Hendrickson

The Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce has launched www.visitthewestend.com, which is a visitor directory for the West End of Marquette County. With seed money from Eagle Mine, the project began development at the beginning of 2019 with the plan to be ready for the upcoming tourist season.

Lindsay Bean, Eagle Mine employee and community advocate, volunteered many hours of her time to help build the website. Gabi Kautz, GINCC communications & marketing assistant, worked with Lindsay on the research and development that included tracking down websites, Facebook pages and Google Map pin drops.

The site offers directions on where to find food and beverage, places to spend the night and things to do on the West End. GINCC members are offered a free listing with a feature photo and web links. Non-member businesses may opt-in for a feature listing by paying a $50 annual fee. There are also web links to other related businesses for each category at the bottom of each page.

The goal is to create a comprehensive visitor directory where people visiting the West End are able to find businesses and attractions that will enhance their stay. This is the start of the process that will be ongoing. As the directory evolves it will include additional categories, businesses and a blog.

One of the humorous parts of the site is the “Self-Proclaimed Pizza Capital of the U.P.” page. Featuring Aaron Yunker, aka Uncle Pizza, the page offers his expertise and insights on the West End’s claim to the title with some tongue-in-cheek humor.

A custom sticker, designed by Lindsay, has been produced and will be offered free to the public. Stickers will be available at the GINCC office to pick up and at events throughout the year. Get a sticker, put it on your water bottle, then take a photo of your favorite West End attraction and tag it #visitthewestend to share the love.

For information on the website or to inquire about listing, email ginccmarketing@gmail.com or call 906-486-1111.

Editor’s note: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.