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ARCHIVES
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April 2003
May 5, 2003
Vol. 2
Issue 4
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Feb/Mar 2003
March 28, 2003
Vol. 2
Issue 3
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Jan 2003
February 7, 2003
Vol. 2
Issue 1
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Dec 2002
December 20, 2002
Vol. 1
Issue 11
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Nov 2002
November 26, 2002
Vol. 1
Issue 9
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Oct 2002
October 29, 2002
Vol. 1
Issue 8
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Sept 2002
October 2, 2002
Vol. 1
Issue 7
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Aug 2002
September 5, 2002
Vol. 1
Issue 6
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July 2002
July 29, 2002
Vol. 1
Issue 4
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June 2002
June 28, 2002
Vol. 1
Issue 3
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May 2002
May 23, 2002
Vol. 1
Issue 2
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April 2002
April 17, 2002
Vol. 1
Issue 1
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Legislative Update
John Hertel Reappointed as State Exposition and Fairgrounds Office Manger
By Senator Gerald Van Woerkom
 Last month Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema asked the Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism Committee to conduct an advice and consent hearing on John Hertel who had been reappointed by Governor Granholm as the State Exposition and Fairgrounds Office Manager. Because of the importance of the State Fair not only to the agricultural community but also to the tourism community, we invited Mr. Hertel to address our committee.
At the hearing Mr. Hertel provided an overview of his accomplishments running the Michigan State Fair. In 1993 when he first took over as manager, the fairgrounds were in disrepair, attendance was down significantly and the fair was losing money on an annual basis. Since that time, repairs and maintenance of the facility have improved dramatically, the attendance has increased 200% with over 500,000 people attending the fair last year, and the fair makes a modest profit each year. Our committee was impressed with his overall record of managing the fair and recommended his reappointment. His reappointment was approved by the full Senate the following week.
One of the reasons for the fair’s recent success is Mr. Hertel’s ability to form links and partnerships within the community. A deal is in the works to lease a portion of the fairgrounds to Joe Dumars for a new fieldhouse complex. Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority has also expressed interest in transforming the state fairgrounds into its first metropark within Detroit’s city limits. This summer, the fair plans to remain open an extra weekend to link with the Woodward Dream Cruise, which is a very popular local car show. By working together with other events and organizations in the community, the fair is able to leverage new dollars and bring in new visitors they might not otherwise attract.
 The Michigan State Fair offers a unique opportunity to introduce urban and suburban residents to the agricultural industry, which is so critical to our state’s economy. In addition, the fair is also a great place to take the family to enjoy the rides or listen to a concert. At the center of the largest metropolitan population in the state, the fair is in a great position to reclaim itself as a top destination point for in-state travelers. If you have never been to the fair or have not attended in a long time, I encourage you to give it a try this summer. The dates this year are August 15th through September 1st. For more information on the fair, please go to www.michigan.gov/mda.
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