In this issue's editorial column, Don Holecek writes about the many high quality tourism industry jobs in Michigan.
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Travel Michigan recently launched a newly designed michigan.org web site, which makes the most important information easier to find and showcases and enhances Michigan’s “hidden treasures.”  The new look and feel includes improvements in consistency in branding and presents a desirable image of Michigan as a great place to live, work and play.
 

Dr. S. Joseph Levine of Michigan State University recently published a new online resource that many of you many find to be helpful, the Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal.  It was “created to help empower people to be successful in gaining funds for projects that provide worthwhile social service.  A major theme that runs throughout the guide is a concern for the development of meaningful cooperative relationships – with funding agencies, with community organizations, and with the people you are serving – as a basis for the development of strong fundable initiatives.”
 

Christine Karpinski writes about the why, where and how of staking a claim for the perfect 2005 getaway in a vacation rental home. The tips offered in this article and her new book will be of interest to both rental home owners and vacationers.
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Do you know any of the people or organizations listed here who have recently received an award, been appointed to a new assignment, transitioned into a new position, or retired? If so, be sure to congratulate them.
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David Serino, e-Strategist at Gammet Interactive in Pinckney, Michigan, invites you to attend the upcoming e-Mail Marketing Insight Conference, which will take place on July 14-15, 2005 on “The Magnificent Mile” in downtown Chicago.  This year’s conference will focus on travel and tourism trends.  For all the details, go to www.gammet.com/insight.
 

The Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA) is currently soliciting sponsors for two studies to be conducted by Michigan State University (MSU):  1) the National Annual Household Survey, which will be mailed to 10,000 randomly selected families with children ages 12-17 in the U.S., and 2) the National Annual Survey which will be mailed directly to 10,000 randomly selected adults ages 18-24 in the U.S.  These studies will help to establish credible research statistics for the growing student and youth travel industry.  Sponsors will receive national exposure in press releases containing the study findings and will be listed as financial supporters on the SYTA and MSU web sites.  Single sponsorships are available for $10,000 or co-sponsorships for $5,000.  Contact Michael Palmer at 800-509-7982, extension 202 or mpalmer@syta.org for more information and a sponsorship contract. 
 

The Development, Community and Environment Division within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation is seeking applications for free technical assistance to help communities apply smart growth principles.  A team of multidisciplinary experts will provide assistance to selected communities needing help with either policy analysis (e.g., reviewing state and local codes, school siting guidelines, transportation policies, etc.) or public participatory processes (e.g., visioning, alternatives analysis, build-out analysis, etc.).   For more information and application materials, go to www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sg_implementation.htm.  The deadline for applications is May 19, 2005.