MBBA has rarely been more excited about a conference keynote speaker at the gala Monday dinner than this year, when Patty Janes, Ph.D (pictured right) brings her dynamic enthusiasm to the podium and beyond. We say "beyond," because she's pre-warned us she needs a lavaliere microphone as a result of being a mover and a pacer.
Patty is a professor in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). She joined the department in 2012 from Central Michigan University where she was a professor in the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration Department for 21 years.
This is where you, the reader, is prepared to skim (or skip) a list of academic credits. And Patty does not disappoint. She's taught over 18 different courses in hospitality tourism and recreation with her primary teaching areas in marketing and research. She's worked professionally with HTM organizations like Marriott Corporation. Today, she continues as a consultant for organizations like Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry, Make-A-Wish Michigan, the National Cherry Festival and more. And yes, she's conducted over 30 professional presentations, published 15 articles/book chapters since 2000 and published her first book in 2006, "Marketing in Leisure and Tourism: Reaching New Heights."
But Patty is way, way more than an academic. To her, service is central to the human experience. Since 2013, she has led more than 1400 tourism industry volunteers to give back at eight historic tourist attractions in Michigan. The volunteers -- people like us -- paint and patch, install windows, clear land, mend fences and more. Through the efforts of the non-profit organization she founded and guides,
Michigan Cares for Tourism (MC4T)
, she has saved these sites in excess of a half-million dollars in labor and supplies -- money that simply wasn't there.
The most recent MC4T project was just a couple of weekends ago, when 160 volunteers worked side-by-side to complete over 21 projects at the CCC Museum and RAM Conference Center in Roscommon.
MC4T was recognized in 2016 with the National Association of State Park Directors - President's Award and the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism Innovative Tourism Collaboration Award. In 2014, it earned the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Partners in Conservation Award.
And if you're sitting back and asking yourselves what all this has to do with your B&B business, just wait until you meet the surprise guest Patty is bringing to the dinner. (Shhh. It's a little MBBA secret. You'll have to be there to find out.)
