Why You Should Attend This Year’s Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism
NewS from travel michigan’s director, george zimmermann
Here are the top ten reasons why you should attend this year’s Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, April 14-16, at the Detroit Marriott at Renaissance Center:
#10. National tourism expert Peter Yesawich will present his insights and the latest research on what is motivating consumers to travel and how you can attract more visitors to your destination or business.
#9. Venture capitalist and best-selling author Josh Linkner will inspire you to boost the creativity of your enterprise to maximize your results.
#8. Governor Rick Snyder will share his vision for expanding Pure Michigan marketing internationally, with much bigger programs in Canada and Europe and entering new markets in Asia.
#7. Michigan State University will present the final tourism results for 2012 and their forecast for the Michigan tourism industry in 2013.
#6. I will present the latest Pure Michigan advertising and image analysis, as well as the number of out-of-state trips to Michigan generated by the campaign last summer, the amount spent by those visitors at Michigan businesses, and the state’s return on investment on our 2012 advertising.
#5. The Michigan Travel Commission will unveil the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan and the next steps to implement the plan’s goals and objectives.
#4. Four tracks of relevant and interactive breakout sessions: Digital Marketing, Economic Development, Lodging, and Tourism.
#3. Finalists for the $5,000 Pure Michigan Jump Start grant will present their out-of-the-box ideas for new Michigan tourism products, services and businesses.
#2. The industry will honor our best with AAA, Stars of the Industry, Collaboration and Outstanding Achievement awards.
And the number one reason you should attend this year’s Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism?
(drumroll)
#1. The chance to network, brainstorm and collaborate with 1,000 of the best and brightest tourism innovators and business owners, state and local officials, economic developers and community leaders from across the state!
Click here for full conference details and to register today.
I look forward to seeing you in Detroit next month!
Safe travels always,
George
Norway Reservoir and Menominee River Boating Access Temporarily Close
The Norway Reservoir and Menominee River Railroad Dock boating access sites will close temporarily in July for improvement projects, the Department of Natural Resources said today.
The Norway Reservoir site in Dickinson County will close Monday, July 9 for necessary repairs. Project managers anticipate completion by Friday, July 13. The site will reopen upon completion of the project.
The Menominee River Railroad Dock site in Menominee County will close Monday, July 16 for installation of a new concrete boat ramp. Project completion is tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 27. The site will reopen upon completion of the project. The nearest alternative public boat launches are the River Park and Marina launches in Menominee.
Both boating access site improvement projects are funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from boat registration fees and the Michigan marine fuel tax, which is used for the construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities, harbors and inland waterways.
For more information or updates about these projects, contact Baraga State Park Unit Supervisor Dan Dowdy at 906-353-6558. To locate public boat launches in Michigan, visit http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/mrbis/.
Summer Events Abound in Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas
With more activities than ever now taking place in Michigan’s state parks, recreation areas, forest campgrounds and harbors, there’s something happening “close to home” in just about every part of the state – giving families the opportunity to visit state parks, explore the great outdoors and discover where Pure Michigan summer memories are made.
Whether you’re into canoeing and kayaking, want to learn about the new sport of paddleboarding, or just want to get in some fishing, June is all about getting out on the water.
Mark the calendar for Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, and take part in the DNR’s Free Fishing Weekend when all fishing license fees will be waived for the two days, and residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. Just remember that creel limits and fish size minimums still apply during Free Fishing Weekend. For a list of events, visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing.
Get out and support our military veterans and active-duty men and women during the annual “Hookin Up Heroes” fishing tournament set for the morning of Saturday, June 9 on Hardy Pond at Newaygo State Park in Newaygo County. The military appreciation event teams vets with some great anglers for a friendly competition. Be a tournament spectator or line the route to cheer on the participants of the motorcycle charity ride for the Brain Injury Association of Michigan’s Veteran’s Program, and the Michigan Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. These two events take place simultaneously. Learn more at www.hookinupheroes.com.
Don’t know a bobber from a sinker? No problem! Recreation 101 is the answer. The DNR’s Recreation 101 program, first rolled out in 2011, offers free, introductory programs to the novice outdoor enthusiast who wants to learn more about outdoor activities through hands-on fun and expert instruction.
Fishing 101, one of Recreation 101’s most popular programs, is being offered at seven locations in June, and continues throughout the summer.
“Our goal is to offer basic instruction in any and all things outdoors, and the program has been enthusiastically received,” said Maia Stephens, recreation programmer for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “By offering local experts who bring all the gear, guides and good times to programs for novice outdoor enthusiasts, we’re encouraging more people to Go Get Outdoors and discover the unique recreational opportunities that our parks provide.”
Stephens said this year’s Rec 101 programming has expanded to offer more than 400 outdoor activities, but the program is not limited to sports:
Learn to re-create Michigan’s stunning scenery on canvas with art programs such as “Watercolor in the Wilderness 101,” taking place on Saturday, June 23, at Newaygo State Park.
Discover more about Michigan geology during “Hunting for Agates” on Wednesday, July 18, at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon County.
Get away from it all during a “Ladies-only Kayak Afternoon” on Wednesday, July 25, one of several events just for women at Island Lake Recreation Area in Livingston County.
Stay up late and stargaze with other like-minded individuals during one of the “Meteors and S’mores” programs taking place in numerous state parks this summer.
To learn more about all the Recreation 101 offerings, visit www.michigan.gov/rec101. For a current list of DNR happenings statewide, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.
In addition to Recreation 101 events taking place across the state, many parks are featuring special events unique to the park and area:
Make early reservations for the Friends of the Porkies’ 8th Annual Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, Sunday through Tuesday, Aug. 26-28, featuring folk, blues, bluegrass and contemporary music. Visit www.porkiesfestival.org.
Pack up the family, the lawn chairs and blankets, and head to Bay City State Recreation Area in Bay County for family movie night starting at 8:45 p.m. every Saturday beginning June 2. Family movies, courtesy of Family Video, will be presented on the 16-foot-wide outdoor projection screen on the lawn near the “Spray by the Bay” spray park. For details, call 989-684-3020.
With hundreds of activities taking place this summer, the DNR encourages visitors to get out and enjoy all that Michigan’s woods and water offer. At the same time, however, DNR officials caution visitors to be aware of weather conditions and their own actions in order to protect our valuable natural resources from wildfire damage. Learn how at www.michigan.gov/preventwildfires.
Spending summer in Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas is easily affordable with the Recreation Passport. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan’s outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.
May 30th Last Day to Register for UPWard Initiative Tourism and Professional Development Conference
This conference will provide business owners, managers and staff an opportunity to attend valuable professional and business development break-out sessions. The day will also highlight trends and current news in the tourism industry. “Lighten UP” and take advantage of valuable networking time to share information and tactics.
May 29th- Noon EST Golf Scramble - Sweetgrass Golf Course
Open to All: 5:00pm EST Business After Hours/Reception and Business Showcase Displays – Island Resort & Casino
May 30th- 8:00am EST Tourism Conference, Professional Development Workshops and Business Showcase – Island Resort & Casino
Keynote: Bruce Goddard – Lighten UP! A View from a Hearse
He will make you laugh. He will make you cry. But above all, he will make you thankful for the true blessings of life and doing business in a small community.
Luncheon Keynote: David Lorenz, Manager, Public and Industry Relations, Travel Michigan; David oversees Travel Michigan’s public relations activities- the official State of Michigan tourism promotion agency. He also manages Travel Michigan’s efforts in the areas of international marketing, packaged travel, conventions and meetings, industry relations, golf and sports-event promotion.
- Customer Service Excellence
- Social Media
- Low Cost Business Marketing
- Grants and Resources
- Community Collaboration
- Tourism Success Stories
- Industry Concerns
- Business Promotion and Advertising
- And more!
Registration Information:
- $59.00 admission includes continental breakfast and lunch
- $99.00 showcase booth includes one conference registration
- $49.00 golf scramble and reception to follow (May 29th)
- $59 special lodging rate includes:
- Gaming package
-
Complimentary beverage
-
Restaurant discount
Register ONLINE or call (906) 786-2192 for more information.
MDOT Lifts Many Work Zone Restrictions for Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
To help make travel easier, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is lifting traffic restrictions on 94 of 132 projects statewide during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 25, and continuing until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, MDOT is suspending road work wherever possible.
“Memorial Day weekend begins the busy summer travel season in Michigan,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “Let’s make sure everyone gets to their destination and home safely. Remember to buckle up, put your cell phone down, and be extra cautious in construction zones.”
The following 38 work zones will remain active, or have lane restrictions, during the Memorial Day weekend. If necessary, detour routes will be posted at the project location.
Upper Peninsula
- US-2 in Iron River, Iron County, will have a temporary traffic signal at 9th Avenue.
- US-2/US-41 north of Gladstone, Delta County, will have one lane of traffic open in each direction on the bridges over the CN Railroad.
- US-41, Marquette County, will be reduced to three lanes between M-28 in Harvey and the Carp River in Marquette, with one lane open in each direction and a center left-turn lane.
For more information, contact James Lake, Superior Region Communications Representative, at 906-786-1830, ext. 311.
Northern Lower Peninsula
- US-10, Lake County, will have shoulder closures and one lane open in each direction between Lakola Road and Depot Street.
- US-23 in Oscoda, Iosco County, will have lane shifts, a 10-foot width restriction, and detours from the AuSable River bridge and F-41.
For more information, contact Bob Felt, North Region Communications Representative, at 989-731-5090.
West Michigan
- M-20 (70th Avenue) just south of the village of Mecosta, Mecosta County, is closed over Schrader Creek between 9 Mile Road and Main Street. Truck traffic detour on 90th Avenue and 9 Mile Road. Commuter traffic detour on Main Street, North A Street, Hayes Road, 11 Mile Road and M-66.
- M-21 (Fulton Street) in Ada, Kent County, will have one lane open in each direction on the temporary bridge over the Grand River.
- US-131 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, has the northbound US-131 on and off ramps to Franklin Street closed. The southbound US-131 ramp to Franklin Street is open for westbound Franklin Street only.
- US-131 near Howard City, Montcalm County, will have a traffic shift from Cannonsville Road north to eastbound M-46 (Howard City Edmore Road). Southbound US-131 will be shifted to the northbound side with two southbound lanes open and one northbound lane open. Traffic will be separated by a concrete barrier. The southbound US-131 on and off ramps at M-82 will be closed, as well as the on ramp from M-46 to southbound US-131.
For more information, contact John Richard, Grand Region Communications Representative, at 616-451-4063.
Southwest Michigan
- M-43 (Broadway) in Hastings, Barry Country, will have one lane open in each direction.
- M-89 in Plainwell, Allegan County, will have westbound lanes closed from 12th Street to Sherwood Street with a posted detour. There will be no lane closures on US-131 and all ramps will be open.
- M-139, Berrien County, will have one lane of traffic maintained over the Dowagiac River with a traffic signal.
For more information, contact Nick Schirripa, Southwest Region Communications Representative, at 269-337-3927.
Central Michigan and Thumb
- I-75 and US-23, Arenac County, has the southbound I-75 ramp to eastbound US-23 closed with traffic detoured to take Exit 190 to M-61, then M-13. Eastbound US-23 will have one lane open.
- I-475, Genesee County, will have traffic shifted with the left lanes closed in both directions.
- M-25, Huron County, has lanes closed over Harbor Beach Creek with traffic detoured to Port Hope Road, and then Filion Road back to M-25.
- M-142, Huron County, will have lanes closed over the Pigeon River with traffic detoured to Stein Road, Caseville Road and Weale Road.
- M-142, Huron County, has lanes closed over the Nettle Run with traffic detoured to Moore Road, Richardson Road and Pinnebog Road.
For more information, contact Anita Richardson, Bay Region Communications Representative, at 989-754-0878, ext. 227.
Southern Mid-Michigan
- M-14, Washtenaw County, has two lanes open in each direction between US-23 and the Wayne County line with a traffic shift.
- M-43 (Saginaw Street) in Lansing, Ingham County, has the bridge over the Grand River closed with traffic detoured.
- M-50 (McDevitt Avenue), Jackson County, will have the bridge over US-127 closed with a detour posted.
- M-50 (West Avenue) in Jackson, Jackson County, will be closed between Wildwood Avenue and Ganson Street with a detour posted.
- M-52 in Adrian, Lenawee County, has one lane open in each direction between US-223 and South Street.
- M-52 in Manchester, Washtenaw County, has southbound traffic maintained between Dutch Drive and Austin Road with northbound traffic detoured.
- US-23, Livingston County, has two lanes open in each direction north of M-36 near Silver Lake Road with a traffic shift.
- US-127, Ingham County, has the rest area near Holt Road closed for reconstruction.
- US-223 in Palmyra, Lenawee County, has one lane open over the River Raisin with a temporary signal.
For more information, contact Kari Arend, University Region Communications Representative, at 517-750-0406.
Metro Detroit Region
City of Detroit
- M-85 (Fort Street) is down to one lane in each direction with a center-turn lane between St. Anne Street and West Grand Boulevard.
Oakland County
- I-96 has three lanes open in each direction between Kent Lake and Milford roads with a traffic shift and reduced speeds posted. In addition, the following are closed:
- The northbound and southbound Kent Lake Road ramps to westbound I-96;
- The southbound Milford Road ramp to eastbound I-96;
- The westbound I-96 ramp to southbound Milford Road; and
- The southbound Kent Lake Road ramp to eastbound I-96.
- M-150 (Rochester Road) is closed in each direction between 2nd Street and University Drive. Detours are posted.
- US-24 Business Route (Cesar Chavez Drive) has all southbound lanes closed while one northbound lane is open between Montcalm and the Woodward Loop.
Macomb and St. Clair Counties
- I-94 has two lanes open in each direction between 23 Mile and County Line roads with a traffic shift.
- I-94/I-69 has two lanes open in each direction with all traffic shifted to the eastbound side of the roadway between Pine Grove Avenue and Lapeer Road. In addition:
- Riverside Drive is closed under I-94/I-69 and detoured;
- A temporary ramp to Water Street is open for westbound I-94/I-69 traffic; and
- The Water Street ramp to westbound I-94/I-69 is closed.
Wayne County
- I-75 has the right lane closed in each direction between King and Sibley roads. In addition, the following are closed:
- Dix-Toledo Road over I-75;
- The northbound I-75 ramp to Dix-Toledo Road;
- The southbound Dix-Toledo Road ramp to southbound I-75; and
- The northbound Dix-Toledo Road ramp to northbound I-75.
- Westbound I-94 has three lanes open over I-275 with a traffic shift and reduced speeds posted.
- The I-94/M-39 interchange has the following ramps closed:
- The westbound I-94 ramp to northbound M-39;
- The eastbound I-94 ramp to southbound M-39;
- The eastbound I-94 ramp to Pelham Road; and
- The southbound M-39 ramp to eastbound I-94.
- I-275 has two lanes open in each direction between Hannan Road and Michigan Avenue, and between Warren and Plymouth roads. In addition, the following are closed:
- The westbound Ann Arbor Road ramp to northbound I-275;
- The westbound US-12 ramp to southbound I-275;
- The eastbound US-12 ramp to northbound I-275;
- Tyler Road over I-275;
- Joy Road over I-275; and
- Plymouth Road over I-275.
- Old M-14 (Plymouth Road) has one lane open in each direction between Market Street and Farmington Road.
- M-85 (Fort Street) has two lanes open in each direction between Sibley and Goddard roads.
- US-24 (Telegraph Road) has a one lane open in each direction between Vreeland and West roads.
For more information, contact Robert Morosi, Metro Region Communications Representative, at 248-483-5127.
DNR’s Wolfe Bay Boating Access Site to Close June 4-18
The Department of Natural Resources recently announced that the Wolfe Bay boating access site on South Manistique Lake in Mackinac County will temporarily close June 4-18 due to maintenance at the facility.
DNR Parks and Recreation Division staff will work to reopen the site as soon as possible. In the meantime, boaters may use Dunkles Landing (south of Curtis on Norton Road, which is off of Highway 33) as an alternate boating access site.
This maintenance project is funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from the collection of boat registration fees, a portion of the Michigan marine fuel tax and user fees. Waterways funding is dedicated to the acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities.
For more information about the status of this project, contact Jim Dzelak, Newberry recreation supervisor, at 906-293-5131. For a statewide list of boating access sites, visit the Michigan Recreational Boating Information System at www.mcgi.state.mi.us/MRBIS.
DNR’s Cooks Bay Boating Cccess Site to Temporarily Close June 18-July 2
Mackinac County, Michigan - The Department of Natural Resources recently announced that the Cooks Bay boating access site on Manistique Lake in Mackinac County will be temporarily closed from June 18 through July 2 for maintenance at the facility.
DNR Parks and Recreation Division staff will work to reopen the site as soon as possible. In the meantime, other boating access sites in the area that may be used include Manistique Lake-Northside boating access site (Luce County) off of County Road 463 and County Line boating access site (Luce County) off of County Road 98.
This maintenance project is funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from the collection of boat registration fees, a portion of the Michigan marine fuel tax and user fees. Waterways funding is dedicated to the acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities.
For more information about the status of this project, contact Jim Dzelak, 906-293-5131. For a statewide list of boating access sites, visit the Michigan Recreational Boating Information System at www.mcgi.state.mi.us/MRBIS.
The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan’s outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.
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.
Happening in Da U.P.? Great Lakes Radio Pix!
