Member Newsletter

Join us on February 3, 2025, at Royal Scot Golf & Bowl for the Choose Lansing Winter Member and CTA Mixer. Experience the versatility of Royal Scot for events, team building, and more. Food and drinks will be provided.

When:  February 3, 2025

Time: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Where: Royal Scot Golf & Bowl | W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906

Join us for our FREE inaugural celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day!

FIERCE Women in Sports was created on the principle that Females Ignite, Empower, Respect, Collaborate, and Engage with one another to expand our networks and strengthen relationships.

On Wednesday, February 5^th we’ll come together to hear inspiring guest speakers Coach Robyn Fralick and Dr. Ashleigh Huffman, who will share their insights on the power of mentorship and how sport can serve as a universal language to bring people together.

When:8:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Where: MSUFCU Headquarters Building 2 | Community Room 
3899 Coolidge Road., East Lansing, MI 48823

Attend this free webinar on February 13, 2025, and receive an update from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) on the second phase of the major construction project on US-127 between I-96 and I-496. There will also be updates on other important regional projects.

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025

Time: 9:30-10:30 AM

Where: Virtually on Zoom (a link will be sent to you upon signup)

Join Choose Lansing^® for an informative session on the upcoming Labor & Employment law changes taking effect on February 21, 2025. These new regulations include a mandatory 72 hours of paid sick leave for all workers. This legislation has significant implications for all Michigan business owners, making it crucial to stay informed. 

Foster Swift will lead the discussion, providing expert insights and answering your questions on these impactful updates. Don't miss the opportunity to learn how these changes will affect your business and learn the steps you can take to ensure compliance. 

Our Foster Swift Presenter will be Anthony "Tony" Dalimonte, a labor and employment attorney. Tony counsels employers on best practices and defends them in employment litigation. He also advises management and HR Professionals on preventing and resolving disputes throughout the employee lifecycle.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025
2:30-3:30 p.m. 
Register to Attend Via Zoom

Tuesday, January 28, 2025
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Register to Attend Via Zoom

Join Choose Lansing at our Annual Meeting on March 5, 2025!

Network in person with Choose Lansing members, community leaders, and CTAs. See an overview of Choose Lansing's highlights and accomplishments for 2024 and a glimpse into our 2025 initiatives. 

When: Wednesday, March 5
8:30-9:15 a.m. – Complimentary Breakfast
9:15-10:00 a.m. – Program
10:00-10:30 a.m. – Networking

Where: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center
Big Ten Rooms BC | 219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824

Choose Lansing^® is pleased to announce that it has promoted Melissa Nay to Director of Membership and Community Engagement. 

Formerly Membership & Community Outreach Manager, Nay oversees all Choose Lansing membership activity, manages and facilitates the Certified Tourism Ambassador program, and is involved in many other community organizations related to Choose Lansing’s mission.

Congratulations to Choose Lansing's Dani Johnson for being recognized with the Rising Star Award at the MPI Michigan Chapter Celebration! Gala on December 12, 2024!

We also congratulate Ariel Backus and Jenn Morden from the Choose Lansing team, both of whom were nominated for awards.

We are incredibly proud to have such talented meeting professionals on our team. 

Photo from left to right: Brandie Putnam, Dani Johnson, Ariel  Backus, Kristy Doak, Elaine Unger, Stephanie Wohlfert, Jenn Morden, and Dave Buckenberger.

Photo Credit: MPI Michigan Chapter 

In honor of its 40th anniversary, the Dart Foundation has awarded a significant $1 million grant to Impression 5 Science Center, one of its longest-standing community partners. The grant will provide $750,000 for traveling exhibits and $250,000 for critical upgrades to the center's HVAC system, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for the thousands of visitors from around the country who visit Impression 5 every year. 

Congratulations, Impression 5 Science Center!

Lansing, Michigan is proud to be a sister city of Eskisehir, Turkey! Julie Pingston met with the Mayor, Ayşe Ünlüce, and her delegation in November to discuss tourism and partnering together in the future. 

The agreement was formalized on December 12, 2024. This signing marked a new chapter in fostering international collaboration and mutual growth. 

Congratulations to the Choose Lansing^® members who were winners and finalists in the 2024 City Pulse Top of the Town!

Become a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) and unlock new opportunities!

This affordable and engaging certification program, led by experienced Choose Lansing facilitators, is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to represent Lansing with confidence. 

For just $20, you'll gain valuable insights into our city's unique offerings and learn how to share your passion with visitors. 

For the next class, join us on February 6, 2025, from 1-5 p.m. at the Choose Lansing Offices. Register to attend this class.  

Visit CTA Information to view the full 2025 schedule and secure your spot today. 

Don't miss this chance to invest in yourself and contribute to Lansing's vibrant tourism scene!

Need to fill hospitality roles? Submit it to our Workforce Development website through the Choose Lansing^® Member Portal or by using our online form.

Choose Lansing^® is committed to fostering a thriving hospitality and tourism industry in our region. To achieve this, we have partnered with local education institutions to inspire young people about the exciting career paths available in hospitality. We are also collaborating with community stakeholders to connect job seekers with fulfilling roles at our area's top hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more!

Do you have exciting deals or promotions that visitors can't miss? 

Let Choose Lansing help you connect with potential customers by showcasing your special offers on our website. 

Simply log into the Member Portal and submit your special offers. 

The Member Portal is your one-stop shop for maximizing your membership benefits. Choose Lansing offers convenient in-person or Zoom virtual training to best fit your schedule. Here's a glimpse of what you can accomplish:

Boost Your Online Presence

Update your business listings on both Lansing.org and LansingSports.org to ensure potential customers always have the latest information.

Showcase your business with fresh photos on your website listing.

Generate Business & Leads

Access the convention calendar to see who's in town. Great for outbound marketing.

Respond directly to leads for hotels, meeting facilities, or sports venues.

Offer exclusive discounts or special coupons to attract new customers.

Connect & Network

Easily connect with your industry peers and expand your professional network. 

Manage Your Account & More

Post hospitality job openings directly to the website to find top talent. 

Pay your membership dues quickly and conveniently.

Promote your public events.

Order visitor guides for your guests and clients.

Update your contact information so you never miss an important update.

Contact Beth Jespersen with questions or to set up your member portal training. 

• Monday, November 16, 2026, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, February 18, 2027, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 10, 2027, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 20, 2027, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, May 17, 2027, 1 p.m. to 5 pm.m.
• Wednesday, June 9, 2027, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All classes will be located at the Choose Lansing® offices, located at 500 E. Michigan Ave.  Ste 180. Free parking is available in the back of the building that can be accessed from both Cedar & Larch Streets. Light refreshments are provided at each class.

Register for a class.

Apply to the Kristina Kauffman Scholarship Fund. 

Contact Melissa Nay with any questions.at mnay@lansing.org or by phone at 517-377-1410.