GVSU project wins governor's award

The Michigan Cares for Tourism project received the 2016 Governor's Award for Innovative Tourism Collaboration. 

The project is a partnership among Grand Valley and Michigan tourism organizations that brings together Grand Valley students and industry professionals from across the state to help restore Michigan’s historic attractions. The partnership includes Grand Valley's Hospitality and Tourism Management Department, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Travel Michigan, Indian Trails and Driven.

"I was thrilled to receive the award on behalf of Grand Valley and members of the tourism industry," said Patty Janes, associate professor of hospitality and tourism management and creator of Michigan Cares for Tourism. "Our tourism community has made this project work. It is the ultimate example of collaboration and partnership."

Since 2013, hundreds of volunteers with Michigan Cares for Tourism have cleaned up and helped restore four historic sites across the state: Mill Lake in Chelsea, Belle Isle in Detroit, Sturgeon Point in Harrisville, and Fayette in the Upper Peninsula.

The next project will be the Felt Estate in Saugatuck September 13 and 14.

Janes received the award in April during the 2016 Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism in Lansing.

More for information, visit www.gvsu.edu/michigancaresfortourism. Click here to read a feature story about Michigan Cares for Tourism in Grand Valley Magazine.