WISCONSIN IN THE SPOTLIGHT

New Secretary Kelli Trumble Makes Headlines 

Read several recent in-depth profiles on the Department of Tourism's new chief from the Wisconsin State Journal, wisbusiness.com, and Wisconsin Dells Events.

From Martha to Regis & Kelly: Wisconsin's National Media Hits 

Lake Geneva's U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship was featured on the Martha Stewart Show in February. Martha interviewed the captain of the championship team, Milwaukee's own David Andrews, while television viewers were treated to photos of the winning sculpture "Veg-Head." Additionally, the Smithsonian Network was on-site throughout the competition filming the event for use in a documentary debuting later this year on the Smithsonian's new cable network in conjunction with Showtime. An AP story on the competition also appeared in more than 80 newspapers across the U.S. and in Canada.

Aspira Spa at The Osthoff Resort is already making national news after opening only a year ago. They were on "Live with Regis and Kelly" where Samantha Brown, host of the Travel Channel's "Passport" series, offered her picks for great spa deals. Aspira was one of just three spas featured. Brown and Philbin commented during the segment that "just saying the name Aspira makes you relax!"

Everyone's Talking About the Food 

The Department's recent focus on culinary tourism and partnership with Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has generated several articles. Syndicated travel writer Mary Bergin wrote a lengthy article about the Department's efforts, the slow food and "Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin" movements and a series of culinary trails that will be under development in the future. Read Mary's column. 

Reporter Barry Adams from the Wisconsin State Journal covered the topic at the recent Governor's Conference on Tourism. Read his article. 

Milwaukee also received some recent print on their culinary explosion from the inaugural issue of the new Midwest Airlines in-flight magazine. Read it here.

Department Staff On Radio and TV Airwaves 

The Department of Tourism staff has been making the rounds on a variety of radio and TV stations around the state.

Marketing Director Sarah Klavas recently was a guest on the Wisconsin Public Radio's Larry Meiller program to discuss ag-tourism and the Department's recent efforts to promote culinary tourism. In other radio highlights, Jerry Huffman appeared on Milwaukee's WMYX 99.1-FM for a Valentine's show about the "Pamper Me Wisconsin" sweepstakes.  Listen to Jerry on WMYX.

The Department's regular media partner WMTV-TV Ch. 15 covered a number of Wisconsin activities and attractions in recent months. Valeria Davis promoted the "Pamper Me Wisconsin" getaway sweepstakes and all Wisconsin's spas. Jerry Huffman did a segment that was taped at Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac. Finally, free massages for travelers stopping at the Beloit and Kenosha Wisconsin Welcome Centers received a nice play from the station.

Lisa Marshall was on WREX-TV in Rockford promoting the American Birkebeiner and Ashland's Book Across the Bay. That was followed by a lengthy travel package on WQOW-TV Eau Claire's Ch.18, where waterparks, Cave of the Mounds, Sprecher Brewery and Milwaukee Public Museum were the topic.

National Magazines 

Life magazine, the Sunday newspaper insert, featured an article about winter island getaways in their January 17th edition. Upper Door County (technically an island) was included in the story.

The February issue of Boating World magazine recommended a cruise from "Chicago to Milwaukee" because of its "ultimate baseball weekend." The article includes a photo of Miller Park and contact information for Milwaukee County Parks' McKinley Marina. 

Inside Milwaukee's Meetings & Convention Business 

Milwaukee was recently the subject of in-depth articles in trade meeting planner publications. In Successful Meetings, the article discusses VISIT Milwaukee's innovative partnership with the Portland and Pittsburgh CVB's. Convene Magazine, arguably one of the most important trade publications in the convention and meeting business, focused on efforts Milwaukee, Nashville and Indianapolis are implementing to attract visitors.

Special Recognitions, Achievements and More 

Wind Point Lighthouse in Racine has been named a winner of the JELD-WEN Lighthouse Restoration Initiative. In addition to replacing the Wind Point's door and windows, JELD-WEN, the world's leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, will also help bring back the architectural integrity of the historic lighthouse and help protect the structure in the future.

The West Bend Art Museum recently and officially unveiled a new name, logo and website, but more importantly, a new life and mission as the regionally focused Museum of Wisconsin Art.

Birding Guide Featured 

The recent Lake Michigan edition of the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail Guide was plugged by the Kenosha News, Ironwood Daily Globe and during a radio interview on Ft. Atkinson's WFAW 940-AM.

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