Frankenmuth

President/CEO Jamie Furbush has led the organization since 2008 and represents Frankenmuth with partnering organizations on a local level such as the City, Schools, Library, and more. She also represents Frankenmuth on a state-wide basis with associations such as the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan, Michigan Association of CVB's and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. The fiscal responsibility and security of the organization is a top priority along with maintaining a solid foundational structure for which her team can learn & grow and continue to benefit Frankenmuth in all they do. Sales & Marketing Director Christie Bierlein leads the strategy and placement of the diverse marketing and advertising plan that includes some notable placements such as billboard behind home plate during a Tiger's game and Frankenmuth's representation in National Geographic. The diversity of the plan includes traditional media like billboards and radio ads as well as a very advanced digital and social campaign coupled with a sales strategy that ranges from personal visits for in-state meeting planners to hosting international travel media and tour operators as well. Website & Creative Manager Ashley Smith brings Frankenmuth's brand to life with her design and works to insure the user experience is exceptional from every planning angle whether it is on our website, Facebook/Instagram pages or an advertisement that inspires their trip. She's built relationships with influencers that take amazing photos and share Frankenmuth with their audiences and helps execute many video and commercial shoots as well. She's currently helping lead the Visitor Guide development for 2020, as well as the new frankenmuth.org website that will launch near the end of the year. She is also responsible for the layout & design of this amazing publication that gets delivered to you, our local community! Question: What will Frankenmuth look like in 100 years? Jamie Says... "If we think about 100 years ago, I-75 didn't even exist allowing the ease of travel we have today from Detroit to Frankenmuth. Maybe there will be hovercraft (Jetson-style) or self-driving cars moving people around safer, easier or faster? In Frankenmuth, maybe we'll have some businesses that don't even exist today... maybe developed by some of our own students. The foundations of the community will hopefully remain in tact being a safe, clean, faithful and fun place to live, learn, work and play!" Question: What's the coolest thing you've done while working for the Chamber & CVB? Christie Says... "We signed on with the Downtown Detroit Partnership to be the title sponsor on the Campus Martius Park Ice Rink this Winter. If you head down to Detroit to go ice skating this year, it will be hard to miss the Frankenmuth logo under center ice or on the boards surrounding the rink. Detroit, where a majority of our guests are from, is making an epic comeback and it's great to be able to capitalize on that to drive more visitors to Frankenmuth." Question: What's your favorite office tradition? Ashley Says... "There's quite a few, but one of the best is during the Auto Fest. We'll bring in food and treats and make our office the home base during the Big Block Party and we all hang out together with our friends and family." The Staff 12

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