The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance (GLBRA) has planned a $500,000 advertising campaign of its own, linking to Pure Michigan, according to Annie Rummel, director of the GLBRA tourist and convention bureau in Saginaw.

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GL Bay Region Ad Spending to Equal That of Mackinac Island, Ford Museum

February 13, 2011
By: Dave Rogers

Pure Michigan appears on track for $10 million in renewed funding from the state legislature.

State tourism officials touting the proposed big ad buy hitting all 50 states say it will be bolstered by $500,000 each from The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn and historic Mackinac Island.

There's another advertising boost coming that state officials apparently are not yet informed about.

The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance (GLBRA) has planned a $500,000 advertising campaign of its own, linking to Pure Michigan, according to Annie Rummel, director of the GLBRA tourist and convention bureau in Saginaw.

The Michigan House Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation committee plans to take the $10 million for Pure Michigan from the 21st Century Jobs Fund, according to statewide news reports.

The 21st Century Jobs Fund is designed to promote businesses and venture capital funds.

Last year, Pure Michigan got $10 million from the same fund, and also received $5 million from the general fund, hiking the total campaign spending to $25.4 million.

George Zimmermann, director of Travel Michigan, said the funding is adequate to keep Pure Michigan ads on track. The campaign features the voice of actor Tim Allen promoting Michigans natural beauty as a lure for tourists.

Rep. Frank Foster (R-Pellston), committee chair, expects the bill to pass both the House and the Senate.

Governor Rick Snyder has supported the extra funding for the ad campaign, which will impact all 50 states through about a dozen cable TV networks.

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