Michigan tourism leaders and the folks at Pure Michigan are voicing gratitude this week for a recent vote by State Representatives Kim LaSata, Dave Pagel and some of their colleagues to protect the state’s third largest industry, which is tourism.
Berrien County’s LaSata is Majority Vice Chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Pagel, also from Berrien, and at the end of last month that subcommittee took a significant step toward protecting the Pure Michigan brand and its resulting impact on the state’s economy.
Subcommittee members, including Vice Chair LaSata and Pagel, opposed a proposed cut of $9-million to Pure Michigan and restored funding at its current level of $34-million. The Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association (MLTA) joined others in support of full funding of the state’s highly effective marketing campaign.
Deanna Richeson is President & CEO at the Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association. She argues, “When you have a beautiful asset like Michigan, strategic advertising generates an undeniable return on investment.” She adds, “Legislators who serve on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government recognize the importance of Pure Michigan to our state and its residents.”
LaSata and others point out that current studies indicate that every dollar invested in Pure Michigan generates $8.33 in new funds for the state. Additionally they will tell you that tourism jobs cannot be outsourced to another state, pointing out that tourism revenues “not only create jobs, but grow tourism-related businesses and contribute significantly to the state budget.”
MLTA applauded the members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government for their thoughtful action on funding Pure Michigan. In addition to LaSata and Pagel, other members of that subcommittee include Reps. Rob VerHeulen, who serves as Chair; John Bizon; Sue Allor; David LaGrand; Pam Faris; and Fred Durhal.
The appropriations bill now goes to the full House Appropriations Committee.
The Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association is a 112-year-old trade association that represents, promotes and educates Michigan’s lodging and tourism industries.
