Last Updated: Monday, June 20, 2005 12:48 PM CDT
Native American tourism gathering this week in Lac du Flambeau
By Dean S. Acheson - Daily News Staff
The economic impact of Wisconsin's American Indian tribes has changed the landscape of many communities in the state and a tourism conference in Lac du Flambeau will show participants how they can tap into that potential.
The fifth annual Native American Tourism Conference (NATOW) is being held June 20-22 at the Lake of the Torches Resort/Casino (LOTC).
While tribal casinos generate the publicity - and the revenues - it is the entire infrastructure of the tribe that is having diversified impact on surrounding communities, according to Tom Hutchinson, a consultant employed by NATOW. Tribal enterprises include hotels, marinas, cultural centers and wellness centers.
"It has really mushroomed in the last ten years," he said, "This is happening all over the state."
NATOW is comprised of representatives from all 11 Indian bands in Wisconsin. The conference guests includes representatives from local chambers of commerce and visitor centers as well as state tourism and tribal representatives.
Monday starts with registration, followed by a Familiarization (FAM) tour, setup by vendors participating in the arts and crafts and trade shows and evening entertainment with a band and a Hawaiian luau and pig roast.
Tuesday has events running from 8 a.m. to the general session at 3:15 p.m. Entertainment and a pow-wow are set for the evening. There is also a golf outing Wednesday at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Minocqua.
Among Tuesday's invited speakers are Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Jim Holperin; George Zimmerman, senior vice president of "Travel Michigan", John Edman, director of Tourism, "Positively Minnesota" and Karie Plowman, Minnesota Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Business workshops are planned, including "Customer Service" and "Niche Marketing." Sessions will be repeated in the afternoon. Participants will also hear about the success of a joint marketing program that includes two Indian bands and two communities in central Wisconsin.
There will be a keynote speaker for the noon luncheon. The Bad River band is this year's host.
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