TRAVEL NEWS BRIEFS

Wisconsin Welcome Centers Roll out the Welcome Mat for Travelers

The Wisconsin Travel Information Centers have been renamed Wisconsin Welcome Centers to better reflect the important customer service they provide to road-weary and information hungry travelers. Secretary Holperin says, "The name change does not mean a change in service. In fact, the new name reminds travelers and residents that we are here to help them have an enjoyable trip to Wisconsin, whether they live here, are staying a week or just passing through." The Welcome Centers intend to forge stronger partnerships with the state's travel industry and involve them in new initiatives that will get their travel opportunities in front of the one million travelers that pass through the centers each year.

John Kuehl Takes the Helm for Department's Customer Service and Technology 

The Department is pleased to announce that John Kuehl is the new Director of Customer and Technology Services succeeding Renea Dettman, who left to pursue other career opportunities in May. John will be supervising online marketing, information technology, call center operations and warehouse distribution. He has been employed by the Department since 2001 and has filled positions in the Department's Public Relations and technology marketing areas. Introducing new initiatives to travelwisconsin.com, providing more targeted e-mail communications to customers, and establishing a comprehensive online co-op program are among his goals for the future.

Please note that management of the Wisconsin Welcome Centers has been moved to the Marketing Bureau, under Sarah Klavas' leadership. Joellyn Merz from Wisconsin Welcome Center-Beloit is charged with overseeing day-to-day operations and issues.

Even More Sports Shows…and You're Invited 

The Department has added more sport shows to its winter and spring schedule, plus the partnership program has been expanded to include all sports shows except golf. We invite you to send one or more of your staff members to help tend the Department's booth at the shows of your choice. Choose from productive locations like Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Minneapolis, Cedar Rapids, and others. Select the type of sport enthusiasts you are trying to reach such as skiers, anglers, cyclists, or RVers. Hand out your publications and make your pitch to the thousands of travelers who attend these shows. The Department pays all show registration and booth rental costs. Partners contribute a $100 per day fee plus pays for their own staff meals and lodging. Partner participation is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so inquire soon to ensure your choice of shows and dates. Contact David Spiegelberg at 262/279-6856. 

Travelwisconsin.com Fishing Reports Coming Soon 

To better serve our fishing traveler, the Department developed enhanced fishing content for travelwisconsin.com. The new fishing section at travelwisconsin.com/fishing features in-depth information, an exciting (and addicting) Fish Wisconsin game, monthly articles by Midwest outdoor writer Dick Ellis, and soon, a weekly fishing report. 

Every community that wants to be featured in the fishing report will have an opportunity to do so. If you know what's happening "on the water" in your area, and would like to write about that once a week, here's your chance. Do you know a local guide or other fishing expert who might be willing to author a paragraph or two on fishing conditions in your community? Reports should be objective and honest and posted online so it can be a link from the travelwisconsin.com fishing report. To participate, call or email John Kuehl as soon as possible at 608/261-8767 or jkuehl@travelwisconsin.com.

JEM Grants Generate Estimated $15 Million in 2005 

Wisconsin's local economies are expected to receive more than $15 million in traveler spending as a result of the state Department of Tourism's 2005 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant program. Nearly $1.2 million was awarded to 50 non-profit organizations across the state this past fiscal year to support special events, sales promotions or destination marketing campaigns. View or print a list of funded projects. For the 2006 fiscal year, more than $1.3 million has been earmarked for the JEM grant fund, up $220,000 from this past year. To take advantage of the JEM program or for more information, contact Abbie Hill at 608/261-6272. Application materials and more information are available online. 

Wisconsin Innkeepers Website Gets a Makeover 

WisconsinLodging.info now offers one-stop shopping for Wisconsin accommodations. The new web site allows travelers to search and view photos of more than 1,100 Wisconsin lodging properties, from bed and breakfasts to resorts to full-service hotels. Visitors can use a variety of categories to find lodging such as region, type of property, and on-site amenities.

Upcoming Governor's Council on Tourism Meetings

• Sports Marketing Committee: September 20. Time TBD. Tourism Offices. 

• Governor's Council Meeting: September 22 from 10:00a.m. - 2p.m. National Railroad Museum, Green Bay. 

• Marketing Committee: October 4 from 9a.m. - Noon. Tourism Offices.

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