Hotel Association Changes Name For Immediate Release Effective immediately, the Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association has changed its name to the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association, (MLTA). Established in 1905, the Lansing-based trade group has long served Michigan’s lodging and tourism industries. “The new name does not signal a change in direction so much as a reaffirmation of what we’ve been doing for years,” said MLTA President/CEO Steve Yencich. “Our key constituency will always be lodging properties of all sizes and we’ll never lose focus on their needs. However, our leadership has long recognized that the growth and vitality of this state’s tourism industry is just as important to the lodging industry as it is to Michigan’s economy." Working with tourism groups throughout the state, the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association, (MLTA) successfully fought for passage of legislation requiring all schools to open after Labor Day in 2005. The association has also coordinated industry-wide efforts for increased State funding for tourism promotion without new taxes. In her State of the State address, the Governor announced an additional $60 million in funding for tourism and business promotion through a refinancing of State bonds. Working in collaboration with Travel Michigan and Michigan State University, the association cosponsors the state’s annual tourism conference “Driving Tourism 2008.” This year’s conference is scheduled for April 14-15, 2008 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. The event draws attendees from all segments of Michigan’s tourism industry to learn and share ideas for growing this state’s second largest industry. The MLTA will retain its relationship as a partner state association of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, (AH&LA) and will join the Travel Industry Association of America, (TIA). Other significant changes will be detailed in the next issue of MLTA’s e-newsletter “MI Lodging and Tourism.” ### MLTA Mission Statement Leadership that represents, promotes, educates, and serves Michigan's lodging |