Showing Folks What We've Got

Newaygo County Tourism Council announces 2021 results, new executive board & 2022 goals 

Over the past six years, the Newaygo County Tourism Council (NCTC) has been driving tourism in Newaygo County. With support and partnership from organizations like the Fremont Area Community Foundation and Newaygo County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, 2021 was a banner year. 
Through social media campaigns, organic postings, blogs & printed materials, the NCTC received over 70,000 visitors to their website, the most ever. Visitors were concentrated in the areas around and south of Grand Rapids, with traffic coming from over 9 states and even outside of the US. 
The NCTC also created several maps and collateral pieces, promoting both natural assets in Newaygo County and supporting businesses. Throughout the pandemic, more and more people are choosing to get closer with nature, and the NCTC is capitalizing on this trend, ensuring Newaygo County remains 'on the map' for vacation opportunities. 
Michigan tops over 106 million visitors annually, with visitors spending over $18B each year. Most recent data from 2019 indicates Newaygo County sees over $144M annually in tourism related spending. 
The NCTC is excited to launch a nearly $70,000 marketing budget for 2022, with goals to continue driving traffic to our natural resources and businesses through continued outreach via social media, direct targeting through e-mail campaigns and collaborative partnerships to promote regional assets such as The Dragon Trail. 
At their January meeting, the board re-elected Julie Burrell to serve as the Council President, and chose new members for the rest of the executive committee. Kelly Wawsczyk will serve as the Vice President, Nick Smith will serve as the Treasurer and Elizabeth Reid will serve as the Secretary. Collaboration is key to the Newaygo County Tourism Council's success, and the NCTC is appreciative of these dedicated individuals who serve as unpaid volunteers on our board. 
Julie Burrell The Right Place 
Kelly Wawsczyk NC RESA 
Elizabeth Reid Newaygo County Convention & Visitors Bureau 
Nick Smith Newaygo County Parks and Recreation 
Mark Kraus Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce 
Reuben Tucker Big Prairie Township Parks 
Marianne Boerigter NCCA-Artsplace and Dogwood Center 
Colleen Lynema River Country Chamber of Commerce 
Karen Baird Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce 
The NCTC has open board seats available and invites anyone who enjoys Newaygo County's natural assets, represents a local tourism-related business or is simply interested in serving their local community to email us at nctourismcouncil@gmail.com for consideration of an open board seat.

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