LANSING, MI – The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) held its annual meeting on March 1, 2016, and announced both good news for the local economy and recognized numerous individuals for helping to foster meetings and events within the Capital Region.
The GLCVB announced that Mid-Michigan experienced a 4.6% increase in area lodging occupancy in 2015, posting a rate of 61.1%, up from 58.4% in 2014, according to Smith Travel Research (STR) data. The occupancy increase is particularly notable as it’s the first time in over a decade Greater Lansing occupancy has reached sixty percent or higher. Additionally, the Greater Lansing region experienced a 6.8% increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR). The 2015 ADR, or average cost per Greater Lansing hotel room, was $98.28, compared to $92.06 in 2014. This marks the third year in a row of record growth in both area lodging occupancy and ADR. More details are included in the 2015 annual report. http://www.lansing.org/includes/content/docs/media/2015-Annual-Report.pdf
“We’re pleased to share we’ve had a successful year, our efforts have helped grow visitation to the region and positively affect the economy as well,” said Jack Schripsema, President and CEO of the GLCVB. “We’re also happy to announce the new class of Greater Lansing Community Champions and awards for the Greater Lansing Sport Authority Partner and Volunteer of the Year.”
The Community Champion program was created to recognize local residents for helping to secure, or advocate for, group business in the Greater Lansing area. Those recognized as Community Champions include: Sarah Jennings with ATHENA International; Gwendolyn Bodiford with the 130th African Methodist Episcopal Church Michigan Annual Conference; and Jen Owen, Ph.D. with the American Ornithologists’ Union and Cooper Ornithological Society. Sports related Community Champions include: Greg Mallek, Athletic Director for Lansing Community College; Karyn Furlong with Dead Frog Far Out Volleyball; and Sensei Iha with Original Okinawan Karate.
The GLSA was also proud to recognize the MSU Archery Club as Sports Partner of the Year and Victoria Caine with the Miracle League of Mid-Michigan and LansingStrong as Sports Volunteer of the Year.
For more information about the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau, visit www.lansing.org.
This article was printed in the March 6, 2016 – March 19, 2016 edition.
