November is Important

As you know this is a critical election at the National level, but it is also very important right here in Isabella County and especially in Union Township.

Voters in Union township have already indicated with their votes in the primary that they want a change. There are many candidates on the ballot whom favor working together with other local officials to identify areas of cooperation that would benefit our township’s quality of life and the amenities we enjoy.

Take a good look at all of the new candidates who are running with the hope of improving local government in our area. In every case, you will find that they are qualified or more qualified than the incumbents.

This is the first time in 40 years that so many Democrats have stepped forward to run for local offices. They all agree that change is needed. Those candidates are committed to making a difference. Now go vote...declare yourself.

What is the future for Mt Pleasant MI tourism?

The Convention and Business Bureau for the Mt Pleasant MI area is being threatened by the possibility that the largest member of the coalition may pull its support out of the organization. Each participating hotel organization levies a two percent tax which is passed on to the convention bureau. Labelle Management is reported to own forty percent of the hotel rooms in the Mount Pleasant market. They may decide to withdraw their participation which would financially cripple the bureau.
Labelle's action may be a move to level the playing field. Recently a major hotel, formerly the Holiday Inn, was purchased by the Soaring Eagle Resort division of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The tribe does not participate in the marketing coalition, thus the bureau lost a big chunk of change when the property changed hands. The other hotels in the area pass the two percent cash along to the bureau. If Labelle pulls out, the Mt Pleasant area will loose their travel and tourism marketing arm.
But will that mean an end to tourism? I doubt it. The Soaring Eagle Resort does a lot marketing. We hear their commercial on radio stations through out the state. Billboards along the highways surrounding Mt Pleasant promote concerts and other events coming to the resort. All of that attracts visitors to Mt Pleasant.
Its time for another change. Time for the bureau to close it doors.
What do you think?

Remembering Days at School Section Lake

Reading an article on the front page the Morning Sun newspaper about the first African-American settlers in Isabella County made me think about School Section Lake. As a boy our family would travel west of Mt Pleasant thirty five miles or so to the lake. Its a small beautiful lake with a large field stone concession building on the east shore. The building was a house or hotel many, many years ago. However in the 1960's is was a very cool concessions building. Inside they sold Schwann's ice cream treats, popcorn, soda, and candy bars. It was a special occasion to go to the lake, swim for hours, and then enjoy an ice cream sandwich and a soda.

Standing to the south of the concession building was and still is a historical marker. The sign describes the early Black settlers of the area. The text reads that Old Settlers came to the park at School Section Lake each summer for a family reunion.

On one quiet, sunny, summer afternoon I stood facing the lake and closed my eyes. I could hear the voices of the children playing, smell the food cooking on the camp stove, and I could picture the large family gatherings from the early part of the 1900's. I remember that moment like it happened today.

I encourage your to take a journey back in time and visit the oldsettlersreunion.com web site soon. Let me know what you discover on your visit.

Keep informed of other events and opportunities in the Mt Pleasant Michigan area by going to www.mtpleasant.com.

Another year, a diffferent sort of winter

"The insects are buzzing back and fourth on the south side of my house." Those were some of the words I used in a December 2006 blog describing the weather out side my house near Mt Pleasant MI. Today, this January day 2008 its a lot different. We have had more snow so far this winter, and the temperatures have not been very pleasing to flying insects. Of course the weather changes often. Today its foggy and the air temperature is above freezing, but not warm enough for the bugs to come back to life.

Dreary weather makes me anticipate the summer. We are going to bring back the ticket give away for Mt Country Music and Mt Rock Music festivals. Full details will be made public in April 2008.

Something new is coming to Mt Pleasant.com. We have been working on a new design for our web site. If all goes well, it will be launched by mid-February. Please return soon see the site. Your comments are always welcome and appreciated

Mt Pleasant Hotel Connection

Mt Pleasant.com is fast becoming a hotel connection for all reservations. We started focusing on providing value added service to our visitors. Hundreds of visitors were able to compare hotel rates and select the best for them during the first two weeks of the program.

Now by paging down to the bottom of the hotel booking page, visitors may secure reservations at hotels all across the nation.

Where ever you go, bring along MtPleasant.com.

Regards,

Phil M

Community Based Web Resource

The excitement is growing and the clicks are increasing. Mt Pleasant.com has crossed the 40k hits per month mark. Hurray! As a result we are implementing a welcome campaign, attracting political writers, bloggers, video makers, and podcast creators to join our team.

Here is how to get ahold of us:

info@mtpleasant.com

mtpleasant.com@hotmail.com

myspace/mtpleasantmi

See a unique moment in my half million mile travels at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-854257889949349528

Regards,

Phil M

www.mtpleasant.com

Come home to Mt Pleasant. Come home to www.mtpleasant.com .