TRAVERSE CITY – A locally-based promotional group has won a top state award for its work advancing the cause that is the greater Marquette area.

The Pure Award is a program initiated by Michigan Cares for Tourism. It honors tourism sites, attractions, organizations and individuals that work to preserve and protect our cultural, historical and environmental sites that are widely recognized around the globe. Two awards were presented earlier this month at the annual Pure Michigan Governors Conference on Tourism in Traverse City. Travel Marquette received the Organizational Award.

• Organization Award: Travel Marquette for its series of stewardship-focused programs that actively engage both visitors and residents in protecting Marquette County’s outdoor spaces. Programs like Collect Marquette, Bark Rangers and Junior Explorers encourage responsible recreation while helping preserve the natural areas that draw people to the region. Marquette’s “Respect Marquette County” program, a dedicated effort with over 30 partners, promotes responsible outdoor recreation to the more than 400,000 annual visitors ensure outdoor areas survive and thrive.

Contact: Susan Estler, Travel Marquette CEO – 906-228-7749, Susan@travelmarquette.com.

• Individual Award: Jamie Jacklitch operates Sturgeon River Paddle Sports on the fastest flowing river in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with paddleboard, kayak and raft rentals. Jamie and his team added winter rafting trips to their offerings, creating a truly unique outdoor experience that has boosted tourism in the Gaylord area during the winter months. When northern Lower Michigan was impacted by a major ice storm in March of 2025, Jamie went to work, spending hundreds of hours clearing the river of downed tree limbs, branches and debris. These efforts not only helped to restore the natural beauty of the Sturgeon River watershed and allowed rating trips to continue, but they also benefited area fishing guides, local residents and visitors who enjoy the river throughout the year. Contacts: Jamie Jacklitch – 231-525-6878, jamie@sturgeonriverpaddle.com; Paul Beachnau, Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism – 989-732-6333, paul@gaylordmichigan.net.

MC4T is a statewide 100% volunteer, 100% give back partnership which allows tourism professionals to come together to help enhance Michigan’s historic, natural, and cultural attractions, and build a stronger tourism community while learning about Michigan destinations. Since its inception in 2013, Michigan Cares has completed 62 volunteer clean-up events, empowered over 5,500 volunteers and helped Michigan destinations save over $1.7 in supplies and labor, impacting more than 8.52 million tourists.