Zac – Funding is also a challenge for us at the state level. Their budget is capped at $5.7 million. Dave - So I'm from out of state. It's not appropriate for me to say that's ridiculous. So I won't say it but for comparison, Arkansas spends $30 million. I expect Michigan to spend $50 million next year. Zac – Let’s talk about Pure Michigan and how that concept developed. Dave- Think about this. 25,000 mornings give or take, it's all we get. So why not live some of those days or at least most of those days in a place where you can live your life fully. With purpose and passion. And you can do that here in our state. You can do that here in your community. The reality is you can do that anywhere where people are proud of their communities. So that's what we tried to instill and it worked. And by doing that, I am absolutely sure we helped with the renaissance of Detroit, our biggest city, our biggest challenge. That city was falling apart, so many problems, but the people of the city were tired of those problems.
I do believe that the Pure Michigan campaign reminded everybody that it's time that we woke up, fought back because our state and our cities were worth fighting for. Not just our communities but our future. So you think about your community here, is your community worth fighting for? Is your community worth investing in? I mean investing in properly where it's going to be here the way you want it to be for future generations. Think about what you're most proud about in this community. Is it the people? Is it the surroundings? Is it the things that you've helped work on? Is it the attractions, the amenities, the stories to tell? And is this the community you want your kids and grandkids and neighbors’ kids, future generations to live in, to come back to, or to stay in? If you can say yes to that, this is the community you should help invest in by making sure that your entire economic setting is fully working together in all ways, making sure that your tourism association is funded appropriately. And I'll also say do all you can to keep your state tourism office moving forward fully funded as well. It makes such a big difference.
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