Talk About Tourism - Michigan

Michelle O'Kelly, Fund Developer at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, discusses the Parks and Recreation Division at the DNR's efforts to make Michigan's natural resources more accessible. Michelle O'Kelly discusses the accessible recreation opportunities across the state of Michigan, specifically discussing the track chair program. 

Mike Giorgio, general manager of Mt. Brighton, discusses his journey working in resorts and how he ended up at Mt. Brighton. He then delves into Vail Resorts' EpicPromise and commitment to zero net operating footprint by 2030. 

Learn more about Mt. Brighton at:

 https://www.mtbrighton.com/ 

Maggie Scannell, Grand Valley State University graduate student, talks about a research study she and Dr. Patty Janes conducted, looking at sustainability reports in the hospitality and tourism  industry. She explains the main findings and themes as well as gives recommendations to the industry moving forward. 

Carla Flanders, director of the Lakeshore Art Festival, talks about "creating a unique and artful experience" for guests of the festival while incorporating sustainability and environmental responsibility into the plan. Flanders focuses on amplifying art as well as creativity and fostering an environment that encourages all to join in on the fun. 

Learn more about the Lakeshore Art Festival at: https://lakeshoreartfestival.org/ 

Kathy George, CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel, talks about how FireKeepers Casino Hotel gives back. From hosting blood drives to operating a food pantry in partnership with the South Michigan Food Bank, FireKeepers finds a way to keep building a better community. Kathy discusses the history of FireKeepers Casino Hotel and the dynamic leadership of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), who first opened FireKeepers Casino Hotel back in 2009. 

Learn more about FireKeepers Casino Hotel at https://firekeeperscasino.com/ 

Kris Spaulding, Owner, and President of Brewery Vivant & Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits talks about the sustainable operation of her two establishments, the importance of the arts, diversity, and collaboration within a community, and how being a good steward is a beneficial business practice. 

Learn more about Brewery Vivant at: https://www.breweryvivant.com/

Learn more about Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits at: https://broadleafbeer.com/ 

Hayley Blair, Farm Club President and student at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), talks about the importance of each and every one of us doing our part in making the space we engage with more sustainable. Hayley invites individuals from all fields of study to learn more about sustainability.

To learn more about GVSU's Farm Club visit: 

https://www.gvsu.edu/sustainableagproject/farm-club-26.htm 

Stephanie Gandulla, Resource Protection Coordinator at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, talks about the importance of education and collaboration in conservation. 

Learn more about Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary at: https://thunderbay.noaa.gov/ 

Jessica Loding, Senior Director of Sustainability at Schupan talks about sustainable events and how starting small can lead to big changes. 

Learn more about Schupan and their sustainability services at: https://www.schupan.com/ 

Gerry VanAcker, COO of the Detroit Zoological Society, talks about the benefits of having a written plan known as the Greenprint, which guides the way for a sustainable operation. 

Learn more about The Detroit Zoological Society at: https://detroitzoo.org/about/your-detroit-zoo/ 

Patty Janes, founder of the nonprofit Michigan Cares for Tourism, talks about the importance of cross-collaboration and volunteerism in the tourism industry. 

Michigan Cares for Tourism brings tourism industry professionals together through volunteerism to help restore Michigan's historic, cultural, and natural attractions, learn about Michigan tourism destinations, and network across industry segments to ultimately enhance the visitor experience, and be more engaged professionals. 

Learn more about Michigan Cares for Tourism at: https://michigancaresfortourism.org