Hometown History Tours
2nd Annual Southeast Michigan Heritage Tourism Networking Event
Capitalizing on our Local History
Thursday, May 12, 2011
8 AM to 4:15 PM
(Continental breakfast begins at 8:15, Program at 9 AM)
Stone Creek Banquet Center
One Maguire Street (I-75 Exit 29B at Gibraltar Road) inside the Flat Rock Community Center, Flat Rock, MI
Is our storied past the key to our region’s future economic growth and prosperity? From small towns to major international cities, businesses and local governments worldwide have long benefited from the dollars tourists bring as they visit significant, and often insignificant, sites of interest. Isn’t it time for the communities of southeast Michigan to reap these rewards too?
From unbridled patriotism and political activism to strident social reform and industrial innovation, southeast Michigan has played an integral role in all aspects of the American experience. Include our once-thriving Native American heritage, periods of French and British rule, vast cultural contributions and we offer a unique and unparalled story that deserves to be rediscovered and told!
Join us for this exciting event where we’ll not only rediscover and extol the rich history of southeast Michigan, but where we’ll launch a historic corridor that beckons tourists to visit and fully explore our region.
TOURISM + CULTURE + HERITAGE = SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIES
What is heritage tourism?
“Traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes cultural, historical and natural resources.” National Trust
Who should attend?
Civic and business leaders, educators and students, ordinary citizens – anyone who wants to see southeast Michigan thrive!
Community and economic development directors, business association and chamber of commerce members, historical society executives, museum directors and commissioners.
Hospitality, travel, tourism, recreation and leisure professionals, entrepreneurs, retail/restaurant proprietors, media.
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Featured Speakers
Welcome
Flat Rock Mayor Jonathan Dropiewski, Flat Rock Historical Society Recording Secretary and former President Cindy Fesko, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber President Sandy Mull
National Park Service’s Economic Impact on Neighboring Communities
Scott Bentley, River Raisin Battlefield National Park
Collaborating and Developing YOUR Local History
Melissa Milton-Pung, Washtenaw County
All Roads Lead to Auto History
Nancy Darga, MotorCities National Heritage Area
Jackson Historic Prison Tours
Judy Gail Krasnow, Jackson Journey’s LLC
Flight to Freedom Experience
Yolanda Uddin, Historic First Congregational Church
Wine, Trails and Tourism
Ed Gerten, Pentamere Winery / Member of the Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail
Looks Who’s Coming to Visit! Profile of Annual Visitors and Tips to Attract Them
Mary Zucchero, Ypsilanti Area Visitors and Convention Burea; Addl. panelists TBA
Connecting the Dots: Southeast Michigan Historic Corridor Unfolds
Karin Risko, Hometown History Tours
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Exhibitors
Hometown History Tours
Downriver Linked Greenways
Opportunity Grosse Ile
SWCRC
Visit Ypsi
Flat Rock Historical Society
Digital Business Cards by Jim Jacek
Monroe County Civil War Monument Committee
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Registration
$45 per person / $400 for a table of ten
Advance Registration online thru NOON on Tuesday, May 10 (Call after that)
To register online or via mail, click here
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2nd Annual Southeast Michigan Heritage Tourism Networking Event
Sponsored in part by the following:
SEMHTAs
(Southeast Michigan Heritage Tourism Ambassadors)
Become a SEMHTA! Click link for details
HOMETOWN HISTORY TOURS 