President’s Message

It was great to see our industry come together in 2007. We joined forces on some very important issues. The Services Tax was expected to have a significant impact on convention & visitors bureaus across the state, as well as on the industry as a whole. Everyone worked extremely hard for a repeal and collectively our voice was heard-we made a difference!

There have been many achievements over the years. The power, the passion and the perseverance of our industry has provided us great strength, which we have utilized to our advantage. We strive for a better tomorrow, learn from our experiences of yesterday, and appreciate the fruits of today-that philosophy has proven beneficial.

Our vision leads MACVB and our fellow industry partners as we continue to work together. Our collective effort to increase the state promotional budget has had an impact. Travel Michigan’s Pure Michigan promotional budget went from $5.7 million in 2007 to $10 million in 2008. We have in the past, and will continue in the future, to communicate the importance of a competitively funded state promotional budget. The industry has determined $30 million of promotional funding would position Michigan at a competitive level. We continue to support this effort of increasing state tourism appropriations to $30 million, without the imposition of new taxes, fees or surcharges.

Over the last year, the Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan has made good progress. The Travel Commission agreed to provide leadership of the plan that is “for the industry-by the industry.” They have, with industry input, been working through this document identifying the action items and areas that need to be addressed in this initial phase. Our work will proceed with the Travel Commission to help support and guide them through this important process.

The tourism industry as a whole offers an exciting opportunity for Michigan. We celebrate our natural wonders; we celebrate our history, arts and culture, and we showcase all the fun, interesting and unique facets that make us a great state. There is, however, much more to this industry than just “fun in the sun;” we provide a strong economic base, sound jobs and future growth at a time when little else leads the way. It is clear, we have much to be proud of within our industry.

I want to thank all of you for allowing me this time to serve as your president. I am looking forward to our continued worked together as a state association.

Marci Cisneros

Grand Haven Area CVB

2007 MACVB President

MACVB 2007 Board of Directors

President

Marci Cisneros

Grand Haven

Vice President

Millicent Huminsky

Southwestern MI Tourist Council

Treasurer

Mary Carroll

Benzie County

Secretary

Millicent Huminsky

Southwestern MI Tourist Council

Member at Large

Linda Hoath

Sault Ste. Marie

Past President

Jerry Preston

Flint

MACVB LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

to be posted shortly....

Education Committee

The Education Committee is responsible for planning and coordinating MACVB's Annual Educational Conference. Their duties begin with sending out requests for proposals to member CVB's to host the conference, and end with the evaluation of the annual educational conference.

One of the primary benefits of MACVB membership is industry-related education. For the past several years, the Education Committee was granted allied education credits by the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) for qualified seminars/workshops at the MACVB Annual Educational Conference.

This allows DMAI members to accumulate allied education credits for attendance at MACVB's annual conference. Additionally, the Board of Directors has continued to increase the budget for the Educational Conference to assure the associations' ability to attract a quality keynote or featured speaker.

MACVB members play an active role in the selection of topics and speakers at the annual conference. Members are encouraged to submit suggestions for speakers, topics and industry-related issues that would be of interest to their CVB partners.

The 2007 MACVB Annual Educational Conference was held at the Kewadin Casino Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie. The 2008 conference has been awarded to the Doubletree Hotel in Bay City.

Bylaws Committee

The Bylaws Committee meets on an annual basis to review the bylaws on behalf of the organization. The bylaws were last amended in 2004.

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee meets twice annually to research candidates for officers of the organization and to determine committee chairs.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee is responsible for assisting in the retention of existing members and solicitation of new members. Current membership includes 45 Bureau CEO’s, eight professional staff members and six honorary members.

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