2015-2016 Board of Directors Election Results
Congratulations to the following individuals who have been elected to serve on the MARVAC board for a three year term:
Jeffery Natzke
First Merit Bank – At Large
Dave Rochette
Westland Camping – Dealer
Bob Rohn
Lake of Dreams – Campground
2015 – 2016 MARVAC Board of Directors
Gary Becker (Indigo Bluffs)
Jon Caswell (Caswell RV)
Gene Cronin, Sr. (Forest River, Inc.)
Scott Dodge (General RV)
Lee Morris (Camp Dearborn)
Jeffery Natzke (First Merit Bank)
Mary Pouliot (Thetford Corporation and Norcold, Inc)
Dave Rochette (Westland Camping)
Bob Rohn (Lake of Dreams Campground, Inc.)
Dave Lorenz Named Acting VP of Travel Michigan
LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has named Dave Lorenz Acting Vice President of Travel Michigan. The most recent leader of the state’s tourism effort, David West, has resigned his position.
A seasoned tourism professional, Lorenz has served for more than a decade as the Industry Relations and International Marketing Manager for Travel Michigan and has been responsible for Travel Michigan’s efforts in the areas of international marketing, packaged travel, conventions and meetings, industry relations and sports-event promotion. His responsibilities will now also include heading up the state’s tourism branding and marketing efforts through the award-winning Pure Michigan tourism campaign as well as coordinating overall efforts of the Travel Michigan organization.
Prior to coming to Travel Michigan in October 2002, Lorenz was the Manager of Partnerships and Promotions, for Meijer, Inc. where he was responsible for the facilitation of collaborative marketing programs with key consumer goods manufacturers such as Nabisco, Kraft, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Coca-Cola, Disney and Mattel. Lorenz attended Western Michigan University. He lives in Norton Shores with his wife, Roberta.
“This is an exciting time for our state. The economy continues to come back, our communities are becoming more vibrant and more people are able to see all of the great things our state has to offer in which to live, work and play,” said Steve Arwood, Chief Executive Officer of the MEDC. “I’m confident that Lorenz will continue to find smart, innovative ways to grow the tourism campaign, making all Michiganders proud to call this our home.”
Klines Resort Celebrates 50 Years of Operation
In 1962, Paul and Joyce Kline bought a fishing camp located on Portage Lake. In 1966, the Klines moved to the camp with their seven children and began to build what is today, a beautiful resort made up of a manufactured housing community and an RV park. Much attention was given to detail when laying the community out, with open space and special attention paid to the lake setting. In 1995, son Phil and his wife Tama assumed the management of the resort allowing Paul and Joyce a much deserved retirement.
On June 27th, the resort celebrated the 50th anniversary with events all day, beginning with a morning gathering to share memories of the many longtime residents and friends. At noon, the family unveiled the newest addition to the resort, a metal sculpture place in the center of the newly created round about in road approaching the front entrance of the community. The title of the sculpture is “Final Approach” and for those returning to or arriving at the resort for the first time, it you will truly feel a sense of the final approach to tranquil paradise in southwestern Michigan.
RV Manufacturers to Benefit from GSP Renewal
Lauan Wood is used extensively in RV manufacturing and became more expensive to import in 2013. Imported from Southeast Asian countries, a tariff was imposed after the GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) expired July 2013. GSP provides duty-free import of select goods from developing countries for use by U.S. manufacturers.
On Monday President Obama signed into law legislation that retroactively renews the GSP. RV Manufacturers will recoup about $22 million in tariffs paid over the past two years and the legislation will save the RV industry approximately $30 million in tariffs over the next 2½ years.
RECRUIT A NEW MEMBER!
As a member, you understand the value of MARVAC membership. Spread the word with your contacts and peers in the industry, and help expand our association. A growing MARVAC means greater recognition for the industry, more resources to support member programs, and a stronger voice when advocating issues with state and national legislative members. Click here to download a membership application.
RECRUIT A NEW MEMBER!
As a member, you understand the value of MARVAC membership. Spread the word with your contacts and peers in the industry, and help expand our association. A growing MARVAC means greater recognition for the industry, more resources to support member programs, and a stronger voice when advocating issues with state and national legislative members. Click here to download a membership application.