On this podcast of Party @ MI Place is guests Chris Holman - Founder of Michigan Business Network, Dru Mitchell - Clinton County Economic Alliance, Jennifer Rupp - Michigan Humanities, and Steve Hayes of Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival.

Segment 1 - Chris Holman founder of the Michigan Business Network joins host Sue Bila to talk about the positive economic impact festivals & events make to the state. Also - "Party @ MI Place" Royal Luncheon on the lawn of the Capital June 19, 2019...release of the 2019 MichiganFun.com magazine and the 2019 MFEA Convention scheduled October 31st - November 3rd at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bay City. 

Segment 2 - Dru Mitchell - President of the Clinton County Economic Alliance and Marshall Madle of Madle Consulting Services share with Sue Bila information about the importance of festivals & events in our communities. They also identify some of the issues event planners encounter. Marsha & Sue speak the success of the Elsie Dairy Festival over the years. 

Segment 3 - Dru, Marsh and Sue extend an invitation for event planners in the Clinton, Ingham and Eaton counties to attend the upcoming Hospitality Workshop to learn about event planning do's and don't's/ They also share some statistics of the local regional events.

Segment 4 - In this segment Jennifer Rupp, Director of Federal and State Grants - Michigan Humanities explains the role of the organization and some success stories they have contributed to. Jennifer and Sue share information relevant to the 2019 "Party @ MI Place" Royal Luncheon – June 19 on the lawn of the state capitol. 

Segment 5 - Jennifer continues to share with Sue the "New & Easy" grants that are made available to organizations. The ease of the process and the "new" time cycle that has been established. 

Segment 6 - In this final segment of Party @ MI Place is Steve and MaryAnn Hayes of Maple Manor share the history of the Vermontville Maple Syrup and the ten-member Cooperation. They invite everyone to Vermontville for the April 26-28 festival and tell of the many activities planned...including the huge pancake breakfast!