August 20, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Larry Schuler, of St. Joseph, Julie Sprenger, of Laurium, and Jerome Toney, of Howell, to the Michigan Travel Commission.
The commission, housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corp., works with a variety of associations and nonprofit corporations and organizations to develop, promote and enhance Michigan's travel and tourism industry.
"These individuals bring great backgrounds and extensive experiences in travel and tourism to the commission, and I am confident they will do great work to showcase all that Michigan has to offer," said Snyder.
Schuler is owner and president of Schu's Hospitality Group LLC and Schu's Grill and Bar in St. Joseph. He began his hospitality career as the fourth-generation member of his family's business, Schuler's Restaurant and Pub in Marshall. Previously, Schuler worked at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa, Calif., and served as restaurant manager and assistant food and beverage manager for the Westin Hotel Galleria in Dallas and as vice president and general manager of Schuler's Restaurant and Pub. He is secretary of the St. Joseph Improvements Association and former chairman of the Michigan Restaurant Association. Schuler holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Albion College. He replaces Art Tebo.
Sprenger is owner and president of Laurium Manor Inn Inc. and Sprenger Enterprises in the Upper Peninsula's Keweenaw Peninsula. She brings 23 years of Michigan lodging and tourism experience to the commission. Previously, Sprenger worked as a design engineer for Clarkson Inc. in Palo Alto, Calif.; as a mechanical design and project manager for RJ Kaufman and Associates in Livermore, Calif. and as a project manager for Logitech Inc. in Fremont, Calif. She earned an associate degree in mechanical design engineering technology from Michigan Technological University. Sprenger replaces Rochelle Cotey.
Toney is vice president of accommodations and manager of the Grand Club membership program for the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, where he has worked since 1998. With the Grand Hotel, he has served in numerous capacities, including the positions of front desk agent, front desk manager, front office manager and director of accommodations. Toney received a bachelor's degree in hotel/motel and restaurant management from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W. Va. He replaces Ken Hayward.
Appointees will serve four-year terms that expire August 20, 2016, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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