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Holperin's Final Road Trip

A glance at the speedometer of the Department's state-owned Chrysler is a good indicator that Jim Holperin spent much of his years as Secretary on the road. Jim logged more than 122,000 miles during his time with Tourism. However, on January 3rd he will pack up his suitcase and make a final road trip back to his home in Eagle River. Governor Doyle announced Holperin's resignation in December. Spending more time with his family was the only consideration in his decision to leave the position with the Department or Tourism.

"Jim Holperin has been a great leader for the Department of Tourism and a key player in our effort to grow Wisconsin's economy," Governor Doyle said. "Even in difficult budget times, we've made it a priority to invest in, upgrade, and expand Wisconsin's tourism industry, and that has made an enormous difference."

Jim's tireless efforts to promote Wisconsin have left the tourism industry better than he found it. Department staff and many in the tourism industry will miss his leadership and dedication. An article in The Spooner Advocate does a nice job summing up Jim's commitment to Wisconsin's travel and hospitality industry. Read the article here. 

As of this time, a new Secretary has not yet been announced by the Governor's Office. Deputy Secretary Sheree Dallas Branch will continue to oversee Department operations until a replacement is named.

Register for 2007 Governor's Conference on Tourism

Online registration is now up and running for the March 4-6 Governor's Conference on Tourism at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton. Printed conference registration forms have been mailed or print one here.  The deadline for Early Bird Registration is January 31.

This year's conference will emphasize the connection between tourism and the state's natural resources. Four keynote speakers, including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., will present a full-range of topics ranging from sustainable tourism to customer service. Workshops will identify trends in eco-tourism and how the state might capitalize on this growing trend in travel and highlight the state's rich agricultural history and the potential of agri-tourism and cuisine-based marketing.

A number of lodging properties are available for overnight accommodations. See the list online or contact the Fox Cities Convention & Visitor Bureau at www.foxcities.org or 800/236-6338.

JEM Funding Changes on the Horizon 

Beginning fiscal year 2008, applicants seeking funding in the events and sales promotion categories of the Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) program will be able to request a larger grant. The new limits are as follows:

• New Event, Existing Event and Sales Promotion projects can apply for up to $58,450 in JEM grant funding. 

• One Time, One-of-a-Kind projects will be able to apply for up to $41,750 in JEM grant funding.

Destination Marketing grants will continue to be funded at a maximum amount of $40,000 ($10,000 per participating community). Applicants who choose to request larger grant amounts are required to finance larger matching contributions and demonstrate economic impact commensurate with the dollars requested. As a reminder, the state's fiscal year 2008 starts on July 1, 2007. Also, any applications received after May 1, 2007 will be reviewed in fiscal 2008.  Abbie Hill is available to answer questions about changes to the Joint Effort Marketing program. 

Note: These increases depend upon official approval of Tourism's budget for FY2008. The rules governing the JEM program set award maximums for Sales Promotion, New, Existing and One Time event projects at a percentage of the Joint Effort Marketing fiscal year budget. 

Adventures in Culinary Tourism 

The Department has partnered with Wisconsin Trails magazine to promote food-based travel in 2007. The magazine will write six editorials highlighting different culinary travel ideas around the state with a focus on local food. These editorials will be combined in six consecutive issues starting with January 2007 and then published into one volume to be distributed at the Welcome Centers.  Read the first article about Madison's slow food movement that appeared in the January issue.  The Department will develop print advertising to further brand Wisconsin as a culinary destination. See the first ad here. 

In addition, the public relations team is writing a culinary release featuring cooking schools, top chefs, and some of the foods that Wisconsin's is best known for in the annual summer media kit. Welcome Centers are developing a special promotion called "Food Mood" that includes a "point of sale" piece that determines a traveler's mood and matches them with a local food and the place they can go to get it.

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