On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes Nick Nerbonne, the Digital and Industry Relations Director with Travel Michigan. Nick joined us on the program to talk about the impact of sports and tourism on the state of Michigan.  Nick told us that sports tourism is a huge and very important part of the overall tourism picture for the state’s economy. The 2024 NFL Draft in downtown Detroit concluded in late April, and city officials anticipate the economic impact to be significant. Detroit ended the NFL Draft by setting the attendance record with over 700,000 fans at the event, beating the record of 600,000 fans set in 2019 in Nashville. Detroit also set the record for the highest attendance on Day one of the draft, with 275,000 fans. Nick also talked about The Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism, which was held in April and is the biggest event of the year for the entire tourism industry and related businesses. The conference tracks over 500 tourism leaders and industry representatives from across Michigan. Online: Travel Michigan


In part two this week, Phil spoke with Bob Hughes and  Joe DiBenedetto, both Co-Chairs for this year's Armed Forces Thanksgiving celebration on May 17 at The J.W. Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids.  The Armed Forces Thanksgiving event was created in 2014 by a group of Grand Rapids businessmen to raise awareness and dialogue on the contributions our military personnel have made - and continue to make - on behalf of their families, friends, and country. The annual Armed Forces Thanksgiving celebration provides a vehicle for our community, from teens to adults, to understand, honor, and express thanks for the service of those who have served or are serving in our Armed Forces.  Funds raised after expenses are donated to the West Michigan Veterans Coalition so that they can continue their mission of improving the lives of veterans and their families by connecting them to all available support services and resources in West Michigan.  Bob and Joe stressed that the organization is still looking to attract more high schools and students to participate in the annual event.  

Online: Armed Forces Thanksgiving