In this Sidewalk Talks episode, we chat with Anne Bruzewski, CEO of Go Great Lakes Bay, about tourism, community pride, and the time we first met—when a truck collided with the I-675 bridge. Ann shares her path from Findlay, Ohio to Northwood University to joining Go Great Lakes Bay in early 2020 as COVID and Midland’s dam breaches forced major pivots. We also break down what a CVB/DMO does and how tourism benefits Saginaw residents.
Listen to our conversation by watching the video below, or by subscribing to Sidewalk Talks wherever you listen to podcasts!
00:00 That time the truck hit the bridge
06:51 From Ohio to Michigan
08:57 Choosing Hospitality
12:57 Joining During COVID
13:47 Shutdown Shock and Pivot
14:53 Flood Response and Housing
17:00 Regional Leaders Step Up
20:10 Visitors Benefit Residents
21:37 What Go Great Lakes Bay Does
24:25 What Sets Region Apart
27:57 Tourism to Talent Pipeline
29:39 Community Hospitality Mindset
32:10 Visit Go Great Closing