LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today passed a plan sponsored by State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) to immediately create jobs for Michigan's workers through a nearly $60 million tourism promotion fund. The plan takes a broad-based approach to promoting the Great Lakes State and the high-quality products produced here by also supporting Michigan's vital agricultural sector through effective marketing campaigns.
The plan, which received strong bipartisan support, is now headed to the Senate.
"Tourism and agriculture are two of our state's top three industries, and my plan will bolster both industries through targeted, effective promotion campaigns that market everything Michigan has to offer," said Ebli, who heads a bipartisan state panel aimed at boosting tourism across the state. "By taking aggressive steps to showcase Michigan destinations and the products produced in our local communities, we will create even more jobs for our residents in these booming industries. I am pleased that colleagues from both sides of the aisle threw their support behind my plan."
Ebli's plan establishes the Michigan Promotion Program, to be funded by nearly $60 million raised through the refinancing of tobacco settlement bonds - not new taxpayer dollars. The refinancing is possible because of a drop in interest rates.
Tourism generates more than 193,000 jobs for Michigan residents. Every dollar invested in advertising generates $3.43 in spending – which is an outstanding rate of return for any investment.
Ebli's plan earmarks $2 million over the next two years for agriculture promotion, marketing and development programs. Marketing and promotion of Michigan products will help expand the fresh markets that provide producers with top dollar for their products. Programs such as Select Michigan and Export Marketing have created high returns on investment and generated additional income opportunities for farmers.
"Farmers are the backbone of state's agricultural industry – without our local farmers, produce bins and food shelves at our grocery stores would be bare," Ebli said. "By promoting Michigan products to the world and to residents right here in our state, we will spur economic growth and create more jobs for our communities."
Ebli noted the inroads already being made in Michigan – especially on the tourism front. The "Pure Michigan" campaign earned the Mercury Award for Best State Tourism Campaign. Ebli's new initiatives, which will build off of this already effective campaign, will make Michigan one of the 10 most aggressive states when it comes to tourism promotion.
"My plan has tremendous potential to pump up our state's economy and immediately create good-paying jobs," Ebli said. "The sooner we capitalize on the tremendous rate of return that's generated from investing in promotion of tourism and agriculture, the sooner our residents will reap the rewards through a stronger economy and more good-paying jobs."