June 30, 2006

Governor Encourages Citizens to Enjoy "Pure Michigan" Over 4th of July Holiday

LANSING – In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today emphasized that tourism is a critical component of Michigan’s economy.   Granholm said doubling the state’s investment in promoting Michigan as an outstanding travel destination will help to bring more visitors, additional revenue, and new jobs to the state.
 
“As Michiganders, we want to share our state and the places that make it great with everyone across this country,” Granholm said.  “Earlier this month, with the help of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, we launched a new marketing campaign to let people outside Michigan know what we already know – that Michigan is a great vacation destination.”
 
The goal of the marketing campaign is to draw more tourists to Michigan to visit our attractions, restaurants, campsites, and sports events to drive Michigan’s economy.  Tourists spend more than $17 billion in Michigan each year, generating millions of dollars in tax revenue and creating more than 193,000 jobs for Michigan residents.  Studies show that each additional dollar spent advertising generates another $3.43 in spending.

The “Pure Michigan” tourism campaign is being funded with part of the $2 billion 21st Century Jobs Fund to dramatically increase the marketing of Michigan across the country. The campaign encourages people in other states to visit Michigan and share in the feelings and emotions brought on by the miles of shoreline, beautiful lakes and rivers, exciting sports and events, golf courses, and cultural attractions that inspire Michigan residents.
 
“Whether you’re enjoying a little peace and quiet at a cottage up north this weekend, or taking part in the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, the International Balloon Competition on Battle Creek, or Detroit’s Taste Fest, wherever this holiday takes you, what you find will be pure Michigan,” Granholm said.

The Governor’s weekly radio address is released each Friday at 10:00 a.m. and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state through an affiliation with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  The address will also be available on the Governor’s website on Mondays as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers

Broadcasters Note: Governor Granholm’s radio address can be accessed through Sunday evening exclusively through the Members Only page of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters website. 

Publishers Note: The text of today’s address is attached.