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 Q: Could you supply a brief introduction of your background and what your role is in the Michigan tourism industry?
A: Here is an outline of my experience in Michigan's tourism industry.
Relevant Experience:
President, Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau - Frankenmuth, Michigan (1986 – Current)
Job Identification Statement: The President/C.E.O. is the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. The President/C.E.O. is responsible for: strategic planning; coordination of the program of work; organizational structure; staff structure and procedures; finances; maintenance of membership; office facilities; long range planning for the organization; and economic development.
Regional Marketing Associate, East Michigan Tour Association - East Michigan Region (1985 - 1986)
Travel Information Director, Circle Michigan - Statewide Association (1982 – 1985)
Honors:
Participated in the development of Case Study Number N9-800-029 with Harvard Business School. Participated as a presenter of the Frankenmuth Case Study to Harvard MBA students in fall of 1999 and winter of 2000.
Governor John Engler appointments to Michigan Travel Commission (1994 and again in 1998)
Lord Mayor Christian Ude, Munich, Germany, awards first ever Documents of Ennoblement (1995)
Received the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Award for Outstanding Service (1998)
Q: What do you feel is the greatest need for persons employed in Michigan tourism industry businesses?
A: I believe the greatest need for persons employed in Michigan tourism industry businesses is knowledge pertaining to a broad array of topics. Employees need to be provided with the opportunity and choice to learn, expand their abilities, grow and have greater knowledge to draw from when confronted with challenges.
Q: Historically, what steps have been taken to make the current online learning opportunities a reality?
A: I would like to thank Governor John Engler for his belief in the Michigan travel industry and in online learning for many of Michigan’s top industries. Governor Engler provided the structure from which the current system has developed.
Q: Who in the Michigan tourism industry do you think could benefit from online learning programs?
A: Individuals interested in expanding their knowledge and improving personal and professional skills could benefit from online learning programs. This process is amazing. It is fantastic that online learning is within the reach of individuals who desire to learn and expand their understanding pertaining to a plethora of business topics.
Q: Why do you think an online format is an effective method of delivery for training?
A: I believe that online formats are an effective method of delivery. Online formats allow for delivery of information at the convenience of the learner. They allow for review of information in a private setting and the information may be absorbed at the pace preferred by the individual participant. I appreciate the testing mechanism. This enables the participant and the employer to understand the level of comprehension. This method does not replace face-to-face learning, however, online formats do provide information to the Michigan travel industry at a substantially reduced cost. And it is available at the convenience of the industry.
Q: What is your opinion about the new Michigan Tourism Business eNewsletter?
A: The Michigan Tourism Business eNewsletter is a wonderful communication mechanism. I prefer the eNewsletter format to receiving information via snail mail. The timing for receipt of information is far quicker, mailing costs are reduced, and I can easily store information for future reference without taking up valuable physical space, etc. Thank you for making this effort a reality and I look forward to experiencing your creative improvements.
Q: What do you envision for the future of the Michigan Tourism Virtual Training Academy?
A: My vision is that Michigan’s tourism industry become fully aware of this program and integrate use of the Michigan Tourism Virtual Training Academy within their day to day business environments.
Q: What is your opinion of BeeFreeway and the training modules offered free of charge by the Michigan Department of Career Development and Michigan Virtual University?
A: My personal experience of the BeeFreeway is very positive. Our organization is just at the beginning stages of use. I do see many applications for this training throughout our business community and have now begun implementation of training session opportunities within my own organization.
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