I’m writing you today from the UP, where I was honored Sunday to represent Pure Michigan in the Lilac Festival parade on Mackinac Island. Today, I’m at the beautiful Sweetgrass Golf Course on the grounds of Island Resort and Casino, in Harris near Escanaba. This is where the “Island Resort Championship” takes place this weekend.

I am invited to many of these events around the state, but my schedule typically doesn’t allow me to participate. I specifically wanted to be here today as a way to show my sincere appreciation for the Hannahville Potawatomi Indian Community and all they do to help the central UP.

Many of our tribes operate casinos as a major part of their economic development effort, and a portion of their revenue goes to the State. In a unique partnership, the Hannahville Tribe entered into a new 25-year compact last year and chose to direct a portion of their revenues directly to the Pure Michigan effort, primarily to promote the UP.  We will use some of these dollars to enhance our promotion of Michigan’s rich and colorful Native American heritage.

Just to the north of here in the Keweenaw Peninsula, efforts are underway to make temporary repairs to roads and other infrastructure that was damaged over the weekend during heavy rains and flooding in the Houghton area. Governor Snyder has been on site this week and is marshalling all State resources to make repairs. I want you to know that the immediate area will take some time to recover, but the vast majority of the Keweenaw was not damaged.  As such, I’m asking you to please help spread the word that “Copper Country” is open for business and welcoming to all.  

While I sincerely love all of the State, I am particularly enamored by the UP’s natural beauty, rich heritage and the grittiness, determination and self-reliance of its people. In our Pure Michigan TV ad, we affectionately call the UP, “the purest of Pure Michigan.” I’m sure you’ll agree, each visit here helps you realize just how accurate that statement is.

All best,
Dave Lorenz
Vice President Travel Michigan
517-335-0007
lorenzd@michigan.org