Professor's tourism idea is finalist in state competition

Patty Janes, associate professor of hospitality and tourism management, submitted an idea on how to build tourism in the state for the Pure Michigan Jump Start competition. Her idea, Michigan Cares for Tourism, was picked as one of five finalists. The winner will receive $5,000 to implement their idea.

The competition is part of the Governor’s Conference on Tourism being held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center April 14-16. The finalists have three minutes to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges during the opening reception April 14. The winner will be announced April 16.

Janes said Michigan Cares for Tourism is modeled after the national program Tourism Cares, which brings volunteers and the tourism community together to help clean up and restore important historic sites. “The idea is to bring people together to restore Michigan tourism treasures,” said Janes.

Janes’ submission for the contest is below:

“Until now there has not been a unified, statewide effort to ‘give back’ to the tourism industry and preserve and invest in our most sacred treasures - our people and our places. In partnership with Grand Valley State University, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Tourism Cares, Travel Michigan, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources/Parks and Recreation Division, Michigan Cares for Tourism will coordinate an annual clean-up event at a Michigan tourism treasure that is in need of our time, talents and resources. Tourism industry professionals will be invited to participate in the clean-up effort and contribute to the site by volunteering their time and talents helping to restore and protect it. The annual site selection will vary by geographic location within the state as well as type of effort needed.”

Janes will be competing against the other finalists:
-Old Wood Press History CPR developed by Mara Mackay from Kalamazoo
-Arts and Eats developed by Ginger Hentz from Hastings
-Experience the Spirits of Michigan developed by Tim Bannister from Royal Oak
-Zip the Grand developed by Jarl Brey from Grand Rapids

For more information, contact Patty Janes at [email protected] or (989) 424-0123.