2012 Business, Leisure Travel Sees Continued Growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
Jeannine Sherman
Director of Public Relations
414-287-6230
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2012 Business, Leisure Travel Sees Continued Growth
Milwaukee County Leads the State in Tourism Expenditures
MILWAUKEE — May 3, 2013 — In a kick-off to National Tourism Week (May 4-11), Governor Scott Walker made a stop at the Harley-Davidson Museum today to announce the 2012 tourism economic impact statistics for the state of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County.
Joined by Secretary of Tourism Stephanie Klett, VP Harley-Davidson Museum Bill Davidson and President & CEO Paul Upchurch, Governor Walker reported that total business sales related to tourism in the state were $16.8 billion in 2012, up 4.8 percent from 2011.
Total business sales related to tourism in Milwaukee County, the largest tourism economy in the state, were estimated at $2.9 billion in 2012, representing an increase of 4.16 percent over the $2.78 billion in 2011. Tourism-supported full-time jobs within Milwaukee County increased to 29,992, up 1.34 percent from 2011. Total labor income was $977.1 million, up 2.87 percent from 2011, and state and local taxes resulting from tourism business amounted to $203.3 million, up 3.29 percent from 2011.
The numbers are estimates from The Economic Impact of Tourism in Wisconsin, an annual tourism economic impact study commissioned by the state and conducted by Tourism Economics.
Total business sales related to tourism in the Greater Milwaukee Area (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties) came to an estimated $4.42 billion for the year, representing an increase of 4 percent over $4.25 billion in 2011. In addition, the tourism industry supported 47,998 full-time equivalent jobs, up from 47,443 in 2011. Tourism was responsible for contributing $1.434 billion in wages (up from the $1.4 billion the previous year) and contributing $308.5 million in local and state taxes (up from $300 million the previous year).
“After a very strong year in 2011, the tourism economy in the Greater Milwaukee Area saw continued strong growth in 2012,” said Paul Upchurch, president & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee.
VISIT Milwaukee hosted 262 conventions in 2012, an increase of 26.5 percent over the 207 conventions in 2011. These conventions brought in more than 420,618 attendees, a 13.1 percent increase over last year’s 372,000. More than $100 million in estimated economic impact resulted from these conventions,
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, and convention and meeting planners, both nationally and internationally. VISIT Milwaukee has approximately 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.45 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2012 and supported 48,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
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Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Dear MKE Film Series Names Contest Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Jeannine Sherman
VISIT Milwaukee
800.231.0903 or 414.287.6230
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Dear MKE Film Series Names Contest Winners
Crowd-Sourced Content Inspires Four New Films
Milwaukee – May 1, 2013 – Launched at the 2012 Milwaukee Film Festival, the Dear MKE film series embraces everything that makes life good here. Four films highlighting Milwaukee have been released to critical acclaim and have received more than 60,000 views on YouTube. Now the concepts of four lucky winners crowd-sourced from a contest held last fall are in development to become part of the 12-film series.
We asked people who love Milwaukee to tell us what makes Milwaukee special. The contest inspired an overwhelming response of more than 300 videos, photos and stories, available online at DearMKE.com. These came to us from a wide range of people with a strong connection to Milwaukee eager to share their personal thoughts, memories and feelings about what our great city means to them.
It was challenging to select only four winners. Dear MKE producers – VISIT Milwaukee, Hollywood producer and native Milwaukeean Jack Turner and About Face Media – were inspired by submissions that asked Dear MKE to explore a variety of perspectives, ranging from the creativity of the performing arts to the energy of a college town, to the rich texture of our architectural legacy to the family-friendly nature of the city.
In addition to winning a prize package worth approximately $1,000, the names of the winners will be included in the closing credits in the films under development to acknowledge their role in inspiring these topics.
The Dear MKE winners are:
- Michelle Jaskulski – Michelle’s photo of young ballet dancers will inspire a multifaceted look at the arts as seen through the eyes of local children enrolled in performing arts programs. See: http://www.dearmke.com/detail/821/
- Marquette University – Marquette’s submission gives focus to a story about Milwaukee as a hub of higher education. See: http://www.dearmke.com/detail/587/
- John Sterr – John’s video about Milwaukee’s built environment will become the foundation for an exploration of Milwaukee’s rich architectural heritage. See: http://www.dearmke.com/detail/909/
- Danielle Bergner –Danielle’s “love letter” is the catalyst for a film that will focus on family-friendly Milwaukee. See: http://www.dearmke.com/detail/559/
A special People’s Choice award went to Sam Kozel, whose video, “Weightless Collidescope”, received the most views during the contest. See: http://www.dearmke.com/detail/917/
According to Jeannine Sherman, director of public relations at VISIT Milwaukee, “It was difficult to select only four winners to complement the films we have already completed and those currently in development. It has been a privilege to witness such an outpouring of community pride and I want to encourage everyone who is passionate about Milwaukee to continue to share their stories here.”
Dear MKE’s most recent release, “All in the Family,” features Bill Davidson and Willie G. Davidson and gives viewers an unprecedented glimpse into their personal story through family photos, home movies and a visit behind the doors of the Harley-Davidson Museum® archives. It joins the first three films – an introduction to Milwaukee, a profile of local artist Reginald Baylor and a glimpse into what it takes to participate in the Riverwest 24 Bike Race.
When complete, the 12-film Dear MKE series and image campaign will paint a picture of Milwaukee and its many facets as told through the stories of Milwaukeeans. The project is designed to dispelold perceptions of Milwaukee, drive brand awareness, entice new talent, attract new businesses, and bring more visitors – and remind locals why we embrace the essence of what makes life good here.
To see all four films and an additional 300+ video clips, stories and photos of Milwaukeeans sharing their love, pride and stories about Milwaukee, go to DearMKE.com.
Dear MKE is on Facebook (Facebook.com/DearMKE) and Twitter (Twitter.com/DearMKE).
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, and convention and meeting planners, both nationally and internationally. VISIT Milwaukee has approximately 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.36 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2011and supported more than 47,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Frontier Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
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Thursday, April 11, 2013
Great Running by a Great Lake
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Jeannine Sherman
Director of Public Relations
414.287.6230
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Great Running by a Great Lake
Make it a Marathon Weekend in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE– April 11, 2013 – When it comes to outdoor recreation, Milwaukee outpaces most other cities. Milwaukee’s more than 100 miles of running and biking opportunities along the Oak Leaf Trail, an award-winning park system and Lake Michigan beaches add up to a winning combination for outdoor activity. 2013 brings some major runs to Milwaukee for everyone from the elite athlete to the weekend warrior. And when it’s time to cool down there’s no reason to race home. From architectural heritage to brewery tours to some of the nation’s largest festivals, Milwaukee is the perfect blend of cosmopolitan fun and relaxed attitude.
The Summerfest Rock 'n Sole Run, USA Triathlon and Milwaukee’s Lakefront Marathon are expected to draw participants from across the nation and internationally this year. The unique aspect of each run is that Milwaukee’s distinctive location allows athletes to do some sightseeing while competing! It’s a convenient preview to all Milwaukee has to offer once athletes cross the finish line.
The 3rd Annual Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run kicks off Saturday, June 15, with three concurrent races - a half-marathon, quarter marathon and 5k. Last year’s event drew more than 7,400 participants including runners from 40 states and five countries. Part of the draw includes the chance to run across the two-mile-long Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge, a tied arch bridge spanning the Milwaukee River Inlet. This is the only time of year the bridge is closed for foot traffic, allowing runners the unique experience of traversing one of Milwaukee’s best-known landmarks.
All Rock ‘n Sole Run participants receive a post-race party pass to festivities at the Henry Maier Festival Park along Lake Michigan, which is a great way to warm up for the main event of the Milwaukee summer. Run registration also includes free entry to Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, held June 26-30 and July 2-7, 2013. 10 ground stages, a 23,000-seat amphitheater and dozens of food and marketplace vendors are a great reason to return to Milwaukee to experience the lakefront’s largest party.
The USA Triathlon is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Olympic Movement and its calling Milwaukee home for the next two summers. Qualifiers of all ages will swim in Lake Michigan and bicycle and run along the lakefront on August 10 and 11. The event takes participants past the Milwaukee Art Museum's magnificent brise soleil, the North American architectural debut of Spanish-born architect Santiago Calatrava. The city’s signature icon, this commanding, moveable, wing-like sunscreen has been called one of the “new wonders of the world” by Conde Nast Magazine and the Sexiest Building on the Planet by Virtualtourist.com.
The first days of fall bring the 33rd Annual Lakefront Marathon on Saturday, October 6. The event attracts 3,100 runners every year to participate in the 26.2 mile journey from Grafton, WI, along the shore of Lake Michigan to the finish line in Milwaukee’s Veterans Park. Architectural standouts along the way include the beautiful Italianate gardens and water stairs of the historic Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, the mid-century modern appeal of the Bradford Beach Boathouse and the award-winning rehab of an 1880s river pumping station into Alterra at the Lake, a local coffee shop and popular lakefront hangout.
Post-race Milwaukee offers competitors a chance to unwind and enjoy some relaxation MKE-style. From one of the nation’s top-ranked brewery tours, to the cuisine of James Beard chefs to a casual stroll along its award-winning RiverWalk, Milwaukee offers a well-deserved reward.
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, and convention and meeting planners, both nationally and internationally. VISIT Milwaukee has approximately 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.36 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2011 and supported more than 47,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
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Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Milwaukee’s Festival Season Brings the Biggest and the Best to its Shore
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOTOS AVAILABLE
For more information contact:
Jeannine Sherman
VISIT Milwaukee
800.231.0903 or 414.287.6230
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Milwaukee’s Festival Season Brings the Biggest and the Best to its Shore
Your World Tour Starts Here
MILWAUKEE –April 3, 2013 – Milwaukee lives up to its “City of Festivals” nickname when music, food and traditions from around the world draw hundreds of thousands to the Henry W. Maier Festival Park along Lake Michigan. Nearly every weekend brings a new cultural experience filled with art, history and entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
The festival season kicks off with PrideFest (www.pridefest.com), the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender pride festival in Wisconsin. Join the festivities June 7-9, 2013 with food, entertainment and shopping in the marketplace. The Indigo Girls take the stage on June 8, and don’t miss the Bad Romance Show, a live concert theatrical production to the music of Lady GaGa, in the PrideFest Dance Pavilion.
The parade of world cultures begins with one of America’s largest Polish-themed festivals, Polish Fest (www.polishfest.org), June 14-16, 2013. See historic exhibits, folk art demonstrations and old-world crafts. Enjoy enchanting legends coming to life, traditional dance troupes swirling and twirling, and scrumptious dishes served in heaping portions to satisfy your appetite. Stop by the 15th Annual Chopin Youth Piano Competition, a family favorite for years.
The world’s largest music festival, Summerfest (www.summerfest.com), rocks out at the lakefront from June 26-June 30 and July 2-7, 2013 (closed on July 1). This world-renowned musicfestivalis an 11-day event offering the best in regional and national entertainment on 10 different ground stages and an amphitheater featuring a diverse array of music. The area’s finest restaurants serve delicious fare and entertainment is inescapable with comedic performances, a children’s play area and daily demonstrations and activities. Headliners this year include Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Tim McGraw, John Mayer and FUN.
Romance, nostalgia, and rich Italian delicacies fill the air at Festa Italiana (www.festaitaliana.com), America’s premier Italian cultural event. From July 19-21, 2013, enjoy the pomp and circumstance of the Sicilian brass marching band, browse the cultural exhibits or be a part of the colorful religious procession following Sunday mass. Every night offers explosive fun with a dazzling Italian-style fireworks show. See a replica of an ancient Roman home, take a gondola ride, play bocce ball and more.
Grab a stein, put on your finest lederhosen and cool off with your favorite brew at North America’s largest annually held German festival, German Fest (www.germanfest.com). Indulge in unforgettable German cuisine, marvel as craftsmen demonstrate old world artistry, enjoy a colorful brass band or stroll through the Marktplatz for unique German gifts. You especially won’t want to miss the Dachshund Derby, the genealogy area or the Glockenspiel. Join in July 25-28, 2013 for a wunderbar experience.
Celebrate African-American heritage and culture at African World Festival (www.awfmke.com/) August 3-4, 2013. Explore the cultural village, taste a variety of ethnic foods, shop at the marketplace, let the kids play in the Children’s Village and enjoy great entertainment.
Irish Fest (www.irishfest.com), the world’s largest Irish cultural festival, brings the Emerald Isle to Milwaukee’s lakefront August 15-18, 2013. Cultural exhibits, displays, theater, poetry readings and demonstrations bring alive the spirit of Old Ireland's folklore and charm, while contests, raffles and sporting events add to the fun. Celebrate Irish music and dance on more than a dozen stages or enjoy the roaming performers dressed in traditional costumes walking the festival grounds. Stop at one of the two marketplaces to take a piece of Ireland home with you.
Spice things up at Mexican Fiesta (www.mexicanfiesta.org) August 23-25, 2013! A south-of-the-border experience featuring mouth-watering food, rousing mariachi bands, foot stomping rhythms, and an elaborate swirl of traditional dancers. Walk through the cultural pavilion and learn about the history and traditions of Mexican and Latin cultures from ancient civilizations to the present.
The Indian Summer Festival (www.indiansummer.org) offers a fun and entertaining way to experience the diversity of both traditional and contemporary American Indian culture. Held September 6-8, 2013, the festival celebrates the rich American Indian heritage with authentic tribal villages, storytellers, traditional handcrafts, dance troupes and lacrosse. Other highlights include a competition Pow Wow, fireworks, Aztec dancers, canoe rides, a fashion show full of beautiful Native American designs, food and an Education Day on Friday.
Other festivals, concerts and events taking place around the city in different locations include:
- Jazz in the Park (www.easttown.com): Weekly outdoor jazz concerts, Thursday evenings June 6 – Sept. 5, 2013 in Cathedral Square Park. No charge.
- River Rhythms (http://www.westown.org/westown/river+rhythms/default.asp): Popular Wednesday evening outdoor concerts at Pere Marquette Park along the Milwaukee River June 12 – Aug. 28, 2013. No charge.
- Lakefront Festival of Arts (www.mam.org/lfoa): June 21-23, 2013 Milwaukee Art Museum grounds
- 2013 Malibu Open (http://www.malibuopenfestival.com/) June 21-22 at Veterans Park
- Cedarburg Strawberry Festival (http://www.cedarburgfestivals.org/strawberryfestival.html): Celebrate the beginning of the summer with the season’s sweetest treat, June 22-23, 2013
- Bastille Days (www.easttown.com): Cathedral Square Park, July 11-14, 2013. No charge.
- Firkin Craft Beer Festival: July 20, 2013 at Cathedral SquarePark (http://milwaukeefirkin.com/main.html)
- Brady Street Festival (http://bradystreet.org/documents/20-brady-st-festival-): July 27, 2013 On Milwaukee’s eclectic East side
- Milwaukee Brewfest (http://www.milwaukeebrewfest.com/): July 27, 2013 in McKinley Park
- Wisconsin State Fair (www.wistatefair.com): Aug. 1-11, 2013 at Wisconsin State Fair Park
- Rock the Green (http://www.rockthegreen.com/): The Midwest’s Near-Zero Waste Music Festival, Sept. 14, 2013
- Milwaukee Film Festival (www.milwaukee-film.org): View the best contemporary American and international cinema, Sept. 26-Oct. 10, 2013
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, and convention and meeting planners, both nationally and internationally. VISIT Milwaukee has approximately 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.36 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2011and supported more than 47,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Frontier Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
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