Issue link: http://frankenmuthcvb.uberflip.com/i/1079865
Reflecting on the past year, I once again find myself in awe of all that can be accomplished when people share talents and come together with common interests. The Frankenmuth community thrives and so does our organizations as we rise to the challenges of innovative tourism marketing, unparalleled collaboration and personal aention to the needs of our members and guests. In 2018, we entered a Google partnership program that allowed us beer access and improved search not only for Frankenmuth as a destination, but for our members as well. This included an in-person training, one of three Lunch & Learn programs we hosted during the year. Our team also offered personalized "Social Sessions" that provided over 30 members with direct training from our staff on their social media strategy. We hosted 3 familiarization tours and took a new, more personal approach to our sales strategy. Welcoming new businesses is always an exciting part of our year and in 2018, we held 8 ribbon cuing events, including the Uptown North Main complex which opened the doors to 5 businesses, 3 of which were new, and is already expanding. The Cass River Water Trail commiee is one of many collaborations we are proud to be a part of and this year, we helped to launch the new website for the water trail that will give visitors more reasons to travel to our region to enjoy our natural resources. The German Heritage Commiee has provided a focus on continuing to encourage activities and relationships that will preserve and enhance the German heritage of our community. Our collaboration with our local partners at the City and School District have brought forth many new ideas as well as a new communication tool for our organizations to reach the greater community with our new Community Bulletin which is published quarterly. We also worked together to address the needs of businesses in preparing youth entering the workforce with a workforce readiness job fair at the High School. Already well into our new fiscal year, we are excited to launch our Frankenmuth Certified Program, greater educational programs and a new and improved website in 2019. We are grateful for the opportunities we've had this past year to make a positive impact in our community for the members we serve and the guests we invite so all can enjoy our beautiful, safe and friendly town known as "Michigan's Lile Bavaria." Together, with our partners, Frankenmuth shall continue to prosper! Jamie Furbush, CMP President & CEO Letter from the President 1