You don’t have to scroll very far these days on your social media feeds across Michigan’s Great Southwest before you run into dramatic drone footage taken at the height of some of the most powerful storms we’ve seen along the Lake Michigan shore. Combined with significant media coverage regarding shoreline erosion along the coast in the past year, the images can be striking when shown in the worst possible context.
With tourism season on the way, many fear the negative headlines surrounding high water levels at popular beaches will impact Southwest Michigan’s ability to continue to attract tourists to the area.
One newly formed group, however, isn’t waiting to see what happens; they are taking action.
Led by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce and Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, a “Summer Tourism Coalition” has been formed to create an honest and open communication stream for locals and tourists to get more information regarding the condition of local beaches as prime season draws closer.
Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber says, “Tourism is a major driver of the local economy and businesses cannot afford to have people second guess their trip to our area.” He adds, “The truth is, Southwest Michigan still has plenty of beach for visitors to enjoy. With summer around the corner, we understood the best way to get that message out was to unify the efforts of our regional partners and craft a collaborative strategy to promote our beaches and the amazing amenities that surround them.”
Millicent Huminsky, Executive Director of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council reminds everyone, “Tourism is the third largest industry in Michigan’s Great Southwest, and in the State of Michigan. It is the reason that we, as residents, have vibrant downtowns and a variety of restaurants and shops to enjoy year-round.” Huminsky adds, “Lake Michigan is the number one reason that summer vacationers choose this area and we need to be sure that they receive accurate information on the condition of our beaches.”
In addition to the Chamber and Tourist Council, the “Summer Tourism Coalition” includes representatives from:
- St. Joseph Today
- The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship
- Cornerstone Alliance
- Berrien County Parks Department
- Holt Bosse, a local, full-service marketing agency based out of St. Joseph who will be providing marketing and communications support for the effort
Mid-West Family and their local influencers have been brought on board to share and promote the campaign in their respective channels, as well.
The group has been meeting regularly to produce a coordinated approach to the issue and have announced progress in the form of an online microsite, called www.lovemibeaches.com. That site will serve as the primary information source for the promotional campaign, providing updates and highlighting the positives of all local beaches.
Content for the campaign is still being generated, however, anyone can visit the site today and sign up for updates as they occur. The coalition says they will be working to populate the site with photos, videos, and social media content for supporting organizations to publish. They are welcoming members of the community, individuals or entities, to join the effort and help make it a success.
Huminsky encourages locals to be ambassadors to the effort, suggesting, “We need the community to be a voice multiplier this year and do their part to promote our beautiful area,” adding, “We encourage you to visit www.lovemibeaches.com, follow our progress, and give your suggestions for what you’d like to see included in this campaign.”
With erosion issues likely to continue into 2020, the coalition says part of the campaign will be to spread awareness of resources to those affected.
Havlicek says, “While our specific coalition seeks to solve the tourism component of shoreline erosion, we will use our platform to share information about how to protect property and investments along the coast,” and concludes, “Additionally, the government advocacy arm of our Chamber will be working with elected leaders to find meaningful solutions that provide relief and assistance to the municipalities and individual residents impacted by this issue.”
To stay abreast of conditions as the tourist season approaches, click the link below and sign on for updates to flow your way. Then be prepared to share the reality of what the beach conditions are when beach-going days make them the strong attraction they have been for decades. Here’s the link: http://www.lovemibeaches.com
