Bringing In Tourists

Photo credit: Jason VanDort

NCTC Announces New Board Members, Celebrates Record Breaking 2022 

The Newaygo County Tourism Council (NCTC) held its first meeting of 2023 on Jan 10, inducting Genji LeClair of The Product Greenhouse and Brandmark Goods; MaryAnn Gasper of The Harrington Inn and Gabe Slominski of Newaygo Nationals as new board members. “We are excited to welcome new collaborators to the Tourism Council,” said returning Board President Julie Burrell, “the momentum we’ve achieved over the past few years would not be possible without our committed volunteers, and we are thrilled to add these talented individuals to our team.” 

Additionally, the end of 2022 marked the end of terms for Colleen Lynema, who has retired from River Country Chamber of Commerce and Lizz Reid, formerly Executive Director of the now dissolved Newaygo County Convention & Visitors Bureau. They served on the board for 7 and 2 years, respectively. NCTC leadership is appreciative for their many contributions to the success of tourism in Newaygo County. 

2022 marked the best year in NCTC history, in terms of web traffic. Newaygocountyexploring.com boasted over 84,000 visitors throughout the year. While about 60% of this traffic hails from the Great Lakes State (mostly Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor & Detroit areas), NCTC is proud to share that individuals from every state in the US visited our website, learning about the amazing assets we have to offer in Newaygo County. 

The new year marks the launch of another big year for tourism. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation estimates tourism contributes $120M in Newaygo County annually, and the NCTC wants to capitalize on that spend. With a $72,000 marketing budget in 2023, NCTC plans to continue growing our digital marketing & email campaigns, developing additional mapping assets and expanding into new segments through influencer marketing. 

To support this robust plan, the NCTC has revised two of their existing programs, aimed at partnering with additional Newaygo County businesses. The NCTC is interested in partnering with lodging facilities, restaurants, lifestyle and retail businesses. For more information, contact [email protected] Additionally, the Newaygo County Tourism Council has created a program, partnering with local photographers! 

More is in store this year, keep your eyes peeled for additional announcements coming later in 2023! 

The Newaygo County Tourism Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and would not be possible without support from our volunteer board members and generous investors. 
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Board Members:
President: Julie Burrell, The Right Place 
Vice President: Kelly Wawsczyk, The Right Place 
Secretary: Marianne Boerigter, NCCA-Artsplace and Dogwood Center 
Treasurer: Nick Smith, Newaygo County Parks and Recreation/Dragon 
Trustee: Mark Kraus, Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce 
Trustee: Reuben Tucker, Big Prairie Township Parks 
Trustee: Kelly Rider, River Country Chamber of Commerce 
Trustee: Karen Baird, Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce 
Trustee: Carmon Kolenbrander, Tucker Benner Realty 
Trustee: Genji Leclair, The Product Greenhouse, Brandmark Goods 
Trustee: Gabriel Slominski 
Trustee: Maryann Gasper, The Harrington Inn

2022/2023 Investors & Partners:
Fremont Area Community Foundation, County of Newaygo, NCCA-ArtsPlace, Big Prairie Park , City of Fremont, City of Newaygo, City of White Cloud, Consumers Energy, Croton Township, Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Harrington Inn, Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce, Newaygo County Parks & Recreation, River Country Chamber of Commerce.