Texas Department Of Tourism

Muskegon County aims for increasing tourism with hiring of director

MUSKEGON COUNTY — Even with strong showings by the Muskegon County tourism industry over the last few years, the peak has yet to be reached, according to County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley.

That is the mindset Hammersley said she is taking into the recruitment of a new community development director who will oversee tourism efforts for the county's convention and visitors bureau. The filling of the county's tourism leadership post, left vacant about a month ago with Jill Emery's resignation, has created concerns among some in the local industry.

Hammersley said Tuesday in a Chronicle interview that she is well aware of the angst in the community about the position , but she is committed to finding the best person to increase tourism in the county. She also pointed out that hotel-room tax collections have been relatively flat over recent years, so there is growth potential for the industry.

“I totally understand the concern of the community, but we'll be OK,” Hammersley said. “Maybe we'll do things a little differently” with the goal to grow the industry here more.

Community Development/Strategic Planning Committee Chairman Bob Scolnik, who will be part of the interview committee for the position, agreed with Hammersley that county tourism can grow, especially in seasons other than summer.

“I think we can do better,” Scolnik said. “In the summer, there are months where all the hotels are full, but in other months you could shoot a cannon off.”

The process to fill the position has been accelerated by Hammersley, who has reviewed the more than 30 applications that met the minimum qualifications and established a list of top 10 candidates. Phone interviews with those candidates are set for early August, then in-person interviews will be conducted with Hammersley, Scolnik, county board Chairman Ken Mahoney and Transportation Committee Chairwoman Rillastine Wilkins.

Hammersley said she hopes to offer the job to someone by mid-August and have them in place in September.

Some of the concerns evidently are tied to the community development director's position providing oversight for the airport and bus system, in addition to tourism. Emery served as tourism manager, a position that is expected to be left vacant with the director's hiring.

“From my perspective, it will be focused more on tourism, because I have two experts in the airport and MATS (Muskegon Area Transit System),” Hammersley said, referring to Airport Manager Marty Piette and MATS Manager Jim Koens. The director will act as a liaison between Hammersley and the two department managers.

Heritage Syrup Festival « « Henderson, Texas Department of Tourism ...

Henderson is proud to host the only folk life festival in East Texas. The Heritage Syrup Festival is always celebrated the second Saturday in November from 9:00am-5:00pm.  Beginning in November 1989,  this unique fall festival is centered around the making of sugarcane syrup.

The 7 acre grounds of the Depot Museum and the 10 blocks in the National Register Historic Downtown District are the locations of this event.

A bustling center of activity featuring old time syrup making with mule power,  craftsmen and folk artist as well as outstanding food vendors, retail vendors, musical entertainment, children’s activities, antique tractors, antique & classic cars, cloggers and square dancers complete this fun filled day.

A hayride shuttle sponsored by the Rusk County 4-H Club transports visitors between the Depot and downtown.

Approximately 25,000 people from Texas and neighboring states attend the festival each year.

Tourism planning, basics, concepts, cases

Survey of U.S. state and territory tourism offices

Ecotourism, management and assessment

RV Vacations for Dummies

Festivals, special events, and tourism