Gubernatorial Candidate Pete Hoekstra to Attend Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism

Major candidates in both parties invited to attend

LANSING, Mich., April 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association (MLTA) announced that Congressman Pete Hoekstra, the leading Republican candidate for Governor, is the first candidate to commit to participate in the Gubernatorial Candidate Debate scheduled for Friday, May 7th during the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference – Driving Tourism 2010.  The event, which brings together all segments of Michigan's diverse tourism industry, will take place at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island May 6-7th.

"With appropriate funding for promotion, Michigan's tourism industry can be a powerful driver of our state's economy," said MLTA President/CEO Steve Yencich.  "As such, we encourage other candidates to take advantage of this opportunity to discuss their positions on issues relating to Michigan's lodging and tourism industries."

After graduating from Hope College, Hoekstra earned a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan.  He launched a successful 15-year career at Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan.

In one of the major upsets of Michigan election history, Hoekstra defeated a twenty-six-year Republican incumbent in the congressional primary of 1992, in spite of being outspent 15 to 1. He has since been elected to nine consecutive terms in the House of Representatives. 

Working on a bipartisan basis with a Democratic President, Congressman Hoekstra, worked with leadership in Congress to help balance the budget for four years in the late 1990s.  Congressman Hoekstra has continued to work for reform in education and government, advocating for increased flexibility for parents and states.

When asked why he decided to attend this industry-wide event, Hoekstra said, "The number one priority is the economy.  We can't address other things without getting the economy going.  As Michigan's third largest industry, tourism will play a crucial role in Michigan's recovery."

MLTA encouraged industry employees to contact the campaign of their favorite candidate if they've not yet accepted the association's invitation, and urge their attendance.

Based in Lansing, the Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association (MLTA) is a 105-year-old trade association that educates, markets, and advocates on behalf of Michigan's lodging and tourism industries.

SOURCE Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association