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Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan takes us around the State for some of the top events coming up in June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emma Palova, Director of Operations at Moravian Sons Distillery in Lowell talks about their old world craft distillery and the unique locally-sources products that go into their fruit-based spirits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chad Wiebesick from Destination Ann Arbor visited with us about the two week Ann Arbor Summer Festival in June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lori Lanspeary, Manager of Marketing and Community Engagement, gives us look ahead to Spring and Summer events in Lansing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan joined us to talk about the impact of tourism on Michigan's economy and jobs and celebrating 20 years of being "Pure Michigan" this month/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris welcomes Kelly Wolgamott | Vice President of Pure Michigan, Travel Michigan, Lansing, MI. Welcome Kelly. We've worked with you in various capacities for over a dozen years. Tell us about Travel Michigan? What's driving the record growth in Great Lakes cruising for 2026, and is it sustainable long term? How can local businesses in port cities better prepare to capture more of that projected $300 million economic impact? What opportunities does this growth create for tourism, hospitality, and small businesses across the region? How is Cruise the Great Lakes working with communities to ensure both large and small ports benefit? What infrastructure or workforce investments are needed to support the continued expansion of the Great Lakes cruise industry? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Cruise the Great Lakes Forecasts Record Growth in 2026 $300 million economic impact expected from nearly 175,000 passenger visits (ERIE, PA) - Cruise the Great Lakes, the region's cruise marketing program, kicked off the 2026 regional cruising season by sharing its forecast at a press briefing in Erie, Pennsylvania, following the organization's annual meeting. The 2026 season continues the long-term growth of Great Lakes cruising, delivering more passengers and port visits, and a record-breaking $300 million (US) economic impact across large and small regional destinations. Cruise Lines and Ships A new cruise line will enter the Great Lakes market in 2026--American Cruise Lines will bring ships to U.S. ports in the region. The itinerary highlights the growing variety of travel options. In total, seven cruise lines are scheduled to operate on the Great Lakes in 2026, including: Pearl Seas Ponant St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Victory Viking Hapag-Lloyd American Cruise Lines These lines will operate 10 ships cruising the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River in 2026: Pearl Mist (Pearl Seas) Canadian Empress (St. Lawrence Cruise Lines) Octantis (Viking) Polaris (Viking) Le Bellot (Ponant) Le Champlain (Ponant) Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag-Lloyd) Victory 1 (Victory) Victory 2 (Victory) American Patriot (American) Passenger visits In 2026, Great Lakes cruises are projected to welcome over 23,000 individual passengers, a 5% increase from 2025. More than 800 port visits are planned, which is nearly 15% higher than last year. And the total number of cruise passenger visits across the region is estimated at nearly 175,000, up nearly 15% from 2025. 2026 Season Statistics At a Glance Economic impact over $300 million (US), an expected increase of nearly 25% from 2025. 10 cruise ships will operate on the Great Lakes in 2026. the 7 cruise lines plan 148 itineraries (trips) Over 23,000 passengers will cruise on the Great Lakes. Cruise ships will make more than 800 visits to Great Lakes ports, a 15% increase. Total cruise passenger traffic at ports will total over 175,000, up 15% from 2025. Understanding the Data Port Visits: This estimate is calculated by adding all stops by all ships. If there were two ships, and each visited four ports, that would be eight port visits. Passenger Visits: This figure is calculated by taking the passenger number and multiplying it by the port stops. If there are two ships, each with 100 passengers, and each ship makes four port stops, then there are 800 passenger visits. # # # About Cruise the Great Lakes www.cruisethegreatlakes.com Cruise the Great Lakes is the region's cruise marketing program focused on attracting more passengers. It is a forum to bring together the States, Provinces, cruise lines, ports, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, associations, and others working toward shared goals.
Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan joined us as "Pure Michigan" the state’s travel brand, is celebrating Governor Whitmer’s official proclamation of May as "Pure Michigan Month", marking the 20th anniversary of the campaign,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daniele Crevier from St. Joseph Today talks about Antiques on the Bluff, the Farmers Market and St. Joe Lighthouse tours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Linda Hart, Director of the Holland Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, talked with us about the upcoming Tulip Time Festival and other Spring happenings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Executive Director of Manistee Tourism, talked with us about a grant received toward additions to the Downtown Riverwalk and Spring and Summer opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan talks about national rankings that were released yesterday in the USA Today 10 Best readers choice poll of golf courses.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kate Lieto, Vice President of Marketing with Experience Grand Rapids, previews the new Acrisure Amphitheater opening this Spring in Downtown Grand Rapids and the Chihuly Exhibit at Frederick Meijer Gardens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan joined us for the first day of Spring and a look at the treasures of the Traverse City area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tanya Blehm, Coordinator of the event in Lansing March 13th which recognizes Michigan "Rosies" in manufacturing, farming and aviation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jennyfer Crawford-Williams, founder and organizer of the 12th annual All Things Detroit day, talks with us about the event highlighting Michigan makers, entrepreneurs and small businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amanda Wilkin, Executive Director for Visiting Charlevoix visited with us about Winter happenings in her area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan joined us for weekend getaway ideas for Valentine's Day AND President's Weekend getaways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan shared ideas for enjoying Michigan Winter with opportunities and events across the State.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trevor Tkach joined us with an update on Winter Happenings indoors and outdoors in Traverse City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan joined us to talk about Winter Trail Day and other Winter happenings around Michigan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John VanderHaagen, Director of Communications of Meijer Gardens, on the holiday light show ENLIGHTEN thru January 3.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chad Wiebesick, Director of Media Relations ad Special Projects with annarbor.org talks about Washtenaw County's Bicentennial Celebration in 2026,featuring concerts, special exhibits and community events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan talks about the impact of Deer Hunting Season and previews events in Traverse City and Grand Rapids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The holiday season in Downtown Holland officially begins Friday, November 14, Kara de Alvare, Marketing Coordinator for the City of Holland spoke with us about some of the upcoming events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Franklin Dohanyos, Owner, "From Michigan With Love" just released its 2025 Holiday Food and Gift Guide! This year’s guide has something for everyone, including some new products and some favorites from over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Travel Michigan's Nick Nerbonne with some highlights of Fall in Pure Michigan for your enjoyment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Denene De Quintal, Associate Curator of Native American Art at the Detroit Institute of Arts, on their exhibit of Contemporary Anishinaabe Art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan shares events from Grand Rapids, to Mackinac Island to Cadillac in this week's report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Hour 3, Marc Cox returns from vacation with stories from Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, reflecting on travel preferences and jet lag. The show covers a shooting in Michigan and dives into political analysis with Gregg Jarrett on James Comey, Donald Trump, and presidential pardons. Marc critiques socialized housing proposals in New York City and compares U.S. and European airports. The hour also highlights minority voices on social media supporting MAGA, including a Jamaican-American woman's perspective. Upcoming segments include the government shutdown, sports, and more political commentary.
McKenzie Mac, Marketing Manager at the Inn at Stonecliffe, talked with us about Fall on the Island and October activities at the InnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brandy Miller, Executive Director of the Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, talks about the brand new fall festival celebrating Ludington lumbering heritage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trevor Tkach, President/CEO of Traverse City Tourism talks with us about Autumn events in Northern Michigan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Hensley, President & CEO of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau talks about Blue Water Area Happenings for Fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, shared highlight destinations for late Summer/early Fall around Michigan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gerah Dutkiewicz, Allegan Event Marketing Manager, talks about Sky Tour, the brand new outdoor zipline adventure which opened this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Beachnau, Executive Director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, shares late Summer and early Fall activities in the area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dave Lorenz is a legend in the travel industry, especially in the state of Michigan. Formerly the Vice President of Travel Michigan, Dave has been a long term friend of our talk show and encouraged us very early in our radio career. He is the guru of knowledge for cool spots to visit in Michigan. We talk a lot about many of them in this episode, including-Pictured RocksHarbor SpringsDetroit and the riverfrontplus, plus, plusHear more about Dave and his travelling tales on his program, "The Michigan Travel Show". https://www.wjr.com/michigantravelshow/For more information on past guests, Tom's published books, and how to get in touch, please visit our newly updated website at https://www.tommattshow.com#RFZ #radio #broadcasting #podcast #lansing #michiganradio #mab #mentalhealth #puremichigan #davelorenz #travelmichigan #thegreatlakes #themittenstateThank you to Brock Fletcher and the selling team of Keller Williams Realty for their continued support of our programming!'The Tom Matt Show' Heard on-The Michigan Talk NetworkWKAR Michigan State Universities AM 870 & 102.3 FMWJIM-AM 1240 LansingWYPV FM 94.5 Mackinac Citywww.tommattshow.com(podcasts)iTunesFor more information on past guests, Tom's published books, and how to get in touch, please visit our newly updated website at https://www.tommattshow.com#RFZ #radio #broadcasting #podcast #michiganradio #lansing #michiganradio #mab #refirementzone #successstory #humaninterestpodcast #selfhelppodcast
On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Nick Nerbonne, Media, Digital and Industry Relations Director for Travel Michigan. Together, they discuss Michigan destinations to check out this fall.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:What makes Michigan a great destination for fall travelMichigan fall destinations to add to your bucket listBest places for leaf-peeping and enjoying fall foliage
Ryan and Tony dive into the State of Sustainability report released ahead of the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo being held this week. Transportation Supervisor Kenni Jean Schrader from Three Rivers Community Schools in rural Michigan, a 2022 Green Fleet Award winner, discusses end-of-school-year operations, driver retention challenges, electric school bus implementation, and the STN EXPO Indy Green Bus Summit panel she will be on. Read more about green buses.
Dec. 31, 2023 ~ Host Dave Lorenz explores festive end of the year activities, including Lake Life Cottages getaways, Craft Beverage Week in Kalamazoo, Michigan's largest and longest running Winter Carnival at Houghton Lake, and Brighton lights.
Dec. 24, 2023 ~ Host Dave Lorenz talks about fun activities at Michigan ski resorts, The Word of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids, the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Film Festival occurring the last week of January.
Dec. 17, 2023 ~ Host Dave Lorenz talks about winter activities in the Mitten, including the Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Tournament in St. Ignace, Zehnder's Snowfest in Frankenmuth, the 55th Annual International 500 Snowmobile Race, and the Monroe Street Midway in Detroit.
On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Nick Nerbonne, Media, Digital and Industry Relations Director for Travel Michigan. Together, they discuss Michigan destinations to check out this winter.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:Michigan winter destinations to add to your bucket listSummer destinations that are worth checking out in the winterDestinations that are off the beaten pathIndoor destinations to visit if you're not of fan of cold weather
Dec. 3, 2023 ~ Host Dave Lorenz talks about Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, the Festival of Trees at the Muskegon Museum of Art, UP200 & Midnight Run Sled Dog Races in Downtown Marquette, and tips for finding the BEST Christmas tree!
Nov. 26, 2023 ~ Host Dave Lorenz talks about the USA Hockey Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Tournament in St. Ignace, Zehnder's Snowfest in Frankenmuth, the 55th Annual I500 Snow Mobile Race, and the Monroe Street Midway in Detroit.