Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2023
Media Contacts:
Women in Hospitality Leadership Launched Mackinac Island Chapter with Welcome Address from Governor Whitmer
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association continues to expand its WIHL chapters and create a path for progress and collaboration in Michigan’s hospitality industry
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association continues to expand its WIHL chapters and create a path for progress and collaboration in Michigan’s hospitality industry
LANSING, Mich. — The Mackinac Island hospitality community celebrated a significant milestone yesterday as Women in Hospitality Leadership (WIHL) officially inaugurated its Mackinac Island Chapter. Hosted by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA), which oversees WIHL, the event took place in the Summit Room of Mission Point Resort located at One Lake Shore Dr. on Mackinac Island.
The event hosted 60 attendees from restaurants, hotels, and other businesses across the island. A highlight of the event was a welcome address delivered by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, underscoring the paramount role of women in shaping the future of Michigan’s hospitality industry.
“From the Grand Ave to Main Street, women are leading the hospitality industry and making an impact across the straits of Mackinac,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I was proud to join this celebration of women in hospitality leadership. Let’s continue working hard to build opportunity for women in the hospitality industry across Michigan.”
The WIHL’s new Mackinac Island chapter was introduced as a beacon of empowerment for women within Michigan's vibrant hospitality sector, with a mission to provide a platform for education, mentorship, and social responsibility. The Mackinac Island Chapter joins existing chapters in Lansing and Grand Rapids, extending the reach and influence of WIHL and expanding a vibrant community of professionals committed to advancing the industry.
“The economic driver of our beloved island community is travel and tourism. Women in Hospitality Leadership is the perfect platform for the strong women who have built businesses and developed our community to mentor our up-and-coming leaders,” said Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Mission Point Resort Liz Ware. “As evidenced by the overwhelming turnout, we see an opportunity and need to empower, share, collaborate, and make a lasting impact on the future of Michigan’s Crown Jewel.”
Membership in the WIHL Mackinac Island Chapter is open to all women professionals within Michigan's hospitality industry who are members of the MRLA. This initiative not only enables women to access a wealth of resources but also extends their network, mentorship opportunities, and avenues for professional growth.
“The MRLA is proud to have launched the WIHL initiative, which empowers the amazing women in our industry across the state. We are committed to helping our chapters grow and flourish,” said Emily Daunt, Vice President of Marketing and Membership Strategy for the MRLA.
As the WIHL Mackinac Island Chapter takes its first steps, the MRLA encourages all interested professionals to join this inspiring movement. By joining the MRLA and participating in WIHL, women can take an active role in advancing their careers, strengthening their industry connections, and contributing to the continued success of Michigan's hospitality landscape.
For more information about WIHL and/or to become a member of the MRLA, visit www.mrla.org.
The event hosted 60 attendees from restaurants, hotels, and other businesses across the island. A highlight of the event was a welcome address delivered by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, underscoring the paramount role of women in shaping the future of Michigan’s hospitality industry.
“From the Grand Ave to Main Street, women are leading the hospitality industry and making an impact across the straits of Mackinac,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I was proud to join this celebration of women in hospitality leadership. Let’s continue working hard to build opportunity for women in the hospitality industry across Michigan.”
The WIHL’s new Mackinac Island chapter was introduced as a beacon of empowerment for women within Michigan's vibrant hospitality sector, with a mission to provide a platform for education, mentorship, and social responsibility. The Mackinac Island Chapter joins existing chapters in Lansing and Grand Rapids, extending the reach and influence of WIHL and expanding a vibrant community of professionals committed to advancing the industry.
“The economic driver of our beloved island community is travel and tourism. Women in Hospitality Leadership is the perfect platform for the strong women who have built businesses and developed our community to mentor our up-and-coming leaders,” said Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Mission Point Resort Liz Ware. “As evidenced by the overwhelming turnout, we see an opportunity and need to empower, share, collaborate, and make a lasting impact on the future of Michigan’s Crown Jewel.”
Membership in the WIHL Mackinac Island Chapter is open to all women professionals within Michigan's hospitality industry who are members of the MRLA. This initiative not only enables women to access a wealth of resources but also extends their network, mentorship opportunities, and avenues for professional growth.
“The MRLA is proud to have launched the WIHL initiative, which empowers the amazing women in our industry across the state. We are committed to helping our chapters grow and flourish,” said Emily Daunt, Vice President of Marketing and Membership Strategy for the MRLA.
As the WIHL Mackinac Island Chapter takes its first steps, the MRLA encourages all interested professionals to join this inspiring movement. By joining the MRLA and participating in WIHL, women can take an active role in advancing their careers, strengthening their industry connections, and contributing to the continued success of Michigan's hospitality landscape.
For more information about WIHL and/or to become a member of the MRLA, visit www.mrla.org.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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