Dear Neighbor,
Good luck to anglers who will drop a line for Minnesota’s fishing opener this Saturday. Gov. Mark Dayton will be on Gull Lake for the 2014 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener.
The Governor’s Fishing Opener is a tradition that started in 1948. Sure, it is about fishing, but in a larger sense it is a tool to promote Minnesota tourism, one of the largest economic components in our state. This event serves as the kick-off to our summer tourism season, which plays a huge factor in helping the Brainerd Lakes Area thrive. The Governor’s Fishing Opener spotlight is on us this year and kudos to all the local folks who are working hard to make it a success – including those who will help him catch some fish!
Explore Minnesota indicates travel and tourism generate $12.5 billion in leisure and hospitality gross sales in Minnesota annually. This is a huge number and I will pass along more details regarding revenue, jobs, etc., generated by this industry when a full updated annual report from Explore Minnesota is available.
Last July I shared Explore Minnesota data which reported leisure and hospitality jobs increased in both 2011 and 2012 after three consecutive years of job losses in that sector. A recent update indicates the first quarter of 2014 was good for lodging in our state, with growth in all six metrics Explore Minnesota tracked. Click here for more.
Please do what you can to support our local businesses. The people who run our local shops and services are not only our friends and neighbors, but are the backbone of our economy.
As for work at the Capitol, it is becoming clear rumblings of adjourning this week were overly optimistic. Among other things, we still are awaiting a final bonding bill (and an accompanying cash bill on top of it) to fund construction projects. This session’s second supplemental tax bill also has yet to reach the House floor. The constitutional deadline to adjourn is May 19 and it is looking more and more like we will at least creep closer to that date – if not meet it.
I will keep you posted as things develop. Until then, be safe and may your stringers be full.
Sincerely,
Mark