Here it is almost September, and I bet you're wishing you had spent more time enjoying another spectacular Michigan summer. Well, don't worry. Some say autumn is Michigan's most glorious time to shine. Hopefully you can carve out a little time to see the beautiful fall colors and even bring along your out-of-state family and friends.

Have you seen the new Travel Michigan advertisements? The campaign, called "Pure Michigan," includes three television commercials. One (Potential of Water) promotes Michigan's wonderful water - our rivers, lakes and streams. A second spot (Trailhead) invites you to stroll, hike, bike and walk our fabulous outdoor, and indoor, trails. And a third (Sunrise) reminds us that we get only 25,000 mornings on this planet (give or take), and it's best to spend as many of those days as we can in Michigan. The voice of the "Pure Michigan" advertising campaign is long-time Michigan booster, actor and former resident, Tim Allen. If you haven't seen them, check them out on the Travel Michigan website: http://www.travelmichigannews.org/ads.htm .

Better yet, send the link to your family and friends and invite them to come to Michigan and play as we stretch out this beautiful Michigan summer into an awesome Michigan autumn. As a Michiganian and a state government employee, you are entitled to generous bragging rights to entice your family and friends to come enjoy our "Pure Michigan."

I'm sure you know that tourism is big business for Michigan. And with the after-Labor Day school start which I signed into law last year, it will be even bigger. A study prepared by Michigan State University estimates that shifting the start of the school year to after Labor Day will result in $132 million in new tourism spending at Michigan businesses and will generate an additional $10 million in state tax collections.

So, even if you've already enjoyed a great Michigan summer, why not start planning an outing for Michigan's fabulous fall season that's "Pure Michigan"?

Sincerely,
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor