Dear Colleagues:

I am certain that there is no state more magical than Michigan in the summer. With all that we have to offer in the summertime, why go anywhere else?

I recently completed my second "Travel Michigan" weeklong tourism showcase sponsored by our travel and tourism industry. Tourism is one of Michigan's top three industries, bringing billions of dollars and millions of people to Michigan every year. This year, I was pleased to promote some of the many "hidden treasures" of Michigan.

Among other stops, we kayaked the pristine waters of Lake Superior, rafted down the Sturgeon River, rode bicycles along the scenic Pere Marquette Rail-Trail of Mid-Michigan, and hopped aboard the 1941 historic steam locomotive made famous in the book The Polar Express. A car was the mode of travel in Brooklyn, Michigan - a very fast car - as I was able to zoom around the track at the Michigan International Speedway. Then, it was on to the new Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills, followed by a visit to one of Michigan's great State Parks in South Haven. We marveled at the serenity of Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge while riding on a flat-bottom boat, visited the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, and participated in a cherry pit spit competition at the Tree Mendus fruit farm in Eau Claire. (I lost.)

We logged 1,575 miles over five days, visiting dozens of Michigan's lesser known attractions, landmarks, museums, events, restaurants, and other low-cost state destinations ideal for summer travel. Congratulations to our Travel Michigan team who worked so hard to pull this tourism promotion together. Along the way, the conscientious work of State of Michigan employees was obvious and impressive. I was proud to see state employees fixing Michigan's roads, making parks beautiful, running excellent museums, and preserving the safety and security of our citizens.

I know that the past few months have been difficult as you have been working with reduced resources, personal pay sacrifices, and fewer co-workers to share the work load. I hope you make the time to enjoy your weekends and holidays as richly as you can, kicking back and enjoying your family and the fabulous beauty and variety of Michigan. I encourage you to discover the hidden treasures in our state, in your city, and in your own backyard. It's good for our economy, and it's good for the soul.

I wish for you and your family a breathtaking Michigan summer.

Sincerely,