homestead is one of the region’s largest single employers. The team is lead by members of a core group of associates who all believe that a job done right starts with taking a Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence. It’s called PRIDE.

From managers and trainers to year-round employees who do everything from taking reservations to working in outdoor maintenance, there are only 40 members of PRIDE. This special group is eligible for unique employment benefits at The Homestead – one of them being the distinction of “Associate of the Year.”

Other nominees for “Associate of the Year” in 2012 included:

• Diane Kemp, Manager Resort Realty
• Shane Wyatt, Utilities Manager
• Sallie Krepps, Spa & Salon Manager
• Kyle Gulley, Banquet Manager

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

Discover Spring Camping in Michigan

Although camping is a year-round activity in Michigan, spring signals the onset of the warm-weather camping season in Michigan. By early May, a large number of the privately owned campgrounds in Michigan are welcoming guests looking to shake off the winter blues and enjoy the great outdoors. The Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds – Michigan offers up 10 great reasons to head out to your favorite Michigan campground this spring:

1. Wildflowers. April showers bring May flowers, like the trillium that blanket the forest floor. Spring also brings the blossoms on the apple and cherry trees, making this one of the most fragrant times of the year to get out and travel the Great Lakes State.

2. Woodland Edibles. Morel mushrooms, wild ramps, leeks and fiddleheads are all delicacies that can be found by foraging through the woodlands of Michigan. After a successful “hunt” you can savor these mouth-watering finds, paired with a fine Michigan beer or wine.

3. Fishing. Whether you enjoy fly fishing on the rivers and streams, heading out on a charter on the big lake or casting a line for pan fish in an inland lake, you’re sure to catch something while spring fishing in Michigan. From walleye, trout, steelhead and salmon to perch, bass and bluegills, this is a fisherman’s paradise.

4. Wine Tasting. While the more than 80 wineries throughout the state of Michigan are open year round, spring is the ideal time to visit as this is when the new releases are available for tasting. Be sure to purchase a bottle or two, to pair with those woodland edibles and fresh catches! For more in Michigan wines: www.MichiganWines.com

5. Bird Watching. Nature centers, sanctuaries and wildlife viewing areas are thriving with opportunities for spring bird watching. For more about birding, visit the Michigan Audubon Society website: www.michiganaudubon.org

6. Paddling. With thousands of miles of rivers and streams, not to mention the inland and Great Lakes, spring is the perfect time to get out in your canoe or kayak and head out on the water for some peace and quiet. For more information, check out the website for the Michigan Association of Paddlesport Providers: www.michigancanoe.com

7. Peddling. Michigan is home to some of the most scenic biking trails, ranging in distance and level of difficulty. Whether you’re taking a short family trip along a paved trail or are heading out for an off-road mountain bike adventure, you’ll find plenty of opportunities around the state – including special events geared toward cyclists. For more information on biking trails and events around the state, check out the website for the League of Michigan Bicyclists at www.lmb.org

8. Hiking. From nature centers to city, county and state parks, you’ll find countless trails waiting to be explored. In Michigan, you can hike more than 200 miles on the Shore-to-Shore Trail that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Or, take a day hike on any breathtaking section of the North Country National Scenic Trail which operates is national offices from Lowell, Michigan. www.northcountrytrail.org

9. Golfing. Michigan is home to more than 800 golf courses and during the spring season, the rates are often lower, there are fewer people (and bugs) and the temperatures are pleasant. For a detailed list of courses throughout the state, visit the Golf Association of Michigan online at www.gam.org

10. Driving. Michigan Highways offer a state-wide listing of Heritage Routes – in three specific categories: Scenic, Recreational and Historic routes online at www.MichiganHighways.org.

No matter which spring activity accompanies your camping trip, be sure to travel with camera in hand to capture the awakening of all around you. To learn more about how to enjoy Michigan’s “Springtime Splendor” and cure your cabin fever, visit www.SpringtimeSplendor.com.

The Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds – Michigan represents nearly 200 member campgrounds with more than 30,000 sites available throughout the state. The new Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC-Michigan, is now available at various locations statewide, including all state Welcome Centers. The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation.

For an online directory of ARVC member campgrounds, log onto www.michcampgrounds.com.

DEVASTING NEWS ABOUT LOSS OF AWARD-WINNING PURE MICHIGAN FALL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Editorial Cartoon by Mike Thompson, Detroit Free Press



Pure Michigan supporters lament loss of fall campaign

Pure Michigan ad campaign is in jeopardy

No employment, no hiring, no jobs, no slogan

Paul W Smith Podcast with George Zimmermann about Pure Michigan: WJR

Michigan cuts fall integrated tourism campaign

Pure Michigan goes dark this fall

Michigan tourism campaign canceled in Midwest cities

No "Pure Michigan" ads this fall because of budget cuts

Pure Michigan Campaign Cancelled For Fall

Budget ax cuts Pure Michigan tourism push

Michigan runs out of money for tourism advertising


JOIN IN THE FIGHT TO KEEP PURE MICHIGAN!
Tourism industry leaders will gather in Lansing on Wednesday, September 22 for the Michigan Tourism Legislative Conference.

PURE MICHIGAN MATH

Let's do some calculations...

With the “formula” of $1 spent in tourism promotion we generate $2.86 in new tax revenue…

$5 million spent on Pure Michigan generates $14.3 million

$30 million spent on Pure Michigan generates $85.8 million

That’s a $25 million DECREASE in investment spending BUT a $71.5 million LOSS in expected tax revenue AS WELL.

($30 million - $5 million = $25 million less invested | $85.8 million - $14.3 million = $71.5 million less generated)

That’s $71.5 million NOT coming in to help with schools, municipalities, etc. Although, if you subtract the investment amount I guess that comes to a net loss of $46.5 million.

Now...I majored in English and Journalism and despise math, but even I can see this is much more than pocket change!

FOR MORE ON SUPPORTING THE PURE MICHIGAN INITIATIVE: http://www.milodging.org/node/1131

Tuesday's House Tourism Committee hearing on HB 5017-18 has been cancelled!

Tuesday's House Tourism Committee hearing on HB 5017-18 has been cancelled! The Speaker's office has asked the Chairman of the committee to delay consideration for a week or two. Please forward this email to all industry friends and supporters to help avoid anyone making an unneeded trip to Lansing. http://www.milodging.org

Tourism Leaders Invited to Funding Hearing at 10:30am on Tuesday, June 9

Timing is everything in life, and now is the time to get behind this new legislation aimed to provide funding for Travel Michigan and its award-winning “Pure Michigan” campaign. Every business in Michigan with an interest in tourism is asked to support this initiative by attending the hearing on House Bills 5017 and 5018 at 10:30 am in the House Tourism Committee this Tuesday, June 9th in room 521 of the House Office Building. We need a large presence with representatives from across the tourism industry to show the legislature the importance of funding tourism promotion in Michigan. This year’s advertising campaign is being seen across the nation on a many cable networks, producing great interest in visiting our great State! This is important and we may only have this one time to make a powerful impression on our legislators. All the information you’ll need about these bills is below. Feel free to forward this to anyone in your community who may be interested.

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Introduction of “Pure Michigan” Funding Package Hailed by Tourism Industry

Legislation would boost tax revenues - create jobs for Michigan

Lansing, MI – Legislation introduced to provide ongoing funding for the “Pure Michigan” campaign is being applauded by all segments of Michigan’s tourism industry; this state’s third largest industry. The package of bills is considered crucial as the current one-time placement of $30 million in funding is scheduled to drop over 80% to just $5.7 million on October 1st.

The legislative package consisting of two House bills and two Senate bills includes a temporary car rental assessment to be imposed largely on out-of-state visitors (HB 5017) and the creation of a segregated fund (HB 5018) to hold all revenues generated by HB 5017 and the Senate bills.

The Senate bills are designed to set aside sales and use tax revenues from tourism-specific businesses for reinvestment into the “Pure Michigan” campaign. Past studies have shown the State receives an average of $2.86 in new sales tax revenues for every dollar invested into the award-winning promotion campaign. Hearings on the two House bills are scheduled before the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, June 9.

“As Lansing looks to stimulate and grow its economy, Michigan’s tourism industry is our best, and perhaps, only option,” said Steve Yencich, president of the Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association which is spearheading the campaign. “These bills will create new tax revenues and jobs that are simply not feasible in other industries such as manufacturing. That makes passage of the Pure Michigan funding package an important key to Michigan’s economic future. We applaud the House’s leadership on this issue, and hope the Senate will take prompt action as well.”

Here's a brief description, along with a link to each of the actual bills.

HB 5017 - (Representative Woodrow Stanley, D-Flint, et all)

Places a $2.50 per day assessment on car rentals, primarily near airports, train deports, bus stations, etc. Michigan insurance consumers are exempt from the assessment, which is largely paid by travelers coming from outside of Michigan. Assessment revenues will provide short-term funding for Pure Michigan (75% tourism promotion) and Upper Hand (25% business promotion)campaigns. The assessment sunsets after a defined period of time, making this a temporary car rental assessment.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/House/htm/2009-HIB-5017.htm

HB 5018 (Representative David Nathan, D-Detroit, et al)

Creates a special fund within the State's General Fund to receive revenues raised by HB 5017, SB 619, and SB 620 to be used to fund tourism and business promotion, (Pure Michigan 75% and Upper Hand 25%).

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/House/htm/2009-HIB-5018.htm

SB 619 (Allen, R-Traverse City)
Captures use tax revenue from tourism-specific businesses to provide long-term funding of the Pure Michigan and Upper Hand campaigns.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/Senate/htm/2009-SIB-0619.htm

SB 620 (Jason Allen, R-Traverse City)

Captures sales tax revenue from tourism-specific businesses to provide long-term funding of the Pure Michigan and Upper Hand campaigns.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/Senate/htm/2009-SIB-0620.htm

HB 5018 and HB 5019 will be up for hearings at 10:30 am in the House Tourism Committee on this Tuesday, June 9th in room 521 of the House Office Building.

If you support the Pure Michigan Funding Package - make plans to attend!

Please direct any questions to:

Steve Yencich, CAE
President/CEO
Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association
3815 W. St. Joseph Hwy. Suite A200
Lansing, MI 48917
stevey@milodging.org
(517) 267-8989
(517) 267-8990 (fax)
Visit our new site at www.milodging.org
Serving Michigan's Lodging & Tourism Industries