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Dear Friends:
We made a big push with the meetings and convention market this week as the Department along with a number of Wisconsin representatives attended the annual meeting of the Association Forum of Chicagoland. This one-day event attracted a record-breaking attendance of over 550 association CEOs, C-Level decision makers, meeting professionals, and suppliers.
As a conference sponsor, Deputy Dave and I had the opportunity to kick off the convention as keynote presenters. We used some old-fashioned cheerleading to get the audience revved up and backed it up with serious reasons for why an association should choose Wisconsin. We showcased the state as a place for everything from full-scale association conferences to board retreats. Our message was extremely well received and I look forward to seeing the results as our tourism partners close the sale on future meetings.
Last weekend I had the great fortune to kick off the summer camping season with former Packers Gilbert Brown and William Henderson at Merry Mac Campground. The event was part of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owner'
s "Go Camping Wisconsin" initiative and tied in with President Obama's proclamation of June as "Great Outdoors Month." It was an amazing event and great way to promote Wisconsin's 784 campgrounds. Gilbert and William had a fabulous time (see the photo!) and they have even promised to provide a blog post for TravelWisconsin.com!
In other Department news, preparations are underway for the Wisconsin Arts Board move from the Department of Administration to our digs here on the 2nd floor of the Commerce building. We welcome them to the Tourism fold and look forward to the synergies and energy this transition will provide. It goes without saying that our home is their home.
I need to take this opportunity to recognize and thank three outgoing Tourism Council members whose terms have expired: Janeé Doxtator, Romy Snyder and Kari Zambon. On behalf of the Governor and the staff at the Department, I thank these three talented individuals for their time, their guidance and their gift of service to Wisconsin's travel and hospitality industry. Their commitment to growing tourism as an economic engine for the state is greatly appreciated. The Governor will announce new appointees in time for the September council meeting.
Some final words as summer unfolds before us. This is our season to shine and we have every reason to be optimistic and anticipate a summer of strong economic activity throughout the state. I'm sending out my good wishes for lots of happy customers, spending time (and money!) in your communities while enjoying your restaurants, parks, campgrounds, attractions and most of all your friendly Wisconsin hospitality
Best Wishes ,
Stephanie
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Get Your Packages, Discounts & Promotions in Front of Travelers
Higher summer gas prices are the perfect reason to leverage our Packages & Deals Co-op Program. Travelers want to stay closer to home and the sweet deal you are offering may just be the deal breaker someone needs to choose you for a getaway. For as little as $250, your package or special discount will be visible on one of the Top 10 pages viewed on TravelWisconsin.com. Take a look at who is already taking advantage of this opportunity and then get all the information to participate here.
Walk with Walker
First Lady Tonette Walker launched her new initiative "Walk with Walker" this month at High Cliff State Park. "Walk with Walker" promotes Wisconsin's picturesque trails, parks, and landscapes while also emphasizing the health and wellness benefits that goes along with being active. The next two "walks" are planned for Cable in July and August in Eagle River. Want to be considered for a future Walk with Walker event? Simply drop Dawn Zanoni an email to let her know.
Small Businesses are the Backbone of Wisconsin Tourism
The busy summer season is a good time to recognize the thousands of small businesses, entrepreneurs and family-run establishments that truly make up the state's tourism industry. According to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), 15,000 businesses with less than 50 employees are currently employing over 60% of the Wisconsin residents with jobs supported by the travel and hospitality industry. Last month, the Department of Tourism partnered with DWD on an opinion piece featured in the Journal-Sentinel. A copy of that editorial is available for your use to spread the good word.
Tourism Ambassador Programs
Do you have a success story about an ambassador program that has been developed for your area? We would like to hear about it! Please send Patrick Reinsma an email with the details. Programs like TIA's Certified Ambassador Training Program, provide front-line hospitality employees and residents with the skills and tools to turn every traveler's experience into a positive and memorable one.
Tourism Dashboard
See the Department's monthly metrics report. The new report covers monthly and year-to-date stats for TravelWisconsin.com, Customer Service, Social Media and Mobile Apps.
Tourism Grant Tip of the Month
Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the first day of advertising that will be paid using JEM funds. For example, if your first scheduled JEM ad runs on June 1, your application must be submitted by March 1.
Wisconsin in the News
See all of our tourism news and clips online. Here are some of the highlights.
Tourism Hats Off To…
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New TGW Signage is Here!
We have purchased new signage to help promote your Travel Green Wisconsin certification to customers. And the signs themselves are a recycled product reproduced from road signs. Our Regional Tourism Specialists will assist with distributing them throughout the summer while they travel the state. Please contact
Shelly Allness if you have questions.
Travel Green Wisconsin in the News
Soldier's Grove and Door County were recently featured in a Shore Magazine article "Where to go for an eco-friendly getaway". Congratulations!
Create a Travel Green Wisconsin Travel List
Help us provide our travelers with great ideas to travel the state and be green at the same time! Share your green trip suggestions via our TravelWisconsin.com "Travel List" tool. Travelers will surely appreciate your insider knowledge!
Certification Renewals
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to renew your Travel Green Wisconsin certification. This is an important step to maintain your certification as well as a great opportunity to earn additional points and increase your green score. Renewal forms are available for download online.
New to Travel Green Wisconsin?
The marketing benefits continue to grow for our TGW certified businesses, contact Shelly or visit our industry website http://industry.travelwisconsin.com/Travel+Green+Wisconsin.aspx to learn how you can become certified
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