Red Cross Strike in Lansing Enters Seventh Week
Area Hospitals Receiving Blood from Alternate Sources
(LANSING, Mich.) – Teamster employees of Red Cross in Lansing, who were forced to strike at the end of March, will continue their shutdown of blood drives until Red Cross management makes ample time available for bargaining to reach an agreement.
“Despite nearly seven weeks of cancelled blood drives across the state, Red Cross is only offering six hours of bargaining time to the Teamsters — and not until June 19,” said Mike Parker, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 580 in Lansing. “This is an insult to the City Council of Lansing which passed a resolution in support of our members. By the time June 19 rolls around, our members will have been on strike 11 weeks.”
According to hospitals, blood plasma is currently being supplied by alternate sources. This is in direct contradiction to the statements the Red Cross has pushed out that the strike is “threatening” the area blood supply.
“We will bargain with Red Cross at any time for as long as it takes to reach an agreement,” Parker said. “But, all they will offer us is six hours. Our members are committed to retaining their collective bargaining rights as much as they are committed to providing caring service to donors who visit the blood drives. Forced out on strike by Red Cross, our members remain strong and proud.”
Teamsters have been on strike because Red Cross wants to take away their right to bargain over health care and wages. The union has offered money-saving alternatives, but Red Cross refuses anything less than having workers give up collective bargaining rights in order to implement their own wage and health care package.
In addition to the Teamster unit in Lansing, Teamsters in Cleveland, United Food and Commercial Workers Union members in Toledo and Office and Professional Employees International Union members in Lansing are also on strike against Red Cross.
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BY COUNCIL MEMBERS TINA HOUGHTON, KATHIE DUNBAR, BRIAN JEFFRIES, DERRICK QUINNEY, A’LYNNE ROBINSON, JODY WASHINGTON, CAROL WOOD, AND JESSICA YORKO
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LANSING
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross Blood Services Division Workers of Lansing were forced to strike on March 30, joining workers in Cleveland, who walked out on Feb. 14 because the American Red Cross wants its workers to accept staffing levels that could endanger the blood supply. For the dedicated staff members at blood collection sites, these are critical issues that cannot be sacrificed; and
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross Service Workers are on strike to protect their rights to collectively bargain. The American Red Cross has stated as part of their bargaining objectives that they wish to strip the rights of the workers to bargain over their wage package; and
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross has been responsible for numerous safety violations by the FDA resulting in over $30,000,000 worth of fines. Staff has been harassed and discriminated against for reporting such safety issues to the FDA; and
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross has also been found guilty by the National Labor Relations Board of violating the rights of its workers by committing several unfair labor practices;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lansing City Council calls on the Red Cross to meet and bargain fairly with its employees and resolve this strike in an equitable manner that assists in protecting America’s Blood supply and preserves workers’ rights to collectively bargain.
Source: Teamsters Local 580, Lansing
For Immediate Release Contact: Mike Parker
May 17, 2012 Phone: (517) 819-2133
Registration Open for the 2012 Michigan Good Food Summit
Lansing, Michigan - Registration is now open for the 2012 Michigan Good Food Summit!
Michigan Good Food is a state policy initiative centered on “good food” – food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable – and moving towards a more Michigan-based food system.
The 2012 summit will include:
- A report on where we’ve come since 2010,
- Success stories from across the state,
- You’re choice of one of seven action-oriented breakout sessions and
- Sharing of tools and resources throughout the day.
Who Should Attend?
- People who grow, produce, process, distribute, market, prepare or eat food.
- People connected to the food industry, public health, economic development, planning, school food, environmental protection, the media, agriscience education, or state and local governance.
- People who want to support good food in Michigan.
The 2012 Michigan Good Food Summit provides an opportunity to network, hear success stories and work with others to advance a food system based on good food – food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable.
Agenda
The agenda for June 14, 2012 starts at the Lansing Center with coffee and networking time at 8:15am then welcome and opening remarks at 9:00am. The day will close with breakout groups reporting out through 4:30pm, followed by open-network time until 5:15pm.
To download the full agenda, click HERE
For more information, click HERE or contact Kathryn J. A. Colasanti, Center for Regional Food Systems (formerly C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems), CARRS Department, Michigan State University, 517.353.0642, colokat@msu.edu
Transportation Economic Development Grants to Create Jobs in Michigan Counties
May 17, 2012 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced the awarding of state transportation economic development grants that will help create or retain 665 jobs in four Michigan counties. Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grants totaling $4.9 million will leverage $570,534,000 in private investment at a private/public investment ratio of 116-to-1.
“Transportation plays a key role in reinventing Michigan,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “This is another example of inter-agency collaboration as MDOT teamed with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to make these projects possible.”
APPROVED PROJECTS BY COUNTY
Ingham County
Gestamp Mason, LLC, invented and developed press-hardening technology. With this technology, Gestamp can offer the automotive industry unique ways of building lighter, stronger designs that allow reduced vehicle weights to achieve lower fuel consumption. The company, expecting to increase 2013 sales approximately 144 percent from 2011 levels, is adding floor space to provide additional manufacturing capacity. It expects to invest $38,034,000 in the facility and create 110 new jobs.
The company is based in Mason primarily to be close to its customer base and is located on Kipp Road, near US-127. Continued all-season access to US-127 is critical to meeting the demands of its customers.
The surface of Kipp Road is showing signs of deterioration, including substantial rutting and cracking. The Ingham County Road Commission plans to mill and resurface the roadway between Dexter Trail and US-127, and add 2-foot paved shoulders on the section east of Barnes Road. The proposed work will assure continued access to the Mason facility for both commercial and employee traffic. Construction is planned for the 2013 or 2014 construction seasons.
The estimated cost of these transportation improvements is $1,122,786, including $400,000 in state TEDF funds and $722,786 in local matching funds.
Kent County
Lacks Enterprises, Inc., a leading supplier of components to the global automotive market, plans to locate a new plating facility in Cascade Township between 60th and 52nd Streets on Kraft Avenue. The new facility will manufacture chrome-plated plastic parts for the automotive and appliance industries. The company will invest $30 million at the new location and create 120 full-time jobs. Lacks chose Michigan over competing sites in Kentucky, South Carolina and Virginia. Had the company chosen to expand elsewhere, 139 existing jobs would have been transferred out of state.
During the decision process, the ability to access the Kraft Avenue site was identified as a barrier. Kraft Avenue is in poor condition from 60th Street to 52nd Street. The portion from 60th Street to a half-mile north is not constructed to all-season standards. The other section is in need of repair. These deficiencies could limit the company’s ability to ship products and receive freight. The Kent County Road Commission plans to reconstruct the southern portion of the roadway and repair the northern half-mile. In addition, a left-turn lane will be added at entrances to the plant to increase capacity and enhance safety. Construction is planned for 2013.
The estimated cost of these transportation improvements is $985,053, including $380,852 in state TEDF funds, $442,312 in federal surface transportation funding, $120,162 from the Kent County Road Commission, and $41,727 from Lacks Enterprises.
Marquette County
Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. is the owner, developer and future operator of the Eagle Mine in Michigamme Township. Nickel and copper will be the primary minerals extracted from the Eagle Mine. To process and separate the nickel and copper, Kennecott is refurbishing the now closed Humboldt Mill. The mill is located on County Road (CR) 601 in Humboldt Township. After initial processing at the mill, the product will be shipped by rail for smelting and further refinement.
The nickel and copper ore produced by the Eagle Mine and processed at the Humboldt Mill requires a route built to carry heavy commercial traffic year-round. Access to the mine is via Triple A Road, which is not constructed to all-season standards. Access to the mill is via M-95 and CR 601, south of US-41. Kennecott will invest a total of $500 million at the mine and mill, creating 236 new jobs.
To meet traffic needs, Triple A Road will be reconstructed and paved to meet all-season standards. Horizontal and vertical alignment and drainage improvements also will be made. The improvements will extend the life span of the roadway and accommodate increased employee and commercial traffic.
Because the proposed improvements will generate a significant amount of employee and commercial traffic between the two facilities, M-95 will be widened at CR 601. A center left-turn lane will be added to accommodate southbound M-95 traffic turning onto eastbound CR 601, as well as to improve motorist safety at this intersection.
CR 601, which provides direct access to the Humboldt Mill, is a narrow road not built to current all-season standards. It will be widened and reconstructed. In addition, a steep hill will be flattened, and two sharp curves will be realigned to improve traffic safety and allow year-round access.
The estimated cost of these transportation improvements is $3,297,098, including $2,637,678 in state TEDF funds and $659,420 from Kennecott Eagle Minerals.
Presque Isle County
Moran Iron Works manufactures finished products for a global market that are typically too large to ship under standard utility lines. Specializing in one-of-a-kind industrial fabrication and conversion, the company produces large custom welding products that require a high-wire corridor for shipment.
A high-wire corridor was created more than 10 years ago between Moran Iron Works outside of Onaway and the deep water port in Rogers City. The company chose to invest $2.5 million to expand and add 60 new positions by 2015, in part due to the location of the high-wire corridor. However, several roads on the corridor have deteriorated over time and are now subject to seasonal weight restrictions. To assure future access to the port, three roads will be reconstructed to all-season condition: CR 638 from M-33 to Glasier Road, Glasier Road from CR 638 to M-68, and Petersville Road from Heythaler Road to US-23.
The estimated cost of these transportation improvements is $1,948,184, including $1,484,272 in state TEDF funds and $463,912 from the Presque Isle County Road Commission.
Enacted in 1987 and reauthorized in 1993, the TEDF was created to provide funding for highway, road and street projects that encourage private investment in Michigan that will create or support jobs. The TEDF “Category A,” or “Target Industries Program,” provides state funding for transportation improvements that will help accommodate increased traffic and provide commercial routes that are safe and more efficient for new and expanding companies.
Eligible road agencies include MDOT, county road commissions, cities and villages.
“The road improvements funded with these grants will encourage major companies to invest in our state, creating jobs and contributing to increased economic development across both peninsulas,” Steudle said.
Snyder Signs Legislation Expanding Educational Opportunities
LANSING, Michigan – Gov. Rick Snyder today signed legislation expanding educational opportunities and choices for students and families by increasing the number of cyber charter schools and broadening eligibility for dual enrollment programs.
The reforms help students to best meet their needs while complementing Michigan’s already outstanding traditional public schools.
“Michigan students can now achieve a quality education without boundaries,” Snyder said. “Empowering more parents and students with the option to enroll in cyber charter schools and attend college level courses increases not only their educational opportunities, but also their potential for success.”
Senate Bill 619, sponsored by Sen. Patrick Colbeck, lifts the cap on the number of cyber charter schools, and sets an enrollment limit of 2 percent of student population. It also removes the requirement of cyber school students having been previously enrolled in a public school.
Any applicant for a cyber school contract must demonstrate experience delivering a quality education program that improves student academic achievement, and offer any configuration of grades K-12 or all of those grades. Students will be issued a computing device by the school and the school will be responsible for subsidizing the cost of Internet access.
SB 619 is now Public Act 129 of 2012.
“One of the most innovative educational opportunities we can offer our children is the inclusion of cyber charter school options for our public school students,” Colbeck said. “These schools provide a free, public education to students that can be tailored to address each child’s strengths and weaknesses while providing increased one-on-one communication with a teacher.
“Providing more choice in public education empowers parents and gives them greater input in determining the best learning environment for their children. Cyber charter schools are a unique way to broaden that choice for many of Michigan’s families.”
Also signed as part of the package were:
SB 621, sponsored by Sen. Goeff Hansen, removes restrictions preventing public schools from receiving state aid funds to reimburse costs spent on some home and private schooled students who take classes at the public school, and allows any school in the student’s ISD or adjacent ISD to make a claim of reimbursement. SB 621 is now PA 130 of 2012.
SBs 622, 623, 709 and 710, sponsored by Sen. Judy Emmons, expand the eligibility for high school students to participate in dual enrollment programs at community colleges or universities, or at career and technical preparation programs by removing a requirement that a student be a junior. The measures also allow home and private schooled students to enroll. The bills are now PAs 131-134 of 2012.
Visit www.legislature.mi.gov for more information on the bills.
Appointments Made to Michigan Cherry Committee
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointments of Brian Altonen, of Kewadin, and Jim Nugent, of Suttons Bay, to the Michigan Cherry Committee.
The nine-member committee was established in 1965 and works to develop and implement marketing efforts for Michigan’s cherry industry.
“The cherry market and agricultural industry are crucial parts of Michigan’s economy,” said Snyder. “I am confident Brian and Jim will continue to effectively serve.”
Altonen is owner and manager of a fourth-generation farm, Altonen Orchards, where he grows 140 acres of cherries, 40 acres of apples, 20 acres of pears, eight acres of peaches, 40 acres of sweet corn and 20 acres of other field crops. He holds a bachelor’s degree in food systems economics and management from Michigan State University.
Nugent is partner and operator of Sunblossom Orchards, where he grows 30 acres of tart cherries and 11 acres of sweet cherries. Previously, he worked as a district horticultural agent for Michigan State University Extension and coordinator for the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station. Nugent earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in entomology, both from Michigan State University.
Appointees will represent District 1 tart cherry growers and serve three-year terms that expire Feb. 1, 2015. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
DNR to Honor Fallen Conservation Officers at May 15 Service
Honoring the proud tradition of service shown by all Michigan conservation officers, the Department of Natural Resources will on Tuesday, May 15, dedicate a memorial to celebrate the lives and work of 12 conservation officers who (since 1887) have died in the line of duty.
The memorial service, offered in conjunction with National Police Week (recognizing the contributions of all U.S. law enforcement officers) will start promptly at 11 a.m. at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference, 104 Conservation Drive, in Roscommon. The center is on the north shore of Higgins Lake, 1.5 miles east of US-27 and 5 miles west of I-75.
The 12 officers who will be memorialized include:
- Michigan Deputy Warden Frank S. Wilson (1854-1908), Elk Rapids
- Deputy Game Warden Julius A. Salmonson (1878-1908), Muskegon County
- Marquette County Game Warden Arvid Erickson (1896-1926), Marquette
- Michigan Conservation Officer Emil Waldemar Skoglund (1890-1926), Marquette
- Michigan Conservation Officer Theron A. Craw (1900-1928), Grand Traverse County
- Michigan Conservation Officer Andrew Schmeltz (1890-1936), Ishpeming
- Michigan Conservation Officer Carlyle B. Smith (1895-1943), Bridgeville
- Michigan Conservation Officer Maurice C. Luck (1908-1938), St. Johns
- Michigan Conservation Officer Thomas J. Mellon (1901-1947), Schoolcraft County
- Michigan Conservation Officer Gerald Welling (1918-1972), Hermansville
- Michigan Conservation Officer Vernon Scott Averill (1946-1986), Sparta
- Michigan Conservation Officer Edward Carl Starback (1900-1957), Breedsville
DNR Law Enforcement Division (LED) Chief Gary Hagler said the May 15 service will include the playing of bagpipes; a 21-gun salute; speeches to honor the fallen; the unveiling of the LED plaque with the names of two recently approved officers (Salmonson and Craw); and the dedication of the future site of the DNR’s Fallen Conservation Officer Memorial (the design of the physical memorial is yet to be unveiled).
This year – as the DNR celebrates the 125th anniversary of conservation law enforcement in Michigan – Chief Hagler said it is especially fitting to draw attention to the hard-working men and women who have served and those who continue to serve the state of Michigan by protecting its natural resources and the safety of the residents and visitors who want to enjoy those resources.
“In our 125 years, we have lost 12 game wardens and conservation officers in the line of duty,” said Hagler. “The majority of these died at the hands of violent offenders. As we pay tribute to our past, it’s important that we always remember their service and sacrifice.”
Those interested in more information or who would like to contribute to a fund for the construction of the memorial should visit the Michigan Conservation Officer Association website at www.mcoa-online.net.
For more information on National Police Week, visit www.nationalcops.org/npw2012.htm.
Former Gov. Blanchard, MEDC’s Finney among speakers to headline Port Lansing 2012 Global Logistics Conference
LANSING — Former Michigan Governor and past U.S. Ambassador to Canada James Blanchard and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) President and CEO Michael Finney are among the governmental and business leaders slated to speak at the Port Lansing 2012 Global Logistics Conference.
The event, scheduled for May 15, 2012, at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, will also feature a video welcome by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan.
The conference will provide business owners and managers with insights and expertise on how international trade can help diversify their customer base, provide long-term stability and support higher-paying jobs. According to a recent report by the Brookings Institute, U.S. exports increased nearly 11 percent in 2010, the fastest growth since 1997. Export-related jobs grew by almost 6 percent during the same timeframe, despite job losses in the overall economy.
“Attendees will hear from other business leaders who have successfully leveraged available resources to expand into foreign markets,” said Brent Case, vice president of international business services for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“They’ll also learn how they can localize global logistics, finance their international efforts and optimize their global supply chain,” Case said. “Michigan has an increasing number of businesses that recognize the value of global trade, and we’re fortunate to have robust systems that can assist our companies to grow globally.”
Port Lansing, located at the Capital Region International Airport, allows passengers and cargo to clear customs through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The port’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) allows goods to be delivered directly to the airport with the ability to defer, reduce or eliminate some duties and fees.
Port Lansing and the FTZ are key to Michigan’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness of regional businesses in the global marketplace, promote Michigan to domestic and international businesses, and increase the Greater Lansing region’s role in the ever-expanding global economy.
In addition, Port Lansing is utilizing tax incentives through the Next Michigan Development designation to attract new tenants and serve as a freight and commerce hub for the Midwest. Port Lansing is also involved in MEDC’s effort that helps companies to start or improve exporting opportunities. MEDC’s State Trade & Export Promotion (STEP), for example, is providing cash incentives along with expert training to businesses interested in exports.
At the 2012 Global Logistics Conference, Blanchard will discuss the significance of the Michigan-Canada trade relationship and the importance of continuing to grow global commerce with Canada, Michigan’s largest trading partner. Finney will discuss Michigan’s global trade strategy and the impact trade has on the state’s economy.
Conference sponsors are Capital Region International Airport, MSU’s International Business Center, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, MSU’s Canadian Studies Center, CN railroad, MEDC, The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services Inc. and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Registration information is available at portlansing.com/conference or 517-886-3714.
University of Michigan Awarded $1.3 Million to Train Next Generation of Nuclear Energy Leaders, Advance University-Led Nuclear Innovation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Underscoring President Obama’s commitments to keep college affordable, expand opportunities for American families nationwide, and promote education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu today announced that University of Michigan has been awarded $1.3 million in research grants, fellowships and scholarships to train and educate the next generation of leaders in America’s nuclear industry. These awards are part of the Department’s Nuclear Energy University Program and Integrated University Program that will support nuclear energy R&D and student investment at 46 colleges and universities nationwide.
These efforts at the Department of Energy build on President Obama’s commitment to work with Congress to help keep college education affordable for America’s students by keeping interest rates low on student loans.
“We must invest in the next generation of American scientists and engineers in order to fulfill our commitment to restarting America’s nuclear industry and making sure that America stays competitive in the 21st century,” said Secretary Chu. “The awards announced today – from scholarships and fellowships to university-led nuclear research projects – are part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to keep college affordable for students nationwide. These investments in Michigan will help train and educate our future energy leaders, while developing the innovations we need to create new jobs and export opportunities for American-made nuclear technologies.”
Awards under the Nuclear Energy University Program are divided into multiple categories, including undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, university-led research and development projects, and upgrades at university research reactors.
Researchers at the University of Michigan will receive $831,876 for a research project aimed at developing new and advanced reactor designs and technologies that broaden the applicability of nuclear reactors. The project will determine the extent to which high dose rate irradiation can be used to understand microstructure evolution at high doses and temperatures relevant to advanced fast reactors.
Through the Integrated University Program, the Department is also awarding three University of Michigan students $465,000 for graduate fellowships, in addition to $20,000 for four undergraduate scholarships. With the support of this program, the students will receive financial support to pursue a degree in the nuclear field and gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed in a nuclear science and engineering career. The selected students will study a breadth of critical nuclear energy issues, from fuel cycle sustainability to reactor efficiency and design.
Nationally, the Energy Department is awarding 143 awards for a total of $47 million as part of the Nuclear Energy University Program and Integrated University Program. Find a full list of projects selected for award HERE.
More for information the Nuclear Energy University Programs and the Integrated University Program visit www.neup.gov.
Letter Carriers’ Annual Food Drive May 12 Throughout Nation
Donations Critical as Thousands Join Hunger Rolls;
Effort Will Help Feed Needy Families in All 50 States
WASHINGTON – The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) announced today that the nation’s largest food drive to combat hunger will be conducted this year on Saturday, May 12. On that day, letter carriers will collect non-perishable donations from homes as they deliver mail along their postal routes.
The 20th annual NALC National Food Drive to “Stamp Out Hunger” is the largest one-day food drive in the nation. Nationally, carriers collected a record 77.1 million pounds of food in last year’s drive. The drive is held annually on the second Saturday in May in over 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Donations will be collected by almost 1,500 local branches of the 295,000-member postal union and delivered to food banks, pantries and shelters that serve the communities where they are collected. Assisting in the effort are rural letter carriers and other postal employees, as well as members of other unions and thousands of civic volunteers. Last year, the Marquette Post Office collected 13,800 pounds of food last year, which was then distributed to food pantries at Salvation Army, St. Vincent De Paul, Harbor House, Janzen House and Voices for Youth.
NALC President, Fredric V. Rolando, emphasized that as successful as the food drive has been in the past, it simply must be even better this year. “Millions and millions of families are suffering – struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table,” Rolando said. “Food banks, pantries and shelters need our help more than ever this year. As families count on them for support, they’re counting on us and we must not back off on our commitment.”
Rolando also noted that donations are particularly critical at this time since most school lunch programs are suspended during the summer months and millions of children must find alternate sources of nutrition.
It’s easy to participate. Just leave your non-perishable items in a bag or box near your mailbox before the mail comes, and the postal carrier will pick it up. Persons who have any questions about the drive at their location should ask their letter carrier or contact their local post office. In Marquette, please contact Larry Kuhn at 226-9963.
Over 125 million postcards, sponsored by the Campbell Soup Company and the U.S. Postal Service’s Priority Mail, will be mailed to postal customers to remind them of the drive. Television and radio public service announcements are being made available throughout the country.
Other co-sponsors of the drive with the letter carriers’ union are the U.S. Postal Service’s Priority Mail; Campbell Soup Company; Valpak; National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association; Feeding America, formerly known as America’s Second Harvest, the nation’s food bank network; the United Way Worldwide and its local United Ways, and the AFL-CIO.
Travel Michigan’s Director, George Zimmermann, News
The Pure Michigan regional summer advertising campaign started Monday, with radio, television and outdoor (billboards, bus wraps) advertising now running in our top nine regional markets – Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and southern Ontario. Outdoor ads are also running in smaller regional markets and in Michigan. The budget for the regional ad buy is $3.8 million, and it will run through June. Our $12-million national cable TV buy, which launched March 19 on 25 cable networks, also continues to runs through June.
Travel Michigan was joined by Detroit Metro CVB, The Henry Ford, Sault Ste. Marie CVB and Circle Michigan in the Brand USA International Pow Wow in Los Angeles in April. Pow Wow is the largest international travel trade marketplace in the U.S., matching up tour operators and media from around the world with destinations across America. Based on both the number and quality of our international trade and media appointments, this was the most productive Pow Wow for Michigan in years.
During the event, the U.S. Travel Association announced that Pow Wow 2014 will be held in Chicago, the first time Pow Wow has been in our region in 16 years. It was last hosted in Chicago in 1998. This will be an excellent opportunity for Michigan tourism industry members who want to expand their international marketing efforts, and we expect this to be a boost for tourism efforts in the entire Great Lakes region.
Also in April, we announced our partnership with Roush Fenway Racing, which included our sponsorship of a Pure Michigan Ford at the Nationwide Series NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway outside of Dallas on April 13th. I am happy to report that Roush driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driving the No. 6 Pure Michigan Ford, won the race, dramatically increasing the branding exposure for Pure Michigan at this event and on television.
A second component to our relationship with Roush Industries is the Pure Michigan 400 Sweepstakes. The grand prize of this sweepstakes is a custom 2012 Stage One Roush Pure Michigan 400 Mustang, which will be given away at the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, August 19th. Click here for details on the sweepstakes, which has already attracted more than 20,000 entries.
Finally, the Michigan Travel Commission meets on Friday, May 18 at 9:00 am at the Oliver Arts Center, 132 Coast Guard Road, in Frankfurt. Industry attendance and participation is encouraged.
